Page 15 of After the Red Carpet
“I wish I could, sweetheart; they look incredible. It was all I could do to run out for a minute. Sadly, I’m needed back at the studio. Looks like we might be able to wrap this thing up today. I just wanted to stop by to meet your friends.”
“That was sweet of you,” she said.
Finn gave her waist a gentle squeeze and lightly pressed his mouth to hers. “I’ll see you tonight, sweetheart. Save me a piece of that chocolate cake.” He turned to the group and said, “Great to meet you all. Hope to see you again soon.”
After he left, Ella asked, “So, where were we? Baking: home economics or sex ed?”
THAT NIGHT, ELLA WAS SNUG IN BEDreading a philosophy tome while Finn reviewed a script his agent had sent. Bored with her book, she placed it on her lap and sat quietly, absentmindedly running her fingers down his arm.
“That feels nice,” he said, tossing his script onto the nightstand to give her his full attention.
“You are the sweetest man. Thank you for stopping by today to meet everyone.”
“It was my pleasure. I’m only sorry I couldn’t stay longer.”
“They all thought it was sweet too. And they loved your house.”
He stroked the side of her face and gently said, “Ella, this isourhouse.”
“You know what I mean,” she said dismissively.
“But Ella . . .”
“Dante is an amazing artist. I scrolled through his website. You’d appreciate his work; it has a great storytelling quality. He really pushes people to think. We’re meeting at his place next week, so I’ll get to see his works in progress.”
“That’s great, but please tell me he’s gay.”
“Why? You got a crush?” she joked.
“It was hard not to notice that he’s an incredibly good-looking guy. Maybe I’m just a little jealous.”
Ella giggled. “Sorry to disappoint, but he’s definitely not gay. Marni is, if you’re looking to add more gay friends to your inner circle.”
He laughed. “Good one. Seriously, though, I’m glad you’ve found some creative people to spend time with. I know how important that is to you.”
“Finn . . .” She trailed off, looking down.
“What is it, baby?”
“Well, it’s just that your parents don’t live far from here, and I know you’re close with them. And you told me how much you like to hang out with your friends, but you haven’t seen any of them the whole time we’ve been here.”
“That’s because I’ve been working and spending all my free time with you.”
“I know, but . . .”
“What?” Finn asked.
“You haven’t introduced me to anyone in your life, only the people on your payroll. Do your friends and family all hate me? Is that the problem?”
“God, no! Nothing of the sort. Why would you think such a thing?”
“Because of our breakup. You must have told your friends and family about it. Do they all think I’m a bitch? Is that why you haven’t introduced me to them yet?”
“Oh, baby, no,” he insisted, caressing her cheek. “When I got home from Sweden, I told everyone about you, my parents, my friends, everyone. I told them that I had met the love of my life, the woman I was going to marry. I said you had some things that you needed to take care of in your own life, but when you were ready, we’d be together.”
“Really? That’s what you said?” she asked, her eyes becoming misty.
“Word for word. Sweetheart, everyone in my life has been texting me nonstop since our very public engagement, begging for the chance to meet you. The only reason I haven’t mentioned it is because I didn’t want to overwhelm or pressure you. I know it’s been a lot, moving here, getting settled. I just didn’t want to ask for too much too soon.”
