Page 32 of After the Red Carpet
“Ma chérie, you look radiant as always,” Jean said, giving her a kiss on each cheek. “We took the liberty of ordering your drinks.”
“Thanks. You were sweet to pick this restaurant. Reminds me of the first night we met, all those years ago,” Ella replied. “Sorry we’re late. The London traffic never ceases. It’s so great to see you all,” she said, hugging each of their friends.
“So, have you been enjoying London?” Charlotte asked as they took their seats.
“We got here two days ago,” Finn replied. “Figured we’d make the most of it. We spent yesterday in Notting Hill. Ella’s mad for old books, so we went roaming around the rare and used bookshops, where she found a few treasures. Then we had a romantic dinner in a little booth at Berners Tavern.”
“They have the best steak and fish and chips, so we splurged and shared a bit of each. Today, we went to Tate Modern. They have the most fascinating exhibit on surrealism. I adore how I can always count on the surrealists to find beauty in the unlikeliest of places and to push people to think beyond their comfort zones. You would have loved it,” Ella said, looking at Jean.
He smirked. “The surrealists turned things on their head because they weren’t afraid to explore the dark side, searching for a hint of something beautiful in the vast wasteland of human ugliness and despair.”
“Tell us what you really think,” Ella said with a giggle.
“It’s a bleak abyss. The human species is dark and depraved,” he said, taking a swill of his drink.
“I do love how French you are,” Ella said.
Finn burst into laughter.
Jean shrugged. “Artists must be truth tellers. No reason to sugarcoat it.”
“And you wonder why the press has called you dystopian,” Ella mused.
Finn and Michael laughed, and Charlotte and Willow couldn’t help but join in.
“Yes, well, the surrealists have served as fuel for my work. The inspiration for many of my films no doubt comes from the unconscious. It’s one of the reasons my scripts are so sparse, so that the scenes can unfold naturally, just as our thoughts, our dreams, our nightmares do,” Jean explained.
“Here I always thought you were just a lazy writer,” Ella said.
Finn and Michael exploded with laughter, and Charlotte demurely covered her mouth.
“Say what you will, but there must be a method to my madness. After all, Willow here has already won the GoldenGlobe and SAG award for her role inCelebration. Seems the Oscar may be next.”
Willow blushed as the others started hooting and hollering.
“You guys,” she said, looking down.
“I remember how nervous you were when we started filming,” Charlotte said. “You did a magnificent job. It’s lovely to see how your career has taken off.”
“Thank you. I never thought I’d have the chance for a fresh start or the kinds of opportunities that are coming my way. I owe it all to you guys. You’re such a talented bunch. Being with you all really inspired me and gave me courage,” Willow said.
“We inspired each other,” Finn replied, slinging his arm around Ella.
“The best part of the nominations has been that we’ve all gotten to see each other again,” Willow said.
“Here, here,” Michael agreed, briefly raising his glass, then taking a swig.
“Did Lauren come with you to London?” Ella asked. “She’s so lovely. Finn and I always enjoy spending time with her. I know she’s eager to travel a bit, so I thought she might accompany you and take a tour of London.”
Michael shook his head. “I asked her to come, but Sophie has a dance recital that she didn’t want to miss.”
“Well, as nice as it would have been to see her, there’s something special about the original gang from Sweden being back together,” Ella said.
They all got quiet, the air suddenly heavy.
Jean broke the silence. “I can’t say I believe in an afterlife, but I’m certain my old friend Albie is still here with us. He damn well would have liked to be at this table, downing a proper bourbon.”
Michael laughed, breaking the tension.
