Page 10 of After the Red Carpet
“When we fell in love, we spent months together in that charming room at the inn. I felt like we had everything we would ever need, just being cozy and close. You said you felt it too, that we could even live in my little loft in Paris. I always pictured us that way. In my fondest dream, I imagined us in a little cottage. Nothing fancy, just us. Someday we’d fill it with our family, tripping all over each other.” She sighed and added, “It doesn’t seem like you could ever be happy that way.”
“That isn’t true.”
She looked him straight in his eyes and said, “Finn, why are you doing this? I don’t understand.”
“Doing what?” he asked, stroking her cheek.
“Trying to Cinderella me.”
“That’s not how I meant any of this.”
“Don’t you know how much I love you?” she asked. “I only want you. I don’t care about anything else.”
“Sweetheart, I’m not trying to change you, or buy you, or control you. All I want in this world is to make you happy and for us to be together.”
“But we are together, and I am happy. I don’t need anything else. Why don’t you believe me?”
“You uprooted your life for me, and I . . .”
“What?”
“I don’t take that responsibility lightly,” Finn said.
“I want to be here with you. You don’t need to buy me anything.”
“Sweetheart, I’m just trying to make your life easier. I mean, how are you going to get around in LA? You’ll need a car. The alternative would be a car and driver, but I figured you’d hate that. You’re too independent, and I know you’ll want to be able to come and go as you please to see friends or whatever.”
“I guess that’s true.” She paused in thought. “But I don’t want something so fancy. Just a simple, safe car to get me around.”
“Okay, baby. As for the clothes and stuff, that’s only if you decide that you want something. As far as I’m concerned, you could wear this sundress every day for the rest of your life. You are so beautiful.” She blushed. “I just thought you might want some things for the LA climate, or for when we travel, or for the Hollywood stuff I have to do from time to time. That’s all. If there’s something you want for the house, I didn’t want you to have to fret over it or feel like you had to ask me.”
“That’s sweet. It is. You are the most generous man. I’m sorry I took it the wrong way.”
“You have nothing to apologize for.”
“Finn, we’re building a life together, and . . .” He waited patiently for her to find the words. “And I want to make sure that we love each other as we are. As we truly are. Always.”
“I do, Ella. I know you and love you with all my heart.”
THAT AFTERNOON, ELLA WAS LYINGin bed reading a book when Finn came into the room. “Sweetheart, the decorator is here. We set up a folding table and chairs in your office, and Joyce made you two a pot of tea.”
She smiled and followed him to the room.
“Ella, this is Lorraine,” he said.
“Pleased to meet you,” Ella said. “The furniture you picked out for the bedroom is gorgeous.”
Lorraine smiled widely, revealing dimpled cheeks. “I’m so glad you like it. I’m excited to transform this room into something very special. We’re going to have some fun.”
“I’ll leave you two to it,” Finn said, giving Ella a delicate kiss before exiting.
Lorraine jubilantly squeezed Ella’s wrists, positive energy oozing out of her. “This space is fabulous. Best room in the house, if you ask me.”
“Yeah, it’s amazing. I don’t know how I could possibly fill it.”
“Well, that’s what we’re here to figure out. Shall we sit and get to know each other?” They plopped down at the table and Lorraine said, “Why don’t you tell me about how you plan to use this room, the functions it should serve, and the vibe you’re after. I know you’re a writer, so I imagine you’ll need a desk and some little touches for inspiration.”
Ella smiled, and her shoulders relaxed as she began to feel at ease. “Yes, I’ll need a desk and maybe some bookshelves. I like to socialize and collaborate with other artists and intellectuals, so maybe a sitting area with a couch and a couple of chairs would be nice.”
