Page 15 of Cinematic Destinies
“Maybe tonight after dinner. For now, tea would be lovely.”
“How are your folks?” Michael asked as he poured the tea.
“They’re great. Same as always. You know how they are. It’s like they’re starring in an epic love story. They can’t get enough of each other, even after decades together. Betty and I think it’s super weird,” she replied, making a face. “When I landed, I got a text letting us know they’re going on some grand trip around the world this summer. Oh, and their thirtieth wedding anniversary is coming up, so they’re doing a vow renewal.” Georgia rolled her eyes. “Hopeless romantics.”
The subtlest smile flickered across Jean’s wrinkled face. “Michael, do you remember when Ella and Finn met, during our summer together in Sweden?”
“Oh, yeah,” Michael replied. He looked at Georgia and said, “Your father fell for your mother the second he laid eyes on her. She was a knockout. There was a spark between them. A palpable connection right from the start. We all saw it.”
“They’re pretty much a fairy tale. It’s so strange,” Georgia said. “I mean, who in the real world gets hit by lightning the moment they meet someone and then rides off into the sunset? Who even believes in that?”
Jean’s eyes were intense. He looked as if he was studying her. “You remind me so much of your mother when she was younger, not just your beauty. Ella was always a free spirit too . . . bohemian ideals, wanderlust. She wasn’t exactly ready for your father.”
Georgia raised her eyebrows quizzically and opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Michael said, “Yeah, well we were all young then. Hell, I slept with half the crew and extras on that set. That was before Lauren and I got serious, of course.”
“You don’t have to explain it to me,” Georgia said. “I can’t imagine being tied down. There’s a lot to be said for casual lovers, going with the flow, living freely.”
“Jean’s right. You’re so much like your mother. That must scare the hell out of your father!” Michael joked.
Georgia giggled. “What can I say? I’m all for great sex and big adventures, just not fairy tales.”
Jean pursed his lips, a twinkle in his eyes. He opened his mouth, but Ástríður walked into the room with a tall, dark-haired young man in tow. “Mr. Reed is here,” she announced, before scurrying away.
“Jean, it’s wonderful to see you,” Rupert said in his British accent. “You as well, Michael. My mother asked me to send her regards to you both,” he added, shaking their hands. He turned to Georgia and fell silent, staring at her as if no one else were there, his mouth slightly agape. After a moment, he caught himself and stuttered, “Uh, hello, I’m Rupert. My uh, my friends call me Roo.” She rose to shake his hand, noticing his striking blue eyes and rosy cheeks. “Forgive my cold hands. They don’t call it Iceland for nothing, I suppose,” he finished with a warm smile.
“It’s a pleasure. I’m Georgia.”
He gazed deeply into her eyes like he couldn’t turn away. “Uh, forgive me. Travel day. Made the mistake of renting a car and driving myself from the airport, so it’s been harrowing.” She smiled and he continued, “I’ve seen some of your work, but you’re even more beautiful in person. How is it possible?”
She looked down, blushing, and then looked into his eyes and said, “Thank you.”
A long moment passed, their gazes locked and no words spoken, as if they were suspended in time.
Jean and Michael exchanged a glance. Eventually, Michael cleared his throat and said, “Roo, how about some hot tea to warm up?”
“Ah, yes, sure,” Roo stammered, his eyes still glued to Georgia. They smiled bashfully at one another and sat down.
Jean looked them over, smirked, and muttered, “Just like Ella, indeed.”
CHAPTER 5
The next morning, Georgia headed down to the gym for an early workout and saw Roo jogging on the treadmill. “Oh, hello,” she said.
He hit pause, caught his breath as the machine slowed, and smiled. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
She nodded. “And you?”
“Passed out. Travel days always do that.” He wiped his brow and said, “Listen, I apologize if yesterday I was a bit, um, well, out of sorts. I didn’t mean to gawk or make you uncomfortable.”
Georgia looked down.
“Like I’m probably doing again right now,” he said with a sigh. “Sorry. I’m not usually such a bumbling fool. Suppose I haven’t quite gotten my bearings yet.”
“You’re not making me uncomfortable,” she assured him.
For a moment they just looked at each other, their gazes connected, until Roo stammered, “Uh, you came for a workout? Well, obviously. Did you want the treadmill?”
“Oh, I don’t want to interrupt . . .”
