Page 21 of Cinematic Destinies
“Ah, yes,” he said, taking the seat opposite her. “I also confess to indulging in a long, hot shower. Something had me a bit giddy this morning, and I found myself humming in the shower.”
“I didn’t know you Englishmen got giddy, stiff upper lip and all.”
“Perhaps my new American friend has brought it out of me,” he replied with a smile. He paused before adding, “I like starting the day with you, spending time with you. Well, I just like you.”
“I like you too,” she said. They were silent for a moment before Georgia gestured to the pot in the center of the table, “Uh, there’s plenty of tea.”
“Thank you,” he said, topping hers off and then pouring himself a cup. “Have I disturbed you?” he asked, glancing at her notebook.
“Not at all,” she assured him, pushing it aside. “I’ve been journaling since I was a kid. I try to write every day, but time got away from me yesterday.”
“That’s a wonderful habit. Do you use it for reflection or to document your life?”
“Both, really. When I was a kid, I had such big dreams. I’d write them down. Guess I thought it made them more real. As I got older, it became more of a way to chronicle my life. The theater productions I’ve done, films, travel. I’m the kind of person who always wants to live in the moment, but I guess . . .” She trailed off.
“What?” Roo asked, gazing at her with his warm eyes.
“I want to remember too.”
They were smiling at each other when Ástríður came to take their breakfast order.
“Good morning. What can I get you both?” she asked.
“Good morning. Yogurt and berries again, please,” Georgia replied.
“Two eggs, toast, and jam, please,” Roo said.
After she left, Roo said, “For two adventure seekers, we are also creatures of habit, I suppose. Anyway, you were saying that you like to capture your experiences. Do you ever intend to do anything with your journals, such as writing a memoir?”
“Oh, I don’t think so. What about you? Do you write at all?”
“Well, yes. I don’t think I’ve dared to say it aloud before, but I write scripts. Plays, films. I have several drafted, and bits of many more. Something to keep me busy in my trailer and on days off.”
“That’s so cool,” Georgia said. “Why keep that to yourself?”
“Well, it’s a little tough walking the same path as my parents. As an actor, I’m constantly compared to mymother. I always understood that would be the case, and I have no hard feelings. I realize my name has opened more doors than it’s closed. But that sort of scrutiny can be a lot. My writing feels so personal to me. I think perhaps it’s my true calling. My father’s such a successful playwright. To go down that road of comparison again, well, I’m just not ready for it. I’m sure you know how it is.”
“I do,” she said compassionately. “Everyone looks at me as Finn Forrester’s daughter. He’s the greatest dad in the world and I admire him so much as an actor, but I want to make my own mark too, be my own person, create my own body of work, my own artistic legacy. I try to focus on the positives, though. I’ve learned so much about storytelling and the business from him.” She brushed a stray curl away from her eyes and quietly said, “Roo . . .”
“Yes?”
“I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but don’t let other people stop you from being yourself. Write your scripts. When you’re ready, try to get them produced. Make your mark as a playwright if that’s what you love. Besides, it’s smart for actors to create projects for themselves. It will help you captain your own ship, however you choose.”
“I think that’s just what I needed to hear. Thank you.” She smiled and he continued, “Do you ever write any material for yourself, you know, an acting role?”
“No. But I do write . . .” Georgia stopped herself and looked down.
“Please, tell me.”
“Songs,” she said, looking into his eyes. “I write songs about stuff I’m going through.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“I bring an acoustic guitar with me everywhere. It’s in my room. I’m not very good, but I can play enough to accompany myself.”
“Do you ever want to . . .”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “It’s just a personal creative outlet, like my journals, but artistic. I’m definitely an actress. No plans to become an actor-turned-singer. It’s something that’s just for me.”
