Page 25 of Cinematic Destinies
As they watched the film, Roo found himself looking at Georgia out of the corner of his eye: the glow of the screen on her face, her soft smile, and her eyes as if they were about to overflow. When the film ended, tears trickled down her cheeks. She turned to Roo, sniffled, and said, “I’m so embarrassed. I always cry at the end. I’m sorry.”
“Never apologize for feeling. It’s beautiful. Enchanting. I’m sure that emotional honesty is part of what makes you such an extraordinary actress.”
She smiled through her tears and wiped her face. “As you’ve probably guessed, Audrey Hepburn is my all-time favorite. So uniquely beautiful, and there’s such a vulnerability to her performances. Any actress would be lucky to have a small flicker of what she possessed.”
“Funny, when we were filming this week, I thought you had all those qualities in droves,” Roo said. “Obviously, you’re stunning, but it’s much more than that. There’s suchan honesty and depth to your performance; it’s subtle, layered, and completely your own. It’s mind-blowing to watch. I spent most of the week just hoping not to screw things up.”
“I don’t know what to say. That’s so sweet.”
“There’s nothing that Hepburn or any other actress has on you.”
Georgia blushed. “All the same could be said to you. There’s such grace and ease in the way you work. I’m learning a lot from acting with you.”
“Thank you,” he said softly. “I’m flattered beyond measure.”
“Well, if we’re taking a hike tomorrow, I should probably get some sleep.”
“Indeed. Georgia, may I ask you something before we turn in?”
“Anything.”
“Why do you cry at the end of that movie? It’s such a joyful, romantic ending. Are they happy tears?”
She took a breath. “Holly is my favorite character. I . . . I relate to her in a lot of ways. For her time, she was sort of a party girl, with lots of friends, endless male suitors, and this big exciting life. But she was also a woman who never unpacked the boxes in her apartment or named her cat, and I don’t think she wanted to, or would let herself.” She stopped and shook her head. “It’s hard to explain, but those contradictions resonate deep in my soul. When she sings ‘Moon River,’ it hits me. I mean, Holly was right that people don’t belong to each other. Yet at the end, when she lets go and gives in to love, the rain pounding down, well, it just gets me. I know it’s silly. That’s just movie magic.”
He put his hand on hers. “Thank you for sharing that with me, and for watching your favorite film with me. I didn’t mean to pry. It’s just that your face while we were watching was so mesmerizing. I had to know what wasbehind that look in your eyes. And perhaps there’s a bit of movie magic in real life too. I hope so at least.”
“Roo, I know we just met, but I feel close to you.”
He caressed her hand and gently said, “I feel the same.” They smiled at one another, and he added, “Come on. I’ll walk you up.”
GEORGIA BOUNDED DOWNSTAIRS IN BLACKyoga pants, sneakers, and a white tank top with a sweatshirt jacket tied around her waist to find Roo waiting for her with two water bottles.
“You beat me,” she said.
He smiled brightly. “Good morning. Shall we?”
She nodded and they headed out, crossing the street and walking toward the massive midnight-black volcano.
“Perhaps we should read this sign,” Roo suggested. “Falling rocks. Blah blah blah. Narrow trail. Blah blah blah. Own risk.” He turned to Georgia and said, “What do you say? Are you still game?”
“I say the last one to the top loses,” she replied as she darted past him.
“A woman after my own heart,” he said with a chuckle as he raced to catch up with her.
Soon they were nearly to the top, lost in conversation and the stark beauty surrounding them.
“I think Jean was really onto something. Looking around, this should be ugly in a way, yet it’s spectacular,” Roo commented.
“Maybe because it’s not what we usually think of as beautiful. Don’t you think there’s something special when something or someone surprises you, and turns out to be more than you expected?”
“Indeed, I do,” he replied, his eyes lingering on herdelicate face. “Uh, where did we leave off? I think it was my turn. What’s your favorite color?”
“Red. I like things that are fiery, passionate,” she said.
“Of course you do. Matches your personality. Mine is blue. Probably because I love the sea. Your turn.”
“Favorite ice cream.”
