Page 54 of Cinematic Destinies
“The star of our film, Michael Hennesey!” Jean announced.
Michael joined his castmates to more cheers. He bowed and then said, “We all know the real star of this film is the legend, the icon, the artist himself: Jean Mercier!”
The cast and crew pounded their feet, clapping, hooting, and hollering.
“Jean, I know it’s not your custom, but you have to join us in a final bow,” Michael insisted, taking his hand.
Roo, Georgia, Michael, and Jean held hands and took a bow to thunderous applause. When they rose, Jean said, “Thank you all for this extraordinary experience. Now change into your street clothes and we shall celebrate at the inn.” The crew began disassembling their equipment as Jean turned to the actors and said, “Such a fine group for my last hurrah. Thank you.”
Georgia gave him a huge hug. He patted her arm and said, “I’ll see you at the bar.”
Roo took her hand and they started toward their trailers. “I can’t believe it’s over.”
“Yeah, me either,” she said forlornly.
He stopped, looked at her adoringly, and said, “Darling, remember it’s just the film that’s over. Our adventure is only beginning.”
Georgia looked at him and took a breath as if she desperately wanted to say something but stopped herself. “It’s just been an emotional day. I’ll meet you after I change.”
“Then we can dance the night away. Probably a good time to mention I have two left feet, which will no doubt be stomping all over yours,” he said with a laugh, “so I wouldn’t suggest wearing sandals.”
She smiled and said, “You really are adorable.”
“Just try to remember that when I’m embarrassing you on the dance floor.”
“I’ll see you in a few.”
“Hurry, darling. I can’t bear to be apart,” Roo said, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it.
TWO HOURS LATER, GEORGIA AND ROO WEREon the dance floor holding each other and swaying as if they were the only people in the room.
“You must be relieved it’s finally a slow song. I’m not clobbering you quite as horrifically,” Roo joked.
“You’re a better dancer than you think,” she said with a smile.
“Well, now I know you love me. I’m glad to see we’re still in the honeymoon part of our relationship where our oddities come off as adorable and endearing. I imagine I’m in some trouble when the novelty of my ineptitude wears off.”
She giggled softly and looked down.
“What is it, love? Have I frightened you? I can take dancing lessons if it’s important to you.”
She raised her gaze until their eyes met. “No, it’s just . . .”
“What, darling?”
“What you said, about it being the honeymoon phase. Don’t you ever wonder if maybe . . .”
“What? That reality will come crashing in and we’ll bore of each other?”
She raised her eyebrows and nodded.
He laughed. “Of course not. I could never tire of you, and I promise to do my best to stay interesting and keep you on your toes. See, and I’m already off to a good start. You’ve been on your toes all night, fearing for your safety no doubt.”
She smiled, took a moment, and timidly said, “Actors become infatuated with each other on set all the time. It rarely lasts.”
“That’s what makes it all the more special when it does. There’s nothing to fear. This is much deeper than infatuation. I love you, now and always,” he said in a more serious tone.
“I love you too,” she said.
