Page 56 of Cinematic Destinies
“Go back to your drinking and stupidity,” Jean said to Michael.
When they were alone again, Georgia looked at Jean as if she could barely formulate words. Eventually she said, “My parents never told us that. They’re such romantics. My siblings and I always thought . . .”
He touched her hand. “Ella and I had been dear friends for ten years before she met your father. Many men pursued her, as I’m sure many have pursued you.” Georgia blushed and he continued, “She never showed real interest in any of them. She wasn’t looking to settle down. Ella was always a free spirit, a traveler, full of passion and wanderlust. Your father threw a wrench into her life’s philosophy.”
“But they’re together, so something must have happened.”
“Love happened. Love, Georgia. Suppose she just surrendered to it. I wouldn’t dare presume to speak for Ella, but from the looks of things over the last few decades, it seems to have worked out. Ask your mother about it sometime.”
Georgia sat quietly for a moment, processing Jean’s words. Eventually she muttered, “Thank you for sharing that with me and for listening. I should probably go upstairs. Roo is waiting for me.”
“Of course,ma chérie.”
She rose as if she was going to leave but then stopped herself and said, “Jean, can I ask you something?”
“Oui.”
“Do you believe that romantic love is real, or do I sound ridiculous even asking that when we both know fairy talesdon’t exist and the princesses probably just wanted to get the hell out of the castle to see the world?”
He let out a puff. “Whatyoubelieve is all that matters. But you do so remind me of your mother.”
She gave him a peck on the cheek and slipped away.
GEORGIA OPENED THE DOOR TO FIND ROOsitting in bed, flipping through a tourism book, his phone in his lap, pillows stacked behind him. “There you are, darling. I’ve been skimming this little gem, and I think I’ve found a couple wonderful places to stop. How do you feel about a wellness buffet, which I think is code for vegetarian?” She furrowed her brow and he explained, “There’s this charming little coastal town called Borgarnes. Looks perfect for a light scenic hike and lunch. According to online reviews, there’s a fabulous restaurant in one of the oldest houses in town. On one side the wall is built into the rocks, and on the other there’s a bit of a water view. Well, if you squint perhaps. Anyway, apparently the squash soup is a must.”
Georgia tried to muster a smile, still hovering in the doorway.
“What is it? Pureed soup doesn’t appeal?”
“No, it’s not that. It’s just . . .”
Roo tossed the book on his nightstand. He extended his arm and said, “Come here, love.”
She kicked her shoes off and crawled into bed, burrowing into him.
He looked into her eyes and asked, “Is everything alright? You seem a bit far away.”
“I’m okay. It’s just . . .”
“The wellness buffet? I know, but I don’t think they mean it in a pretentious Hollywood way. I think they’re for real.”
“It’s not that.” She paused for a moment and said, “Roo, what are we going to do after exploring Iceland? We’ve talked about being together and traveling, but how would it work? You live in London.”
“I figured we’d have a home base somewhere. I’m not wedded to London. It could be wherever we choose. London, Los Angeles, Timbuktu. Hardly seems to matter as long as you’re there.”
She smiled faintly. “That’s sweet.”
“Although if you choose LA, be warned, we English never tan, we only burn. Fear not, I have a floppy sun hat of sorts, the kind a fisherman with no hope of catching fish might wear. Some have intimated it’s a bit of an eyesore, but perhaps you’ll find it fetching.”
Georgia let out a soft giggle.
“Have I gone too far? You look truly afraid. I can ditch the hat and just stay indoors if that suits you better.”
She ran her finger from his eyebrow down to his chin. “Roo, no one has ever made me feel this way. You are the funniest, sweetest, most oddly charming man I have ever met. I feel so close to you. Closer than I ever thought I could feel to someone. It’s like you’re my lover and my best friend all at once.”
He planted a soft kiss on her lips. “I feel the same about you. You’re so beautiful inside and out. I’ve never wanted anything more than how I long to be with you. Nothing has ever felt more right. For a long time, I was dreading the end of the film, but now I can’t wait for tomorrow to begin our journey together, and all the tomorrows after that.”
“What if there were no tomorrows?” she asked. “What if this moment is all we have?”
