Page 55 of Cinematic Destinies
“How about we retire for the evening? It looks like things might wind down soon,” Roo said. He then noticed Michael and a couple of crew members throwing back shots and jumping up and down as if they were in a mosh pit. “Ah, or perhaps it will keep raging all night. But we could still turn in and try to drown out the noise. We have so many plans to make. We can curl up in bed and figure out what’s next.”
Georgia glanced over at Jean, sitting alone at the table and nursing a drink. She looked back at Roo. “I’d like to spend a little time with Jean, see how he is. Can I meet you upstairs?”
“Sure,” Roo said, pecking her lips. “I’ll say a quick good night to Michael, if he’ll even hear me. I hope he doesn’t try to get me to do shots again. He’s relentless. I’ll meet you upstairs when we both break free.”
Georgia traipsed over to Jean, affectionately squeezed his shoulders, and plopped down beside him. “Are you enjoying yourself?” she asked. “I hate to see you all alone. Are you sure you’re not up for a little spin on the dance floor?”
“You’re a dear to ask,ma chérie, but I have always preferred to observe, stay out of frame as we say.”
She smiled. “Are you pleased with how the shoot went? We all felt like it was something very special.”
“Indeed. Although between us, I hope I didn’t become too sentimental.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“The endings of my films are usually quite opaque, often dark. I don’t like pretty packages tied neatly in bows. And I don’t like to spoon-feed audiences as if they’re too lazy or stupid to do the heavy lifting themselves, even if they are.” Georgia giggled and he snickered and continued, “But with this one, perhaps sentimentality or senility got the better of me. I wanted to make my point clear.”
“You did, without sacrificing any of the poetry. It’s gorgeous. Besides, you didn’t tie up everything. We don’t know if the lovers choose to be together.”
The glimmer of a smile flashed across Jean’s face. He watched as Georgia glanced over at Roo, who looked like he was finally extricating himself from Michael and the others. Roo threw her a goofy smile and then winked before leaving the room. She turned back to Jean and said, “So tell me, it’s your film, do you think they end up together?”
“I’m more interested in our real-life lovers.” She raised her eyebrows and he continued, “You and Roo. It doesn’t take much to see he’s madly in love with you. From where I sit, it seems mutual.”
She glanced down. “Yes, it’s just . . .”
“Tell me,ma chérie. I’m a better listener than it may seem.”
She took a breath, looked at him, and said, “Roo is the most incredible guy I’ve ever met. We have a deep connection and love each other very much. But it’s not like I expected anything like this to happen. I wasn’t looking forit. I’ve always been a wanderer. Now Roo wants us to plan a whole life and . . .”
“You’re scared out of your fucking mind.”
“Something like that.”
“You are so much like your mother. I feel as if I’m speaking with her thirty years ago. It’s remarkable.”
“My mother?”
“Ella wasn’t exactly ready for your father.”
Georgia furrowed her brow. “You’ve insinuated that before, but what do you mean? They fell in love on location, got engaged, and got married, like out of a fairy tale. We couldn’t be more different, me and my mother. Love is everything to her. She fell for my dad and never looked back.”
Jean smirked. “It’s true they fell in love that summer in Sweden. Your father wanted to marry her, couldn’t wait to start their life together. Ella had never committed herself to a man before. Never even entertained the idea. She was terrified by what your father proposed, so she ended the relationship. Devastated him.”
Georgia looked perplexed, but then warmth spread over her face. She smiled and patted Jean’s hand compassionately. “Jean, I think you’re confused because I look so much like my mother. It’s okay. That could happen to anyone. I do love Roo, and I am scared, but I didn’t say I’m going to leave him.”
“Bloody hell, I’m not senile,” Jean snorted.
“Oh, I know. It’s okay if you’re a bit confused. It’s been a long day and it’s . . .”
“For fuck’s sake,” he growled with exasperation. “I’m talking about your parents. I was there that summer. I had a front-row seat to their love affair.” Georgia still looked confused, so Jean waved his arm around and called, “Michael! Come here.”
Michael tottered over and slurred, “Hey, Jean. What’s up?”
“Do you remember what happened between Ella and Finn at the end of our summer in Sweden?”
“Ella dumped Finn. Broke his heart. It was brutal.”
Georgia’s eyes were like saucers.
