Page 11 of Cinematic Destinies (Red Carpet Romance #3)

A few days later as they waited for dinner, Jean raised his bourbon and said, “I’d like to make a toast. We are now six days into filming, and you have not disappointed me yet. I’m sure you’ll fuck up eventually, so best to enjoy the moment.”

The actors laughed, raised their glasses, and sipped their cocktails.

“Georgia, have you heard from your folks? Are they on their grand trip?” Michael asked.

“We got a text from them yesterday that they’re in Australia, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef.

Apparently, they’re planning to work their way back, with stops in Asia and Europe, but they’re keeping the itinerary secret.

Knowing them, they’re probably just sticking their finger on a map and seeing where they wind up. ”

Roo chuckled. “They sound like great adventure seekers.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool,” Georgia conceded.

“You two have the next couple days off while Jean works me to the bone,” Michael joked. “Any adventures of your own planned?”

Georgia glanced at Roo and shrugged. “I’m not sure really.”

“Perhaps I’ll convince her to take a hike around the volcano tomorrow morning. We’ve been talking about it all week,” Roo said.

“It won’t take much convincing. I’m in,” Georgia said.

“Enjoy your time off. Next week we’re shooting your big love scene, and I won’t be going easy on you,” Jean warned them.

Georgia and Roo glanced shyly at each other. Just then, their hosts came to serve dinner.

“SO, IT’S YOUR TURN TO PICK TONIGHT,” Roo said, taking his usual seat on the couch.

“If you’re still up for it, how about Breakfast at Tiffany’s ?” she asked.

“I’d love to watch with you.”

She put the DVD on and got comfortable on the couch.

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 such an 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 was behind 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 BLACK yoga 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 her delicate 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.”

“Vanilla. But I always get different toppings, so don’t write me off as boring.”

Georgia smiled. “I never would. Mine is lemon or lime sorbet. In our world ‘sorbet’ is code for an actress who doesn’t eat, but it’s not that at all. I grew up with a lot of citrus trees, and I just like how refreshing it is on a hot day.”

“There’s so much pressure on women in our industry. Men just don’t endure the same scrutiny. It’s terribly unfair and makes me quite cross. It’s like every decision a woman makes, even a flavor of ice cream, is subject to judgment.”

“Thanks for saying that. Most guys don’t get it at all. They don’t even notice the double standards.”

“I have quite a few friends who are actresses,” Roo said. “And of course, my mum. We’ve always been close, and I’ve seen firsthand what she’s had to deal with over the years. It’s total rubbish. As a man I feel a responsibility to be aware of these things and try to improve conditions.”

“You’re a very sensitive, compassionate person,” she remarked.

He smiled. “That’s kind of you.”

They were quiet for a moment before Georgia said, “Uh, it’s your turn.”

“Strangest thing you do when you’re alone.”

“I play guitar in my underwear.”

“Excuse me?” he said, his eyes wide.

“I hang out at home nude or in my underwear, and sometimes I pick up my guitar and work on new music. Weird, right?”

“Uh, that may be the sexiest thing I ever heard. I’m blushing at the thought of it.”

Georgia giggled. “What about you?”

“I make canned soup, cream of tomato or cream of celery, load it into a large bowl with a fistful of crackers, and watch documentaries on television. Could be about anything. Chernobyl. The Hindenburg. Creatures of the Amazon. Bird-watching. Whatever.”

“Canned soup?” she said in a mocking tone.

“Funny how you got hung up on that. Thought I might be able to slip that past you with the bird-watching.”

She laughed.

“Oddly, it relaxes me. What else can I say in my defense?”

“There’s no need. I think it’s sort of charming,” she said.

“You do?”

“Oh yeah. You’re surprising. I love that.”

“Well, I like lots of other weird stuff. Canned sardines. Haggis. Liver and onions. Infomercials. Mops that can reach the ceiling. That’s connected to my love of infomercials. Happy to go on if you find it endearing.”

She laughed again. “You had me so distracted I didn’t even realize. Look, we’re just about at the top.”

“Oh, wow,” he said as they took the last few steps and reached the peak. “This is incredible.”

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said.

They fell silent, quietly looking around, taking in the view from every angle. Eventually Roo said, “You must be thirsty,” and he handed her a water bottle.

“Thank you,” she replied, and they both took a good drink. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and said, “We should take a selfie and try to capture the view.”

“Please, allow me. Long arms,” he said, taking the phone. “Being a tall, geeky, gangly thing in school is finally paying off.”

She laughed and they took several photos. Then Georgia took the phone to take a few shots of the scenery. She insisted on taking a few of Roo as well. He held his arms up in a champion’s pose. He then took a slew of pictures of Georgia, capturing her from every angle.

Eventually he said, “Well, I hate to ever leave, but we still must make it back down. I think we’ll have worked up quite an appetite for breakfast.”

“Yeah, I’m starving.” She paused before adding, “Roo, this place is unforgettable. I’m glad I saw it with you.”

He smiled. “I’m glad I saw it with you. Come on, last one to breakfast loses.”

“THAT WAS SO GOOD,” GEORGIA RAVED, scraping the last drop of her parfait. “Their homemade granola is delicious. I’m glad I asked them to add it to my usual.”