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

“ M om, how long are you going to hug me for?” Albert said.

“Just a minute more,” Ella whispered as she held him tightly.

“Let the poor kid go,” Finn joked, standing beside Betty.

Eventually Ella let go, rubbed Albert’s arms, and smiled. “I’m just so happy you’re home, that you’re both home. Why don’t you get settled and then come hang out by the pool? We’re planning a barbecue out back when your sister arrives.”

“Georgia’s not here yet?” Betty asked.

“You know how she is. With any luck she’ll make her grand entrance early enough that we can eat before midnight,” Ella replied with a wink.

Betty laughed.

“I’m a little tired. Do you mind if I just chill in my room until dinner?” Albert asked.

“Sure, sweetheart. We’ll be out back if you change your mind,” Ella replied.

Albert picked up his suitcase and shuffled upstairs.

Ella slung her arm around Betty and asked, “Is everything okay with your brother?”

Betty shrugged. “He was quiet on the jet. Just drawing and listening to music with his headphones. You know how he is. I’m sure he’s fine.”

“Well, I wish he’d hang out with us, but this gives us a chance to catch up. We want to hear everything about your residency program and life in the Big Apple.”

“We sure do,” Finn added. “I’ll bring your bag upstairs. Then we want to hear our girl tell us all about being a brilliant doctor.”

Betty giggled. “I’m not brilliant.”

“Yes, you are,” Finn countered.

“Come on, no point in arguing,” Ella said, giving Betty’s shoulder a squeeze. “Let’s go relax outside. I made lavender lemonade and your favorite snacks. We want to hear everything before Georgia gets here and commands the floor.”

AS DUSK SET IN, ELLA AND FINN WERE rapt listening to Betty tell them stories about her residency program.

“When the second twin was finally born, we all breathed a sigh of relief,” she explained.

“I bet,” Finn said, beaming.

“What?” she asked.

“We’re just so unbelievably proud of you,” he replied.

“We sure are,” Ella added.

Betty looked down, her fair cheeks turning rosy.

“Seems obstetrics was the right choice for you,” Finn remarked.

“Yeah. It’s unpredictable with crazy hours, and it’s heartbreaking when things don’t go well, so you have to really shut off your emotions.

That’s what it takes to do it well. To be a good doctor.

You can’t allow yourself to feel it.” Ella glanced at Finn and Betty continued, “But most of the time, it’s the best job in the world.

There’s nothing like helping deliver babies.

It’s incredibly . . .” She trailed off, as if trying to find the perfect word.

“What?” Ella asked.

“Hopeful. It’s incredibly hopeful,” Betty said, picking up her water glass.

Ella and Finn exchanged a smile and Betty continued, “Sometimes I have to remind myself that I have a job to do, and when it’s over, I’ve done my part.

On to the next. It’s not like I get to see the children’s lives.

” She stopped to take a sip of her drink before adding, “Who they become as adults.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Ella mused. “I think you can tell a lot from how we come into this world. Let’s take you and your siblings.

Heavens, I was in labor with you forever, writhing around in pain.

Now that I know you, it’s clear you were just taking your time.

You’re always so thoughtful, careful, and you never leap before you look.

I’m sure it’s made you an extraordinary doctor.

” Betty looked down shyly and Ella continued, “Now Georgia, on the other hand, practically flew out of me. The doctor had to catch her like a football. It was quite the entrance.”

“That it was,” Finn added with a chuckle.

“Seems she couldn’t wait to get the hell out of me and out into the world, and that certainly hasn’t changed,” Ella said with a laugh.

“Finally, Albert. His labor was shorter than yours, longer than your sister’s, but it was mild, peaceful.

When he was born, that final push somehow lasted a moment longer than all the others.

Like he was timid about joining us.” She shook her head.

“So you see, how we come into this world says a lot about who we are.”

“So, I guess the moral of that story is that Georgia’s always been destined for the spotlight,” Betty said.

“Damn straight!” Georgia exclaimed, dramatically throwing her arms up in the air as she sprinted toward her family.

Everyone leapt up to greet her.

“Little peach, I missed you,” Finn said, wrapping her in a bear hug.

“Me too, Dad.”

“Hey, I want some of that,” Ella said. The two embraced affectionately. “I missed you too, sweet girl.”

“Me too, Mom.”

Betty hugged Georgia and whispered, “Good to see you, drama queen.”

“You too, brainiac,” Georgia replied.

“So, we’re glad you could join us before dark,” Ella teased.

“I planned to be here hours ago, but I got lost leaving the Bay Area and then I had a problem with the stupid convertible sports car I rented. Long story, but I made it. Where’s Al?”

“Resting in his room until dinner,” Ella replied.

Georgia furrowed her brow. “I don’t think so. I’ll go drag his ass out. Back in a flash. You can talk about me while I’m gone,” she said, darting off.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Finn, Ella, and Betty burst into laughter.

When the laughter died down, Ella smiled and said, “Georgia’s home.”

GEORGIA TAPPED ON THE DOOR BEFORE letting herself in. Albert was sitting on his bed with his headphones in his lap.

“Hey, snot face,” she said, barreling over to him.

He beamed as she plopped down on the edge of his bed and leaned over for a big hug.

“So, what kind of sad stereotype is this?” she joked, gesturing at the headphones. “Don’t tell me, you were listening to some indie band no one’s ever heard of and contemplating the poetic futility of life. Step it up. Be more original. You’re an artist for fuck’s sake.”

Albert laughed.

Georgia’s expression turned more serious. “You know I’m just teasing. What gives? Why are you up here all alone?”

“I was just a little tired. Jet lag.”

Georgia stared him down, silently prodding him to fess up.

He sighed. “I was thinking, that’s all. I just have some stuff on my mind. Personal stuff to figure out.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, my best advice is always the same. Be yourself because yourself is fabulous.”

Albert smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here. I missed you.”

“Missed you more,” she said, tousling his hair.

“Hey,” he protested, fixing his hair.

“We better go. They’re waiting for us. Don’t worry, if you feel like being quiet, I’ll cover for you. I have oodles to tell everyone about my new movie. Come on,” she said, tugging his hand.

“DAD, DID YOU READ THE TRADES?” Georgia asked as she helped herself to a piece of grilled chicken.

“I did. You’re making quite the splash, little peach,” he replied.

She beamed. “Everyone’s predicting this will be my big breakout role. That nothing will ever be the same again.”

“You’re very talented. Just remember what I’ve always told you, what Grandma used to tell me.

Be truthful in your performances. People need their stories told.

And never forget it’s a privilege to be an artist.” He glanced over at Albert and said, “That applies to you too, with your visual art. You’re also very talented. ”

Albert smiled bashfully and Georgia jumped back in, “I know, Dad. I love getting lost in the stories.”

“You’re in for quite an education. Being in a Jean Mercier film is a singular experience. No one works the way he does. Be prepared. No rehearsals, no blocking. Half the time, no damn clue what’s going on,” he said with a chuckle.

Georgia nodded. “I know. His style is legendary. I think it will be perfect for me. I never overprepare. I always try to find the moment. Let it happen naturally.”

“He wouldn’t have cast you if he didn’t think you’d be exceptional.

He’s got a knack for these things. You’ll grow a lot on this job.

It will be good for you in more ways than you can imagine.

” Finn let out a puff and continued, “Hell, my first Mercier film changed my whole life. It’s where I met your mother. ”

Finn and Ella stared at each other from opposite ends of the table.

“Uh, hello. Not to mention you snagged an Oscar,” Georgia said.

Finn laughed. “Trust me, the gold I scored on that set was your mother.”

“So true,” Ella said matter-of-factly. She giggled in her husband’s direction and then looked at Georgia and asked, “So, are you going to tell us what the film is about?”

“It’s all top secret, so you have to promise not to say a word,” Georgia instructed.

“It will be hard to resist calling the tabloids. You know, when I have time in between facilitating the miracle of life,” Betty joked.

Albert laughed, covering his mouth.

Georgia stared her down.

“Just teasing. Scout’s honor,” Betty said.

Georgia rolled her eyes. “It’s called Beauty . We’re filming in a remote location in Iceland. The script is pretty sparse. Some kind of metaphor or something.”

“Yeah, that’s how Jean works,” Finn remarked.

“Basically, two men fall in love with my character. An old guy, and one who’s more my age,” Georgia explained.

“Please tell me you don’t have any sex scenes with Michael. I don’t think I can handle it,” Finn lamented.

“Dad!” Georgia whined.

“I’m serious,” he said.

“Don’t worry. Nothing like that,” she assured him.

“He better not hit on you for real either,” Finn added.

“Dad! Gross! He’s old like you.”

Finn and Ella burst into laughter.

“Yeah, well that may not stop him. When your mom and I met him on the set of Celebration , he was quite the player.”

“Oh, don’t listen to your father,” Ella chimed in. “Michael has been blissfully married to Lauren almost as long as we’ve been together. He’s also a friend. There are some lines he wouldn’t cross.”

“Your mother is right. Much bigger chance that Jean hits on you,” Finn said.

“Ick! He’s like two hundred!” Georgia wailed.