Page 9 of Cinematic Destinies (Red Carpet Romance #3)

The actors scurried to hit their marks, although with a sparse script and no blocking or rehearsals, they all seemed a bit unsure of themselves.

Georgia was at the kitchen counter fidgeting with a prop, Michael seated at the table, his leg jiggling, and Roo outside the door slowly rocking back and forth.

The actors immediately snapped into their characters when Jean called, “Rolling . . . Action!”

Georgia picked up a quiche and said, “It’s cool now.” As she turned toward the table, Roo knocked on the door and then stepped inside. The two immediately caught each other’s eyes and stopped in their tracks, as if frozen.

Eventually he stammered, “Uh, sorry to interrupt. I didn’t know you had company.”

She smiled shyly and then placed the quiche on the table. Michael noticed how they looked at each other and grumbled, “This is the American girl I hired to help out around here, Giselle. She may also be of some assistance to you sorting through those boxes of my old papers. Join me for lunch.”

“It’s lovely to meet you,” the young biographer said as he sat down.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” she replied. She retrieved an extra plate and set of cutleries, placed them on the table, and asked, “Would you like coffee?”

“Please.”

She filled a mug and set it in front of him.

“Thank you,” he replied softly, their eyes lingering on one another.

“I’ve heard all about your book project,” she said. “I just hope you don’t work too hard. Someone here needs his rest too.”

A trace of a smile flickered across Michael’s face, and he patted her hand. “See, she’s taking very good care of me.”

“Well, if you two gentlemen don’t need anything else, I’m going to take a drive to the pharmacy to pick up those prescriptions. I’ll stop at the market on the way back. Is there anything special you’d like?” she asked her employer.

“Only your return.”

She smiled and headed to the door.

“Giselle,” Roo called.

She turned toward him.

“Thank you for lunch. A real pleasure to meet you.”

“See you later,” she replied.

The men watched as she exited and then looked at each other as if they were both afraid to be the first to exhale.

“Cut!” Jean hollered.

The crew began milling around as the actors all huddled together for notes.

“I’m at a loss. I’ve never had a first shot like that,” Jean said, shaking his head.

“That bad?” Michael asked with raised eyebrows.

“It was completely natural. None of that damn acting I detest. The way you two looked at each other,” he said to Roo and Georgia, “it was perfect.”

The actors all beamed, surprised by the praise.

“Let’s do it again. Try not to fuck it up,” Jean said. “Places, everyone . . . Rolling . . . Action!”

AFTER A LONG DAY ON SET, JEAN INSTRUCTED the actors to change into their street clothes and meet in the dining room for dinner, which was to be their nightly routine.

Michael elected himself bartender and fixed himself a vodka tonic and bourbon neat for the others.

“You seemed uncharacteristically pleased today,” Michael said to Jean as he passed out the cocktails.

“Actors so often disappoint. They fail miserably when they try to act. They must live it, breathe it, surrender to it. You can’t find truth when you’re busy pretending.

” He paused, glanced at Georgia and Roo, and said, “Some things cannot be forced. They must be genuine. Then there is the chance for something beautiful.” Jean raised his glass.

“A toast. To the least abysmal first day on set I recall.” The actors raised their glasses and began to smile when he added, “But don’t let it go to your heads. We shall see what happens tomorrow.”

Michael laughed. They all clinked glasses and took a sip.

“That’s smooth,” Roo said.

“I like the vanilla undertones,” Georgia remarked.

ástríeur and Gunnar came in and presented dinner family style: roasted local fish, braised lamb stew, potatoes, and vegetables. Michael assisted Jean and the others helped themselves. As they began eating, Michael said, “So, Jean, since this is your last film, any plans for your retirement?”

Jean huffed. “I think only about what I am doing now. The film is all-consuming. She is everything.”

“You gonna tell us what it’s really about? There’s always so much meaning embedded in your projects that’s hard to see until it all comes together,” Michael said.

“Don’t worry about it,” Jean replied.

Michael chuckled. “Here I thought maybe age had relaxed you. I can see you haven’t changed a bit.”

“Damn right,” Jean agreed.

“Well, I for one am enjoying the process,” Roo said.

“Me too. I never like to overthink things,” Georgia said.

Jean smirked. “Good, then you shall be open to the moments.” He skimmed his finger around the rim of his glass. “That’s all there is, really. Moments. In life. In film. You string them together and somehow they become a story.”

“Sounds like you’re getting a little sentimental there,” Michael remarked.

“Eh, rubbish,” Jean protested, downing the rest of his drink.

“But I’ll tell you this, as the one nearest the grave at the table, best to focus on the moments.

Live them, create them, bloody well steal them if you must. That’s where beauty hides.

There is so much ugliness in this fucked-up abyss of human tragedy.

Even beauty is bound to and corrupted by its underside.

But on those rarest of occasions, glimmers of pure beauty can be found. It always hides in the moments.”

They all sat quietly soaking in the words, until Jean broke the silence.

“Such a serious lot. Will be a damn long summer if you don’t lighten up.

Michael, another bourbon. Then perhaps you’ll all indulge me with your stories of being overly pampered actors.

Booze. Bravado. Broken chandeliers in hotel rooms. Don’t hold back. ”

AFTER DINNER, MICHAEL AND JEAN RETIRED for the evening. Roo turned to Georgia and said, “It’s still a bit early. I was thinking about another drink and perhaps checking out that DVD collection ástríeur mentioned. Care to join me?”

“I’d love to,” she replied.

Roo topped off their drinks and they strolled to the dimly lit living room.

“Wow, this is so old-school,” Georgia said, noticing the movie collection as she plopped onto the couch.

“Their selection is too. Seems they have a fondness for the classics. What type of film do you feel like?”

“Anything. Your choice.”

“Oh my. They have Monty Python and the Holy Grail . Have you seen it?”

She shook her head.

“It’s one of my favorites. Sort of an English tradition. It’s a comedy. Satirical and arguably quite stupid. It was banned by all kinds of religious groups.”

“You sold me,” she said with a giggle.

“I knew you were a rebel.” He put the DVD in the machine and hit play, taking the seat beside her. “It really is a very particular kind of humor. If you find it dreadful, say the word and we’ll put something else on. I won’t be offended.”

“I’m up for anything,” she assured him.

Within moments they were both laughing uproariously. They spent the next hour and a half laughing so hard Georgia complained, “My stomach actually hurts.”

“So, you liked it?” he asked.

“Adored it. Although I don’t know why. Somehow it walked a fine line between totally stupid and epically brilliant.”

“Yes, exactly,” Roo agreed.

They found themselves staring at one another, silly smiles on their faces.

Eventually Georgia said, “I can’t believe how well things went today. It felt like we all just clicked into our characters.”

“Yeah. Jean seemed quite pleased. Listening to him at dinner tonight . . .”

“What?” she asked.

“I’m not sure, really. It’s just he has such a reputation for being hopelessly dark and dystopian, and while on the surface that rings true, there’s a real depth and sensitivity there that surprise me.”

“I feel that way too,” she agreed. “I’m looking forward to getting back on set. Taking it day by day. Well, moment by moment.”

They smiled at one another, and Roo said, “Speaking of the film, we should probably get some rest. I fear I’ve kept you up too late already.”

“No, this was great. But you’re right. We should probably get a good night’s sleep before tomorrow.”

“I’ll walk you up,” he offered.

When they arrived at Georgia’s room, she said, “This is me. Thanks for a fun night. I’ll have to see the rest of those movies.”

“Glad you’re a fan. Well, good night.” He turned to leave and then swiveled around and said, “See you in the gym in the morning?”

“Yeah. See you there. Good night.”

Roo began puttering down the hallway but turned just as she unlocked her door. She glanced over and they smiled at each other before she disappeared into her room.