Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83368 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
While Jay was still protesting and Nick was fetching the camcorder, Erin walked over to Mila and hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.”
“We’re pretty happy too,” Mila said.
Over breakfast, Jay continued to argue that the biopic was an excellent idea. Finally, to everyone’s surprise, Herschel said, “You know, Jay, you could be right. Maybe if I’m willing to share how devastating that accident was, how I developed a fear of the water, and how I’m working to overcome it, maybe I can help other people too.”
Jay was so used to arguing for the movie and being shut down that his fork stopped halfway to his mouth with a piece of bacon and a chunk of egg on it. “Really?”
Herschel glanced at Mila, who suddenly saw all the reasons why it could be a good idea and nodded.
“I think so,” Herschel said. “Let’s wait till Arch is back, and we can talk about it some more.” He looked at Nick. “I’m sure Nick will back me up, but Archer did a pretty damn good screen test. His moustache was particularly authentic.”
Now they all cracked up again, and Nick showed the home movie to Jay, who had a good laugh along with the rest of them. “Okay, it’s a joke and a home movie filmed on an out-of-date camera, but you have to admit, there’s some serious chemistry there. I was riveted.”
“Like I said,” Hersch said, “I’m willing to discuss the project when Archer gets back. I wouldn’t want anyone else to play me.”
“You have good taste.”
Mila said, “I need to know who will be playing me.” She threw out the name of every stupendously gorgeous and smoking-hot actress she could think of.
Jay started to laugh. “Don’t worry, Mila. Whoever plays you will not only be a powerhouse, she’ll be gorgeous.”
“I still want casting approval.”
Jay laughed, and then his expression turned more serious. He said, “You know I’ve been trying to get hold of you, Mila. Leaving messages. I think you’ve been avoiding my calls.”
She felt kind of bad. Especially now that he’d tackled her in front of her whole family. “I thought you were calling to get me to talk Hersch into letting you do your movie.”
“No, I wouldn’t do that. I can talk to Herschel myself. Mila, I’ve spent years visiting all of you here, and every time I fall more in love with this place. I want you to find me a house here in Carmel-by-the-Sea.”
As Mila gave him a delighted smile and said, “I’d be happy to,” she heard the clink of Erin’s fork dropping to the tabletop.
As they left the house, everything felt different. Now that Mila had told Herschel she loved him and he’d admitted that he wanted to marry her, she felt that a whole new chapter was beginning for her. And for him. He seemed much happier too.
She said, “Are you sure about that biopic? Don’t let Jay bully you into anything. I’ve been defending you against the idea since the day we met.”
“No. I mean, of course it’s embarrassing to have the whole world see my private fears, but, Mila, maybe if I told my story honestly, it could help people. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ve spent a long time trying to help the world with Alzheimer’s research. Maybe now it’s time to offer a story that might help somebody else overcome their trauma.”
She loved him so much. She threw her arms around him and kissed him. “You are the best man I know.”
He kissed her back, then pulled away. “Come on. There’s something I want to show you.”
“What is it?”
He wouldn’t give her even a hint. Instead, they got into his car, and he drove her to his place. She quirked an eyebrow at him. “If you’re planning to show me your etchings, I’ve already seen them. And they are very nice.”
He chuckled. “Close.”
Now she really was curious. He unlocked the front door and made her wait in the hallway while he ran forward and fiddled with something. She was already smiling with anticipation when he said, “You can come in now.”
As she walked into the living room, she cried out with delight. Hanging on the big wall in the living room was Tessa’s painting of Mila in the curl of a wave, dancing with the ocean.
“It’s the picture that brought us together,” he said, his voice full of emotion.
She felt kind of choked up. “When I first met you at the plein air show, I got the feeling this picture terrified you.”
“It did. And then I got to know you, and now I feel different. You’re my sea witch, and this painting reminds me of how glorious you are. You changed my life, and being with you on land, and even on sea, makes me happier than I ever thought I could be.”