Epilogue Kieran
Epilogue
Kieran
“Everyone be quiet. I’m going to press play.” I pointed the remote at the huge screen in Mortimer’s home cinema.
On the couch next to me, Jack threw a handful of popcorn into his mouth. “I cannot tell you how much I have been dying to see this.”
Ollie put a hand over Jack’s mouth. His voice was teasing. “Listen to the man. Shut up. I need to hear this.”
“Wait,” Mortimer shouted. “Make it dimmer. It’s too bright. We need the full cinematic experience.”
Joanie jumped up and twisted the dimmer. The room darkened. She resumed her seat next to me on the couch. I leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Get cozy. It’s our star turn.”
I slung my arm around her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around my middle and snuggled tight. “I’m already cringing. I’m experiencing anticipatory cringe.”
“Think about us,” Ollie said. “We’re going to get vicarious cringe on your behalf. In some ways that’s worse. We didn’t even get the free holiday.”
Mortimer flapped his hand. His voice took on a chastising edge. “Stop. It’s going to be wonderful. Showbiz runs in our blood, remember. I’m sure Joanie will be fantastic. Star quality is genetic.” He wrinkled his nose and glanced at me. “I’m sure you’ll be OK as well.”
“I’ll take that.” I pointed the remote at the screen, and pressed play.
A lively song filled the air. Jack and Ollie cheered when Joanie and I appeared on the screen. Joanie smothered her face against my chest. “I can’t watch this.”
I smoothed her soft hair back. “It’s fine. Don’t forget. We had that one good take.”
We walked along the beach together. I whispered low in her ear. “I have deep regrets about fighting them on the swimwear. I could be looking at you in a bikini right now.”
Her lips were hot against my ear. “Maybe I’ll put it on later.”
Heat shot through me. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“Stop whispering,” Mortimer cried. “You’re missing it.”
The screen cut to a can of revolving Fizzz and then back to us at the beach.
We both spoke at the same time, holding the can out. “Explore the Fizzz.”
Jack’s great howl of laughter made Joanie jump. Ollie was laughing so hard, tears ran down his cheeks.
I whacked Jack with a cushion. “Oh, fuck off.”
The screen turned to black, and the silence was punctuated by Jack and Ollie gasping for breath through their laughter.
Mortimer clapped his hands. “Bravo.” He stood, still clapping his hands enthusiastically. “Such artistry. You really embodied the part, Joanie. I’m so proud of you.”
Red flushed her cheeks. It had been terrible, but at least Mortimer was supportive of his daughter. “Thanks, Dad.”
Jack gripped his middle, still trying to catch his breath. “It was amazing. Why are you wearing football kits on the beach? You don’t even have a ball. This is so bad, it’s good.”
He caught Ollie’s eye and the pair dissolved into fits of giggles again.
Jack snatched the remote from my hand. “Let’s watch it again. Please. I need to see them say the line again. ‘Explore the Fizzz.’”
I held up my middle finger to Jack. “You can explore this.”
It only made Jack laugh harder.
Ollie patted my knee. “Maybe if you both hadn’t been so busy snogging that entire trip, you might have filmed a decent advert.”
“Ignore them,” I said, squeezing Joanie in my arms. “You were brilliant. Next month we fly out to film with Ramirez. That one is actually going to be fun.”
We had so many things to look forward to.
The other day we’d sat down together with our lists and planned an itinerary for the end of the season.
Top of the list was a trip to Egypt. Joanie had said she wanted to witness me flopping all over on a camel.
The season had gone well so far. Being captain was a responsibility, but I enjoyed it.
Jack had been right. It was time to embrace the things in my life and truly own them.
Joanie turned to me with an uncertain expression. “Can you face watching it again?”
“Go on, then.” I flashed a glance at Jack and Ollie. “It keeps the children entertained.”
I settled back on the couch to watch this shitshow of a commercial again.
Jack’s voice loaded with sarcasm. “Prepare yourself. The acting offers are going to roll in after this for you, bro. Forget about the World Cup. We’re talking Golden Globes right here.”
“He’s right,” Mortimer piped up earnestly. “I want to get you both in my new music video.”
I gave Joanie a teasing smile. “A music video? One for the list?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’d rather drink my entire lifetime supply of Fizzz in one afternoon, but thanks for the suggestion.”
I turned my attention back to the screen. I delivered my line of dialogue like I’d rather be doing anything else in the world. A bubble of amusement went through me, and I couldn’t help my laugh.
“What is it?” Joanie looked at me with an indulgent smile.
“I just realized something. If you still love me after seeing me in this commercial, then you’re mine for life.”
Warmth filled her smile. “You only just realized that?”
No. I’d realized it the moment she’d done the thing that terrified her the most to fight for us. Joanie had stood in front of everyone and told me she loved me. This woman was all mine to love and cherish. Neither of us perfect, but right for each other.
“I love you,” she whispered.
I kissed the top of her head and pulled her tight against me. “I love you, too. Always. You’re the only lifetime supply I’m willing to get on board with.”