Chapter 6
Nina—Santa’s Crew
Milan, Italy
N ina and her producing partner, Jordan, were going over the notes the film’s director requested.
“Do you think this movie will really happen?” Nina asked, and stretched.
It had been an extraordinarily long week.
The two had been working on the treatment for the film for almost a year.
There were meetings after meetings with prospective investors, producers, and talent.
An up-and-coming director was eager to work with them and signed on right away.
The rest of their pursuits were not as easy, with the exception of one actress that Nina was thrilled to get on board.
It was Gail Edwards, who once starred in the sitcoms Blossom and Full House , guest starred in M*A*S*H, Taxi , and Happy Days , and was directed by Spielberg in his foray into television.
But what Nina appreciated the most was her timing and great comedic flare.
“Granted she is older now, but that makes her more seasoned. More believable,” Nina continued. “She could easily play the mother of a young woman determined to marry a man no one knew anything about.”
It didn’t take much convincing on anyone’s part. Jordan knew Gail was the perfect fit, but there was something weighing heavily on his mind. “Darling, I think we should consider pitching this as a series.”
Nina’s head jolted. “Really? Why?”
“Because that’s where the money is now.”
Nina thought about what he said. “Then that’s where we need to go. Where the money is.”
“I am happy to hear you say that. I know you were counting on doing a film, but think of this as a film divided into eight parts.”
“Well, duh,” she replied, and shot a sideways look. “How long have you been thinking about this?”
“Since the first pitch meeting.”
“Six months ago?” Nina said with a gasp.
“I was hoping we could move the needle, but all signs are pointing to streaming services.”
“I totally get that, and I’m fine with it. I just wish you would have mentioned it sooner. I would have taken a different approach.” Nina wasn’t angry. Just frustrated. And tired.
“You are an amazing writer, Nina. You can develop the script into eight parts. Easy.”
“Easy for you to say,” Nina said, and smirked.
“Do not underestimate your talent, young lady.”
“Such a sweet talker,” Nina replied.
Jordan was very budget-conscious. In order to get financial backing, you either needed a huge checkbook with a big name whether they could really act or not or something a little quirky with interesting characters, intriguing storylines, and a good setting.
Jordan wanted to spend the money on the location.
In his mind, the location was also one of the stars of the movie.
It wasn’t simply about the scenery. It was the history, the people, and the ability to almost smell the sea air, or the bakery, or the sour beer in the pub.
He had several locations in mind. One was Cornwall, at the southwest tip of England.
It formed a peninsula with cliffs on the north and sandy beaches on the south.
Many referred to that area as “The Cornish Riviera.”
Jordan walked over to the whiteboard and continued to explain his idea further.
“If we do eight episodes, each one can be in a different location. We know there are millions of Anglophiles who cannot get enough of the British culture. Look how far entertainment has come from Fawlty Towers in the seventies, to Downton Abbey , then Bridgerton in the past few years. It’s no accident that BritBox and Acorn are so popular.
” He wrote the prospective locations on the board.
Cornwall, Cambridge, Oxford, the Cotswolds, Stonehenge, the Lake District, Kent, East Sussex, and Norwich.
“I am getting the picture. No pun intended,” Nina said, grinning. “Actually, I think it’s a brilliant idea!” She let out a big sigh. “I feel much better now about the project.” She could feel the tension in her shoulders release.
Jordan was thankful the conversation went in a positive direction. He thought Nina had her heart set on a feature-length film, but the new suggestion was met with enthusiasm. “We can tackle this when we get back to the States.”
“Now that sounds like an excellent plan,” Nina replied.
“Speaking of plans, what are your plans for the holidays?”
“I haven’t made any so far. Still trying to figure out Richard’s schedule. He has a few holiday events he needs to attend, both in Philly and New York.”
“What about your family?”
“They’re all over the place. The Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, and everywhere in between.”
“Sounds like they are enjoying retirement.”
“That’s for sure. And I am enjoying their retirement, as well. I’ve had the entire house to myself for a year.”
“Speaking of the holidays, I’ll be spending some of it with Randy,” Jordan announced.
“That’s great! I am so happy the two of you hit it off.”
Jordan paused. “Well, I don’t think your friend Rachael is too thrilled about it.”
Nina wasn’t surprised at Jordan’s assessment but had to ask, “Why do you say that?”
“Apparently she gave him a hard time about New Year’s Eve.”
“We sort of started a tradition and have been spending it together for the past three years.”
“There’s no reason why we can’t celebrate together this year, is there?
” Jordan asked curiously. “Provided we don’t spend it on the rooftop of a jail.
” Jordan recalled the previous year when he met the gang for New Year’s Eve.
It was supposed to be a party at Giovanni’s family home in Salerno, but due to a curve in the road, the venue was moved to a jail on the Amalfi Coast. Fortunately, a local judge intervened, and the party went on as planned on the roof of the local police station.
Nina laughed out loud. “Good point—which reminds me, I have to contact Frankie, our pushy-planner-lady.”
“Do you think I should reach out to Rachael?” Jordan asked.
“Nah. It will just create more drama,” Nina said as she considered the irony: Nina was the actress of the group. “And from what Frankie told me, Rachael is in fury overdrive.”
“Not because of me, is it?” Jordan asked. He was truly taken aback.
“You’re only half of the problem,” Nina said, and kicked off her shoes. She settled into the cushions of the sofa. “I know I am not telling tales out of school. Her boyfriend, Salvatore, is going to Italy for the holidays. You met him last year.”
“Yes. Nice fellow. Why doesn’t she go with him?”
“Because he didn’t ask her.” Nina rolled her eyes.
“Well, that’s not very nice,” Jordan said, and frowned. “Do they live together?”
“No, not that either of them asked the other.” Nina paused. “It’s no surprise that she is frustrated, but when Frankie encouraged Rachael to have a ‘sit-down’ with Salvatore, Rachael said that if he wanted a commitment, then he should bring it up.”
“Oh, I know that situation all too well. You hesitate to bring up the subject because you think you will be kicked in the gut.”
“Precisely. But wouldn’t you rather know? I sure would. It’s hard to live your life if you’re waiting for someone else to make a move.”
“Fear,” Jordan said, and paused. “It holds the strongest influence on us. We often do things out of fear, or we don’t do them for fear of the outcome.”
“I think I’m long past that. At least I hope I am. Being secure with yourself is important. But I don’t have to tell you how Hollywood can turn you into the most insecure person on the planet. Rejection stinks.”
Jordan laughed out loud. “It does, indeed. Thank goodness we’ve grown a second skin. I try to let things bounce off me and go with my gut.”
“That’s one of the things I most admire about you, Jordan. You take a deep breath and jump, and not out of fear. It’s out of curiosity. What will this leap of faith bring?”
“Nina, you surely have grown to know me.”
“I wouldn’t have been paying much attention if I didn’t,” Nina said, and winked. “Don’t misunderstand me. You’re an open book, but without being predictable. I suppose what I am trying to say is there will always be a story on the page.”
“What a lovely thing to say,” Jordan replied, smiling.
“’Tis true! You have a free and creative soul, and I am flattered that you have included me in your endeavor.”
“Likewise. I wasn’t sure a young writer would want to collaborate with an old fossil like me.”
Nina roared. “You’re ten years older than me! That would make me a younger old fossil!”
“Okay, younger old fossil, what shall we do about dinner?”
“You know my fav is chicken Milanese.”
“I think you must eat it four times a week, if not more.”
“When in Milan. …” Her voice trailed off.
Jordan walked over to the iron coat rack that stood in the corner near the door. When there wasn’t an article of outerwear hanging on it, it looked like a piece of sculpture. He grabbed their jackets. “Andiamo!” He said in Italian.
They linked arms and walked down the cobblestone street of his neighborhood.
“This is a captivating place,” Nina said as she marveled at the pristine, historic landmarks.
“I wish I could be here to see the Christmas decorations, the market, and all the wonderful holiday magic with the festive decorations, the stunning dome in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Christmas tree in Piazza del Duomo.” She took in a deep breath of the cool evening air. “I’m glad I got to see it last year.”
“So, let’s plan some holiday magic for next year.”
“That would be nice.”
“Christmas season officially starts on December seventh.”
“I shall mark it in my calendar,” Nina replied.
“Excellent. And if Randy is a good boy, we’ll invite him, too. Of course you must include Richard.”
“Of course,” Nina said, and gave him a nudge. Thinking about their earlier conversation about Rachael and Salvatore, Nina was taken aback at the idea that she and Richard never had “the talk,” either. Was it fear? She wondered.
Jordan could feel Nina become tense. “Everything alright?”
“Yes, but it occurred to me that Richard and I haven’t had that awkward conversation, either.”
“Fear?”
“I don’t think so.” She ruminated for a few seconds. “I suppose we’ve been going with the flow for almost three years.”
“That’s a good way to move through life, provided it’s not a symptom of being lazy, which you are not.”
“Maybe he and I have been wrapped up in our careers and our routines. We spend weekends together, and he stays with me when he’s working in the city.”
Jordan lifted Nina’s hand. “Hmm. Empty.”
Nina jerked her hand back. “I didn’t say I wanted to get married, Jordan.”
“I didn’t say you did. It was more of an observation as to whether or not you want to be in a committed relationship.”
“I thought I was. I mean, I’m quite sure I am. Neither of us are spending time with anyone else.”
“Do you want to? Spend time with anyone else?”
“No,” Nina said decisively.
“Do you love Richard?” Jordan asked plainly.
“Yes. Very much. He’s kind, witty, and generous.” She paused, and then hooted, “Plus he has a job!”
Jordan laughed, as well. “I’m sorry if I’ve been prying into your personal life.”
“Geez. You and I are almost married,” Nina scoffed.
“Wrong team, sweetheart.”
Nina began to pull Jordan along. “I’m hungry. We can continue this conversation over dinner. Or not.”