Chapter 9
Windsor couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed a meal so much.
Part of her had been surprised when Bo invited Marta to eat with them, but only a small part.
He was different, and she admired that about him.
Most people she knew would never eat with “the help,” but Bo wasn’t a piece of shit, like he’d said.
And Marta? Marta was awesome.
Win’s only grandmother had been a cold and proper woman. The wife of the famous Norman Reed, an iconic director. The diamonds dripping from her had been warmer than her demeanor. Marta was warmth and sunshine and cuddly grandmother love, all rolled into a funny and sweet package—and she could cook.
Win had never had chicken and greens that tasted so good.
“That was amazing,” she said, surprised to see her plate was already empty.
“It was that extra sprinkle of love, no doubt,” Bo said with a delicious-looking piece of fried chicken between his fingers.
“No doubt,” Win agreed.
“You want seconds, honey? I know that list said you only eat four ounces, but I made a little extra just in case. It just seemed like the teeniest little meal.”
“Thank you, but I am actually full. Between you and me, I never finish a whole plate. But this was excellent.”
“Even with only four ounces of meat?”
Win shrugged. “I’m used to it. This is practically a feast compared to what I get to eat for weeks before an awards show when I need to fit into some tiny dress.”
Marta frowned. “That Hollywood stuff is sounding less and less glamorous by the moment.”
“Trust me,” Win said honestly, “it’s not nearly as glamorous as they want you to believe.
Almost every person walking those red carpets is so self-conscious, terrified to trip and make a fool of themselves, and deathly afraid of a wardrobe malfunction.
” She looked at Bo. “You know. You’ve lived it. ”
“And I don’t miss it. Standing around, all the beautiful people thinking they need to outshine and outdo each other. So hungry that they’d practically chew someone’s finger off.”
“Is it really like that?” Marta sounded amazed.
“It’s all for show, Marta. I hate to ruin it for you,” Win said. “But some people … some people are cool and confident, and they just strut the red carpet like they were born to. Those are few and far between though. Bo was always one of those.” She glanced sideways at him.
“I did eat beforehand, and that helped,” he said. “But I never felt like I totally belonged there. You look like you do though. Like you were born for that life.”
“Born into it—that’s for sure.”
“How old were you when you started acting?” Marta asked.
“Seven. I had a leading role in a feature film my father was directing. Nepotism at its finest.”
“What’s nepotism?” Marta asked.
“Where you get your job because of your connections, not your qualifications,” Win told her.
“Oh, honey, that happens everywhere. That’s just what people do. Help your family and friends, if you can. So, that was … My Dog and Me, wasn’t it? You were just a little thing. But so cute. You made everyone laugh.”
Win smiled. “It was fun. I actually loved it. I loved being center stage and in the spotlight with all the cameras and crew focused on me.” She laughed. “It probably sounds terrible, but I guess I am a true Leo at heart.”
“You’re just doing what you were clearly born to do. What a blessing to love it too. You’ve surely changed lives by doing it. I know my life is better for having watched your movies. It’s like having a safe place to settle in and forget the world for a couple of hours.”
Win had never thought of it like that. She knew people loved her movies, and she understood all about escapism, but she’d never considered them a safe haven for people.
“Thank you, Marta. That means a lot. Especially coming from you.”
“Oh, I’m just a nobody from Western Montana.”
“No, you’re not. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re a really important somebody to a lot of people.”
“Me included,” Bo said as he pushed his plate away. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Marta, and I hope I never have to find out.”
Marta beamed at them both. “You too. Both charmers. You do know how to make a girl feel special—that’s for sure.”
“Only because you are,” Bo told her. “One of a kind.”
“Well, thank you. That’s enough about me now. What do you kids have planned for the rest of the day?”
Windsor met Bo’s gorgeous gaze. “That’s an excellent question.”
The warm smile he’d given Marta landed on Windsor.
“Depends on you. I was thinking of a walking tour. Or, you could relax and rest.”
“A tour sounds amazing. I can’t wait to see more.”