Chapter 98
REED
“Wasn’t Alessandra amazing?” Georgina gushes.
We’re cuddled up together in the backseat of Tony’s black sedan, heading to my mother’s facility in Scarsdale. Throughout the drive, we’ve been talking enthusiastically about yesterday’s music video shoot for Alessandra’s single. Reliving it. Laughing about it. Marveling at how well it went.
“She was adorable,” I say. And it’s the truth.
To my surprise, Maddy was able to coax a delightful performance out of shy little Alessandra.
Actually, I think it’s fair to say Maddy captured lightning in a bottle from everyone.
“Props to Maddy for what she accomplished yesterday,” I say. “She impressed the hell out of me.”
“Me, too.” Georgina lays her head on my shoulder. “You swear I didn’t embarrass myself?”
I kiss the top of Georgina’s head. “Sweetheart, I promise you were magnificent in the video. A bombshell. A siren.” And, again, I’m telling the truth.
Not surprisingly, Georgina was a star yesterday, just like I knew she’d be.
When I watched her being interviewed the other day on Good Morning America, her star power was undeniable.
Even CeeCee saw it. During the interview, she leaned into me and said, “I’m not going to be able to hang onto my unicorn for long.
She’s going to get a whole lot of TV offers after this.
.. and, at some point, she’s going to take one. ”
CeeCee didn’t sound the least bit upset when she said that, by the way.
Only proud. Because CeeCee knows, as do I, that dreams are inherently meant to grow and expand.
Right out of college, Georgina thinks writing for Dig a Little Deeper is the highest peak imaginable for her career.
But one day, probably soon, I’d guess, Georgina will realize she’s standing at the base of a much, much higher peak.
She’ll realize she was born to take that GMA interviewer’s job one day, or its equivalent.
And when Georgina realizes that, and leaves Dig a Little Deeper to chase an even bigger dream, CeeCee will be as excited for Georgina as I’ll be.
Tony brings the sedan to a stop in front of my mother’s facility. “Will this be a long visit today, Mr. Rivers?”
I touch the ring box in my pocket, reassuring myself, yet again, it’s still there.
I’m not going to give it to Georgina until we’re in Sardinia, standing on a beach at sunset with a photographer there to capture the once-in-a-lifetime moment.
But when I took the ring box out of the hotel safe this morning, I didn’t feel good about packing something so valuable in my suitcase.
And so, here it is. Burning a hole in my pocket.
Making me feel physically ill with excitement about what’s to come every time it bumps against my thigh.
“It’ll be a long visit today, Tony,” I say. “Feel free to head to a diner or something. I’ll text you when we’re close to leaving.” I look at Georgie. “You’ve got a print-out of your article?”
She pats her purse. “God, I hope Eleanor likes it.”
I reassure her my mother will love it, even though, in truth, nerves are suddenly gripping me.
I’m almost positive I’m right about that—that my mother will, indeed, love the article Georgina has written for her.
But you never know with Eleanor Rivers. There’s always the chance the article will send her spiraling into some sort of unexpected meltdown.
I lay my palm on the ring box again, subconsciously reassuring myself it’s there. And then, with a kiss to Georgina’s cheek, get out of the car, take Georgina’s hand, and lead her up the familiar steps toward the facility.