Chapter 28

28

2023

The next two weeks passed in a blur as Janelle balanced managing her role at the museum and spending time with Jonas. He continued filming at the museum, then went to a few historical sites related to the Foundling Hospital for more filming. She and Jonas shared takeout dinners and long conversations most evenings, drawing her heart even closer to his. They'd attended Hope Church last Sunday and enjoyed lunch at an Italian restaurant that afternoon.

Earlier that week, they'd dressed more than a dozen children in costumes to act out scenes for the gala film. The level of excitement in the room had been electrifying. It had been a memorable day for the children and for the parents who were on hand to watch the filming.

Olivia had toted equipment, set up lights, and made sure Jonas and Howie had plenty of snacks and water. She also helped with costumes and kept the children quiet while they waited for their turn in front of the camera. Janelle could tell it had been a meaningful time for Olivia and given her a positive focus as she recovered from her near-abduction. Maggie and Dan had taken time off so they could see Olivia and the boys playing their parts.

Janelle smiled, recalling the way Jonas had worked patiently with the children and how they'd responded to his directions and soaked up his words of praise. He was not only a gifted filmmaker, but he was great with people of all ages.

Jonas walked into her office. "Hey, Janelle."

A wave of happiness filled her. "Hi. I didn't expect to see you until later."

"We finished filming at the archives. I think we got everything I wanted there."

"That's great."

"We only need a couple more days outdoors, and I'll be done filming."

"Wow. I can't wait to see how it comes together. When can I have a preview?"

Jonas met her halfway across the office, and she stepped into his arms for a hug. "There's still a lot to do before I'll have something to show you."

She wrapped her arms around his waist. "I thought you said you were almost done."

"What I have right now is a lot of scenes and images that are out of order—and way more footage than we need for a fifteen-minute film."

"Can you save some of that for the documentary?"

"Yes, I've got some scenes that might work, and some still shots."

"That's good."

"Now I've got to go through it all and put it in order. While I'm working on that, I'll be auditioning narrators. When the rough-cut film is ready, the narrator will record his part, and we'll add that. Then it goes to a music scorer, who finds or composes the background music to set the right mood."

She looked up at him. "I didn't realize there was so much involved."

"It's a process." He leaned down and kissed her nose.

She laughed and stepped back. "Well, I'll be very excited to see the finished project."

He grinned. "You and me both."

Jonas leaned back in his desk chair and rubbed his eyes. The hum of his flat's air conditioner matched the buzzing in his brain. Man, he was tired. He'd been editing the film ten hours a day for the last five days.

Knowing Janelle was counting on him was pushing him to get it right. He couldn't let her down. Plus, there were lots of important people who would be attending the gala—people with connections to other organizations and nonprofits. If they were impressed with his work, it might open the door for future projects.

Howie took a sip of his iced coffee. "I think that last round of changes gives the film a better flow."

Jonas's thoughts spun back through the scenes he'd rearranged. They'd expanded the historical portion of the film and used most of what they'd filmed at the museum with the kids in costume. Those scenes were key to tapping into viewers' emotions. At least he hoped they would be effective and bring in needed donations. But after viewing the film so many times during the editing process, it was hard to know if he'd hit the mark or not.

Howie looked his way. "What do you think? Is it ready?"

Jonas glanced at the final scene on his computer screen, pulled in a deep breath, and nodded. "I think we're done. I'll send it over to the narrator in the morning."

"How much time does he need?"

"He said he'd have it back to us by the end of the week."

Howie frowned. "It takes him that long to read a fifteen-minute script?"

"That's what he said."

"But that doesn't give Ben much time to work on the music."

"I know, but we don't have a choice at this point."

Howie crossed his arms. "Maybe we should get someone else to do the narration."

Jonas shook his head. "He's got the right voice."

"Okay." Howie glanced at his phone. "Yikes! I'd better get going. I told Lauren I'd be home by six for dinner."

Jonas watched Howie collect his iPad and papers and put them in his backpack. It would be nice to have someone cooking dinner and waiting for him after he finished his work. Thoughts of Janelle rose in his mind, as they did so often. He hadn't seen her since he'd started editing. Five days was too long. He missed her.

Howie slung his backpack over his shoulder. "I'll check in with you in the morning."

"Thanks, Howie." Jonas followed him into the living room. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Howie grinned as he reached for the doorknob. "Have a good night." He pulled open the door and stopped.

Janelle stood on the other side, her hand raised to knock. She laughed. "Hey, Howie."

Howie grinned. "I'm going, and you're coming. That will make Jonas happy." He chuckled as he strode past her and continued down the hall.

Jonas smiled, and his heart thumped a quick rhythm. "Hi, Janelle."

Her cheeks flushed as she lifted the bag in her hand. "Have you had dinner yet?"

"No, but I'm starving. What's in there?"

"I stopped at Crown of India and picked up chicken tikka masala."

"Oh, wow. That sounds great. My mouth is already watering."

They headed to the kitchen for plates and silverware, then they settled on his small balcony to enjoy dinner and a view of Soho. They talked about the museum and the upcoming gala while they enjoyed the spicy chicken in creamy tomato sauce, along with fragrant jasmine rice and soft naan bread.

Jonas swallowed his last bite, then wiped his mouth and sat back. "That was so good. Thanks for coming over and bringing dinner."

"So ... it was okay that I surprised you?"

Was that a hint of uncertainty in her voice?

"Sure. I get so caught up in the editing process that I don't always stop to make a meal. I usually just grab whatever I have on hand and end up eating way too much junk food."

Something flickered in her eyes, and she glanced away.

He watched her a moment more, trying to understand what was behind her pensive expression. "Hey, is something wrong?"

"No, it's just ... I haven't heard from you for a few days, so I thought ... oh, never mind."

"I've been focused on finishing the film so I can get it to the narrator. The schedule is tight. And the gala is only a few days away."

She nodded, tore off a piece of bread, and popped it in her mouth.

Was she stressed about work or upset about something else?

She chewed for a few more seconds, then looked up. "Our time working on the film is coming to an end."

"Yeah, it's been great. I've really learned a lot. It's been a good experience."

She searched his face. "I've enjoyed it too." But there was hesitation in her voice that didn't match her words.

A wave of weariness washed over him, and he rubbed his eyes. His throat felt dry and scratchy, and now that he thought about it, his head hurt too. "Man, I'm beat. We better call it a night."

Janelle rose, took their plates, and walked back toward the kitchen.

He picked up the leftover food. Something was up with Janelle, but he didn't have the energy to figure it out tonight. They could talk tomorrow, after he got a good night's sleep. Maybe he'd feel better and be able to think straight.

Janelle glanced at the clock on her office wall, then picked up her phone and checked the screen to be sure she hadn't missed a text from Jonas. She'd phoned him twice that morning and left messages both times, but he hadn't phoned back. Maybe she should text him. She grimaced and shook her head. He knew how to get hold of her if he wanted to talk.

Sadness wrapped around her heart and squeezed tight. Jonas seemed to be pulling away. Memories of how Marcus had gone silent several times rose and filled her mind. She should have realized what was happening, but she'd let several months pass before she'd discovered the heartbreaking truth. He didn't love her. He wasn't committed. He'd been seeing someone else the whole time.

She closed her eyes, pushing those thoughts away. Lord, I know Jonas is nothing like Marcus, but this is so confusing. Why hasn't he been in touch? What do you want me to do?

A knock sounded at her open door, and her eyes popped open.

Amanda walked in. "Good morning, Janelle."

Janelle rose. "Hi, Amanda. This is a surprise."

"I know. I should've called to let you know I was coming."

"No. It's always good to see you."

"My mum came to the hospital this morning. She said she'd stay with Wes and suggested I take a break." She held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. "I went for a manicure."

"That looks nice."

"Thanks. I was only a short distance from the museum, so I thought I'd stop in and see how everything is going."

Janelle motioned to the chair in front of her desk. "Please, sit down."

Amanda took a seat and glanced around Janelle's office. "How are things coming for the gala?"

"Our number is up to one ninety-two. I spoke to the event coordinator at the venue and confirmed the details."

Amanda nodded, looking pleased. "How about the film? Have you seen it yet?"

"Not yet. I believe they're still working on the narration and background music."

Amanda frowned. "That's cutting it awfully close. I thought they'd be finished by now."

Janelle shifted in her chair. She was about to reassure Amanda that Jonas would have the film ready on time, but something held her back. She had aligned herself with Jonas and persuaded Amanda to trust him with the gala film and the documentary to follow. What if she was wrong about him?

"When I spoke to you two at the hospital," Amanda continued, "Jonas said everything was on track. That film is the focal point of the program. If he doesn't come through for us, we'll have spent our entire promotional budget and have nothing to show for it."

Janelle's stomach twisted. The gala was only two days away. She wanted to believe Jonas would fulfill his promise, finish the film, and make that part of the evening a success, but questions and doubts tugged at her heart.