Chapter 5

Five

HENRY

It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Brooks. Her words repeat in my head during my silent walk back to the boys’ townhouse. Mr. Brooks . I don’t pay attention to how far we’ve walked, just following behind Oliver and Finn with my head down, noticing the light from the street lamps above us.

Miss Taylor spent most of the night refusing to meet my gaze and acting like I wasn’t even there at times. I suppose I was a little harsh when we discussed her books. I let my head lower and shake briefly, remembering my lack of manners, but I couldn’t help but be disappointed to hear she was one of those individuals . Someone who is expecting a knight in shining armor, which leads me to believe is the reason she is single. At least, I think she’s single. Finn mentioned she moved to the UK alone, but she could have found someone here. My body tenses at the thought, but immediately, I push those thoughts to the side and remind myself that I don’t care if she’s single or not.

Normally, I have no opinion about the interests of the women I date as they always turn the topic of our conversations to me and my career. Frankly, it usually helps to talk about my career when I’m trying to close the deal. Women are so quick to assume I am just as romantic as the men in my movies. That I will die for them, change my life for them, or swear my love to no one but them. Which are claims I never make—it’s not my style to lie to women just to go home with them. I’m perfectly honest up front, but some are more determined to get a chance to experience great love with me. Reality hits them like ice water the next morning when I depart, just as I said I would.

When it was time for Lucy to leave the coffee shop, our eyes finally locked, and I forgot my frustration with the boys for bringing her. Yet, she was quick to remind me of my annoyance as her lips twitched in a grin before they opened to reveal her snarky American tone. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Brooks . She held our mutual gaze for just a moment longer before breaking it and walking out the door. I sat frozen as the bell over the door rang, and Oliver elbowed me, “You okay, pops?”

There was confusion on his face as I turned to him. “Yeah, just fine.” I spent the rest of our time at the coffee shop planning how I would scold them when we returned to their place.

After hanging our coats in the entryway, we file into the kitchen. I lean against the counter and cross my arms. Finn is the first to notice “Oh boy, looks like we are in trouble, Olly!”

Oliver leaves his head buried in the refrigerator, “Yeah, what did we do now? ”

“You spoke of her as if she was a senior citizen! I don’t know what type of scheme you two are playing at?—”

Oliver cuts me off, “What are you talking about? We never said anything like that.”

Finn chimes in, “If that’s the picture you painted based on our description, that’s on you.”

“How many times do I have to tell you I don’t need or want to be set up.” The volume of my voice grows louder than I anticipated.

This is a sore subject for many reasons. For one, I have no problem acquiring female company regularly and on my terms.

Another reason, the boys don’t understand, and I’m glad they don’t. As little as I think of love and relationships, they couldn’t be more opposite. What they don’t understand is that we are different. A happy ending is not in the cards for everyone. They are both head over heels for their girlfriends, and I couldn’t be more elated for them. I’m thankful they found someone to love and care for, as they will do in return. I don’t want my boys to end up alone and grouchy old men like me.

Finn shrugs his shoulders, “I hate to break it to you, Dad, but this wasn’t a setup. Lucy has been hanging out with us for weeks now. You came in to visit, and we invited you to join our regular activities.”

I can usually tell when they are lying, which I am starting to think that they aren’t since Finn appears to be telling the truth. When he was younger he had some pretty obvious tells when he would lie. He would rock weight between his legs, yet he’s standing perfectly still. I look over to check his brother’s expression .

Oliver sighs, “He’s being honest, Dad. Sure, we would love you to find someone, but we’ve given up on trying to set you up quite a long time ago.”

Finn moves to stand tall, “Not to mention, we like having Lucy around. She’s trying to start a new life for herself. We aren’t interested in ruining that new life before it even really gets started.”

“Ruining?” I question.

Oliver replies, “She said something about a bad breakup before she left the States. We know what kind of relationships you have and that’s not what she needs right now.”

I hadn’t considered this on the walk home, but hearing it is upsetting. How I act with women is my choice. Being married to their mother for twenty-two years was enough time to teach me what I didn’t want. In the eight years since I’ve found casual dating works best for me. I know what relationships are supposed to be like, but I just don’t want that. If I decided I wanted to pursue Lucy, I could be a good partner.

Hypothetically, of course.

Before my mind can wander too far in the fantasy of what dating Lucy could be like, Finn takes advantage of the silence, “Don’t worry, Olly. Pops was quick to offend Lucy and wouldn’t stand a chance with her now anyway.” He turns to me, “But you need to work on your manners if you are going to spend more time with us during your stay. We have plans with Lucy all week, and I won’t have you being rude to our friend.”

When did the roles reverse, and why am I being spoken to like a child? I can act perfectly well when I am not the victim of an ambush like I was tonight. I suppose now that I know she isn’t interested in dating, I could relax a little around her. “What happened with that relationship from the States?”

Oliver responds, “We don’t have many details, but it’s not our story to tell. Just know that she’s pretty torn up about it.”

Finn smiles, “If you want to know more, you’re going to have to ask her yourself, which means you’ll need to be nice to her and probably become her friend.”

After last night, I find myself content to be in the company of one of my closest mates. Max Shaw still looks every bit of the leading man at fifty as he did at twenty. Sitting back in his chair in the small café with confidence radiating from him in his clean, pressed suit that complements his toned physique—sans tie—leaving the buttons open at the top. His shaved head and oversized glasses round out his signature look.

Early in his acting career, he was overlooked, but when he continued to shine as the leading man in all of my movies, he quickly found himself in high demand. We were inseparable in our younger days after meeting at University. I’ve been thankful every day that I was rooming with this shy American kid. A dynamic duo who were at the top of our careers and shared many personal achievements throughout our friendship.

We both married and started our families very young. His marriage ended far sooner than mine. He and his wife Veronica met during his brief time on Broadway. She was a dancer in the show and they married within six months of meeting. During their three years of marriage, their two beautiful daughters, Anna and Emily, were born. Max and Veronica put a pause on their careers to start their family. Being away from dancing and the stage took a toll on Veronica, and just six months after Emily was born, she left Max and the girls to return to the stage.

I tried to be there for him as best I could, but he was never the same again. Since then, we haven’t spoken about Veronica, and Max has never shared any intention of dating again. He raised the girls with help from family, and as he got older, he took on more and more roles. When we would do movies together, the girls would always come stay with us. They are practically sisters to Oliver and Finn.

As for his current acting career, like mine, he has slowed down, looking toward retirement. He spends most of his time with his daughters, who are now grown and starting their own careers.

“So what brings you to the UK this time, Max?”

“Aside from your warm company?” he says with a slight smile.

“I was reminded just last night of just how unappealing my company can be, so I know it’s not that.”

“I’ve always told you, you need to work on your first impression…and your second and third impressions aren’t usually great either.” He smirks at me. “You come off gruff.” Max loves to bestow his wisdom as the older of the two of us by six months. Well, I’m taller.

“What’s going on?” I ask .

“Didn’t Viewmont call you yet?” Viewmont is a production company we’ve worked with for years, but I haven’t heard from them since we wrapped our last film years ago. I shake my head at Max, and he continues, “They flew me in to discuss the movie. I asked if you were involved, and they said they are still in talks with everyone. I assumed they only called me because you were already signed on.”

“What movie? I haven’t heard anything from Mark.” Sure, during our last call, I told him to leave me the fuck alone. Yet, if Max was involved, he should know I’d want to be informed.

“Oh…Henry…” This wasn’t good. Why is he hesitating? “They are making a new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice .”

My shoulders slump and my chin falls to my chest. It’s the most famous Jane Austen story and arguably the most popular love story ever told. These adaptations are wildly coveted among actors and directors. I’ve spent my entire career begging Viewmont Productions to let me have an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice .

“Call Mark now, I don’t mind.” Max is a friend like no other. If he hadn’t been contacted about this movie, would it have been made without me? I pick my phone up and try to ignore the knot in my stomach.

The rings stop, and I hear a booming voice on the other end. “Mr. Henry Brooks! What a pleasant surprise.”

“Viewmont is doing a new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice . Have they called you?”

Mark stutters to answer, good. My anger has translated over the line. “Henry, this is the first I’ve heard of it. Are you sure? ”

“Yes, I’m sitting here with Max, who just met with them about casting.”

“I’ll call right now.”

I hang up. I don’t want another moment wasted on getting that movie in my name. After a deep breath, I take a large drink of my water and try to compose myself. The waiter brings our lunches, and I’m suddenly no longer hungry. I know better than to expect an immediate call back from Mark and try to calm myself.

“Aren’t you a little old to be Mr. Darcy, Max?” I turn my attention to my friend, who has a mouth full of his bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, which he almost chokes on while laughing at my joke.

“Well, based on your dating history, younger women appear to be interested in older men now. I might just be able to pull off the handsome owner of the famous Pemberley estate.”

Could this be one of those adaptations where they are changing everything? That is a trend I’ve noticed lately.

After chewing his bite and taking a drink of his water, Max continues, “Unfortunately, they did not ask if I would play Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley. I think I would have been great as Mr. Bingley back in the day. He was always my favorite character each time I read the book. Anyway, I was asked to play Mr. Bennett.”

“Congratulations, my friend. You will be great in that role!”

Max gives me an exasperated look, “We’ll see.”

“What does that mean? I assumed you were already signed on,” I asked.

“I let them know I won’t do it unless you are directing. I haven’t signed anything yet.” Loyalty is a strong component of our friendship. I can’t let him down. He deserves this role. I am determined to get this job. Surely, the years of our professional partnership and the considerable amount of money I’ve made them is enough for Viewmont to have me as the director.

Pride and Prejudice will not be the one that got away.

As I turn the key in the lock to the boys’ townhouse, the smell of popcorn fills my lungs. They know it’s my favorite snack—they must be up to something . Letting the delicious scent guide me, I find a crowd around the kitchen island. My sons are here with Hannah, Mia, and Lucy.

My entrance has gone unnoticed, so I take this moment to lean on the door frame and watch the newest addition to our group. Her long brown hair falls in waves down her back as she leans over to grab a carrot off a tray in the center of the island. Permitting myself only the quickest of glances down her backside, I am startled from my admiration by Finn yelling, “Let’s play Uno.” As they laugh, Lucy is the first to notice me. She straightens her stance immediately and says, “Hello,” with a smile that isn’t quite friendly, more like she is planning something.