They arrived and entered the hotel, with Keely begging Scarlett to stop at the restroom.
“I can’t go twelve minutes without needing to pee. I know you remember those days,” her friend said.
As they entered, they saw London combing her hair. It amazed Scarlett how the strawberry blond had regained her figure so quickly after delivering twins last year. With three young children, London had decided to quit touring. She would still put out CDs and commit to the occasional HBO concert special but she now enjoyed working from her home recording studio and expanding the Monroe Design Line. It included not only children’s furnishings and playwear but also a home furniture line. She and Knox were very hands-on with every aspect of their company.
London and Scarlett hugged while Keely waddled into a stall. They exchanged small talk about their children. Keely rejoined them and they went to the ballroom. Their table was next to the stage. Knox rose and pulled out London’s chair and then greeted Scarlett and Keely, while Mac made sure Keely got comfortable.
Scarlett thought Knox grew more handsome as he aged. He and Wynn had grown close and when Wynn decided to open his own production company last year, Knox came on board as a co-founder. The two men had partnered with USC and UCLA’s film schools to groom young talent in the industry. Rhett’s directorial debut, starring Dash and Mac, would be under the new company’s banner.
Rhett and Cassie arrived with Dash and Sydney in tow. As like Knox, Dash only grew more handsome, though his dark hair now showed gray at the temples. Sydney’s auburn hair fell about her shoulders. She looked sensational in a hunter green dress and was as poised as ever. She limited herself to directing one film a year, preferring to spend the rest of her time as a producer on various RCDS projects so she could have more time with her family. Dash did the same, choosing one film a year that spoke to his heart and then handling RCDS business the rest of the time.
She greeted the two couples and Cassie said, “I had an incredible dream last night. It’s going to make a smashing movie and I want Wynn for the lead. He’ll be perfect. Where is he? I need to talk to him about it. He always has great insight, especially when I’m starting a new script.”
Scarlett looked around. “Probably with Sarah Hartnett. He wanted to check with her on a few final details when we arrived.”
“I’ve already run it by Breck. He was intrigued and said he can work on it with me in about two more weeks.”
Scarlett admired her sister-in-law’s work ethic. Cassie wrote everywhere from the bathtub to dictating while in school carpool lines. She’d won two Oscars for Best Screenplay, sharing one of them with Breck. They still remained the most in-demand writing team in Hollywood.
Rhett kissed her cheek. “Good to see you, little sister. How’s work going?”
Scarlett had kept her law office small and kept flexible hours. She had brought Del on as a partner and he handled nothing but pro bono cases, while she focused on representing clients solely in the entertainment industry. She’d deliberately kept the roster small but did hire one green but enthusiastic associate last year to help out.
“RCDS keeps me pretty busy,” she teased. “Other than that, it’s been smooth sailing.”
He laughed. “Wait until kindergarten starts next year. You won’t believe the change from pre-school to fulltime kindergarten. If you think you and Wynn are busy now, think again.”
Breck arrived and pounded Rhett on the back and then swept Scarlett up and twirled her around.
“How’re things going?” he asked.
“Where’s Jo?” Scarlett countered. “I’d much rather see her than you.”
“You know Jo. She’s a bundle of nerves. Once she comes out to warm up this crowd, she’ll be fine. But every time before a performance, she goes a little nuts. I’ve learned to give my lady space.”
Wynn slid an arm around her waist. “Have I missed anything?” He said hello to everyone and seated Scarlett, taking the chair next to her.
“Cassie’s going to corner you about a new idea she wants to write. She thinks you’ll be the perfect lead.”
“It’s hard to say no to The General. I’ve found it’s easier to say yes than have her wear me down.”
“I agree.”
“I need to get this show on the road,” he said. “Be back in a few.”
Wynn mounted the stairs and asked for everyone to find their tables. As he began to speak about the purpose of his foundation and the opportunities it afforded students, Scarlett thought how different this Wynn was from the one she’d met at a similar event five years ago. The diffident loner now addressed a packed house with ease and humor. He’d brought joy and love into her life as both husband and father and treated her as an equal.
Scarlett knew how lucky she was to have him. Wynn might have been killed in that horrible accident. The driver who’d struck his car hadn’t worn his seatbelt and died instantly from the tremendous impact. Thank God, Wynn had lived and they’d forgiven each other. Their love grew stronger every day.
Wynn finished his remarks and rejoined the table. Everyone complimented him on hitting the right note and praised him for the work his charity did. As they ate, Jo came on and did a set that was so funny, Scarlett thought she might be sore for a week from laughing so hard.
After dinner, they adjourned to the next ballroom. While the silent auction went on, a country band featuring Trae Lymon as its lead singer kicked things off. The rock band that followed only heated the room up more. Finally, London came out, slowing the tempo as the hour grew late with a sultry ballad.
“Let’s dance,” Wynn whispered in her ear, taking her hand and leading her out to where other
