Page 21 of Thanks for Coming Along
"It's good, the same old stuff. A lot of running and jumping. Saving the universe," Quentin said, his tone devoid of enthusiasm.
"That all sounds exciting, but you sound bummed by it," Eden observed, her eyebrows furrowing.
"You would think so, but I think I'm ready for a change. I'm thinking of having my agent submit me for more dramas. Less action," Quentin shared quietly as if speaking it aloud would alert the world.
"Wow, that would be awesome. You are an amazing actor. You would do great," she responded genuinely. She meant it; he was seriously talented. He had a gift for infusing emotion into his roles, even his more superficial roles.
"Thanks, Ed. I am seriously proud of you for doing this documentary. I know it's out of your comfort zone, but I know it will be good for you," Quentin's voice softened.
"Thanks, Quentin. I think so, too," Eden whispered. It was shaping up to be very good for her in more than one way. She was broadcasting her story and hopefully helping people while learning about herself. Slowly but surely, opening herself up again.
"So, how is the interview going?" Quentin asked.
"Honestly, not bad. I really like my documentarian. He's... great," Eden said with an involuntary sigh.
"Eden Percy! Did you just girlishly sigh?" Quentin asked with a laugh. Oh god, had she? Howhumiliating.
"No!" she said quickly but paused. "Okay, maybe," she admitted, squeezing her eyes shut in embarrassment.
"You wanna bone your interviewer. That is extremely interesting," Quentin said with a smile in his voice.
"Try not to sound too excited about the predicament," Eden groaned, massaging her neck wearily.
"This is a major development, Ed. It's been ages since you showed interest in anyone." Was it a big deal? She didn't want it to be a big deal. But he was right. She hadn't genuinely liked someone in aconsiderableamount of time.
"It's no big deal. It's just a passing crush. It'll fade. I just need to see him doing something cringe-worthy, like chasing a ping-pong ball or something," she retorted. Her mind flashed back to her freshman year in college, replaying the image of her crush, Kevin, frantically chasing a runaway ping-pong ball at the beer-pong table. She shuddered at the memory; it had the power to extinguish any budding crush. Just ask poor Kevin.
"Okay, wow. The mental image of a grown man chasing a ping pong ball just hit me, and I got a wave of revulsion," Quentin remarked. He quickly added, "Are you planning to use the Lake Tahoe house this year? I'm wondering if I should have my cleaner turn over the bedding before you go."
"Yes! I would love to go again this year," Eden responded eagerly. Two years ago, she'd established a tradition of retreating to Quentin's cabin in Lake Tahoe. There, she would hole up in solitude to write new music. Eden's personal songwriting retreat and Quentin generously let her stay at his place.
"Sounds good. You know the code to get in," Quentin said casually.
They hung up, and Eden went back inside, intent on rounding up everyone to make their way to the main stage for their set.
"Beck move over, you are hogging the couch." Ingrid's voice carried over the trailer. Eden looked up quickly to see Beck still lounging, his leg propped up and covering all the seats. Ingrid was sitting on the edge of the couch as though touching Beck's leg would lead to instant death.
"Don't act as if you don't love it. I remember a time when you would beg me..." Beck's words were abruptly interrupted by a loud grunt. "Ouch! You are super strong for someone so wispy," Beck exclaimed, rubbing his right arm while Ingrid smirked in triumph.
Eden sighed at the sight. All was right in the world. Ingrid and Beck were back to teasing each other. It was a sight for sore eyes.
Eden spotted Ronan on his knees, rummaging in his bag. She walked over to him, and as he looked up, his green eyes seemed to pierce through her. At that moment, she couldn't help but appreciate how good he looked on his knees.
"They love to hate each other. It's like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy but with the added fun of smartphones and advanced medicine." Eden whispered over the bickering pair on the couch. Ronan's lip turned up at her comment.
"Let's go, kids! Time to dominate another show," Eden declared to the group, clapping her hands together.
"Yes, Mommy," Finn playfully responded as he stood up from his seat.
"Gross, Finn," Eden teased, crinkling her nose at the remark.
"There is definitely something Freudian there," Ingrid muttered as she stood up from the couch. “Therapy, think about it. It does wonders," she whispered to Finn with a smirk as she stood next to him.
"Single file because clearly, you are a bunch of numbskulls, and I need to lead you to the stage like a group of kindergarteners," Eden instructed, taking charge and positioning herself at the front. Glancing over her shoulder, she caught Ronan's entertained smile. He appeared genuinely entertained by the antics, and for some reason, she couldn't help but feel pleased about it.
13
Ronan
