The Ones Who Didnt Make It

Row 13 was left vacant as the train’s whistle sounded and the cars began to roll back. Two passengers missing from the manifest, the pair was just waking in the 2nd arrondissement. Call it jet lag, call it bliss, call it care free, call it whatever you want. But don't call them late. They didn't make the train. Their absence was intentional. This was the city of love after all and they had received the memo. What's another day in the grand scheme anyway. Today they lived in the moment.

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The invitation included the main event and tucked behind, an exclusive request to attend the after party. All of the who's who, including their dearest friends, would attend both. They planned to as well. Another fundraiser, though, this cause was actually important to them. 

Mingle, dance, drink, dance, drink, donate, dance, drink, party, drink, dance. 

This is how it always went and of course it was always delightful! A chance to dress fancy, a new gown for her, dedicated cufflinks for him, and maybe even a velvet bow tie if the vibe was right. This night was different. Maybe it was the sparkle on the grounds from the full moon, maybe it was finally finding a good night's sleep, or maybe there was just some extra magic in the air that increased the magnetic intensity shared by the pair. 

They didn't make it to the after party. They weren't too tired. Nor overserved. No. The universe held them together like glue and once the obligation to the foundation was fulfilled, once the last dance faded out, they took flight to a different after party. Their own after party for two where the chemistry continued.

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It was the opening weekend for the most anticipated film of the summer. Two unlikely individuals, living their own life, mistakenly found each other the year prior. He, a newly minted Director with an opportunity of a lifetime. She, an aspiring creative herself, hungry to learn however and wherever she could. Aso…finding a job was a good thing too she supposed.

The summer spent on set sent sparks flying. A minor (?) distraction perceived by some but the undeniable organic intimacy between expert and apprentice only enhanced each scene. The time had come. Their final product was ready to show the world! Of course they had, with the most critical eye, assessed, iterated, and ensured this final product was as perfect as it could be. 

They had seen the film a dozen times before the premier details were ever finalized. They didn't need the pomp and circumstance of opening weekend in Hollywood. 

Content in their own little bubble, filled with only each other, a night under the stars sounded far more appetizing than camera flashes and red carpet chaos. 

So light as a feather, through In-N-Out, onto the highway, and out of town they went. This premier weekend was their first together not on the job. And a campsite in Joshua Tree encompassed by the beauty and wonder of the galaxy was the reward. Much more, the start of something that would be forever.