Begin Again: Chapter 21

Portia smiles staring at the picture Ellen just sent to her. A picture of a raspberry citrus cheesecake that’s served with such a magnificent decoration, along with a caption that says, Makes me drool, almost literally. Don’t you wish you were with me now? 

“Good news?” 

Portia lifts her face, looking away from her phone and to Francesca who’s sitting across her. “Sorry, what?” 

Fran moves her chin, indicating Portia’s phone. “You’re beaming. Did you just receive a good news?” 

“Oh, not really.” Portia stuffs her phone back into her purse, reaching for the menu card in front of her. “Are you ready to order?” 

“Sure.” Francesca waves her hand to call a waitress and stars to order, “We’ll have two chilis and—“ 

“Just one chili, please,” Portia quickly interrupts as soon as she realizes that Fran is ordering for both of them, just like she used to do. “I’ll have the pumpkin soup.” 

Fran looks at her confusedly. “I thought you didn’t like pumpkin soup.” 

Portia smiles and lightly says, “Taste can change.” 

************

Audrey rests her chin on her hand and stares at Ellen who’s sitting across her. “I didn’t know you like taking pictures of food,” she comments. 

“I love seeing beautiful cakes,” Ellen mumbles without looking away from her phone. “But I’m taking this picture for someone else.” 

“Who?” 

Ellen doesn’t answer, busy doing things on her phone. A couple seconds later, she puts down her phone on the table and looks at Audrey. “You sure you don’t want to have this cheesecake? Everyone says this is the best one in town.” 

Audrey stares at the cheesecake in front of her and slightly shudders. “No, thanks. I’m on a new diet.” 

Ellen shrugs. “Alright,” she mutters and starts to eat her cake. 

“Where do you wanna go after this?” Audrey asks. 

“Up to you. What do you want to see?” 

“I heard about 360 Chicago. You think we can go there?” Audrey says excitedly. 

“Okay.” 

“After that, to Millennium Park and Navy Pier. We can do dinner there. Oh, and I heard there’s always a nice firework show in Navy Pier on New Year’s Eve…” 

Ellen glances at her watch and says, “I can’t have dinner with you tonight, Audrey.” 

“Oh.” Audrey looks surprised. “Why? You’re going somewhere?” 

“Yes.” 

Audrey waits for Ellen to ask her to go with her wherever it is she might go tonight, but Ellen doesn’t say anything further and goes back to eating her delicious cake. Wait, this doesn’t go accordingly with Audrey’s plan at all. She came to Chicago so she can spend her time— and New Year’s Eve— with Ellen. If this is the case… “Where?” Audrey asks, trying to sound as casual as possible. Ellen doesn’t like it when she asks way too many questions about her personal activities. 

“A high school reunion,” Ellen answers. 

“Well, can’t I come with you?” Audrey asks again. 

Ellen stares at her in veiled surprise. 

Audrey quickly adds, “I mean, I don’t know anybody in Chicago and I don’t want to spend my New Year’s Eve alone in my hotel room, so…” 

Ellen looks doubtful. “But you don’t know any of my high school friends, Audrey. Wouldn’t it be too awkward for you?” 

Miranda raises her eyebrows. “Me? Awkward?” she says, straightening up her back, looking offended. “Ellen, I’ve gone to dozens of events in New York with you. I think you should know by now that I never easily get nervous even when I’m surrounded by people I don’t know.” 

“Well, I guess you’re right,” Ellen has to admit. “You’re one of the most confident people I’ve ever known.” 

“So?” Audrey stares at Ellen. “Can I come with you?” 

Whatever Ellen’s response is, she doesn’t have the chance to say it because suddenly a tall, big man shows up and greets Ellen cheerfully. 

“Ellen DeGeneres! Wow, what a pleasure to see you again,” the man says with a deep voice. 

Ellen gets up and shakes hands with him before they pull each other into a brief hug. “Arthur,” Ellen clearly looks surprised, “what a coincidence. How are you, man?” 

“Good, very very good.” Then Arthur Young realizes Audrey’s presence. “Oh, hello.” 

Audrey flashes her well-trained, friendly smile and says, “Hi.” 

“I’m so sorry to interrupt your conversation,” Arthur says to both Ellen and Audrey. 

“You’re not interrupting at all. We just finished our meal,” Ellen says. 

Arthur extends his hand to Audrey. “Arthur Young, Ellen’s high school friend,” he introduces himself. 

Audrey happily shakes hands with the man. “Audrey Hill. Very nice to meet you.” 

Arthur averts her attention back to Ellen. “Anyway, you’re coming to tonight’s event, right?” 

“Absolutely.” 

“Great. We can catch up later. Oh, and Frank’s gonna be there, too.” Arthur looks at Audrey again. “And surely, you’re coming with Ellen, aren’t you?” 

Audrey looks at Ellen and Arthur alternately. “Oh, that’s a high school reunion. I wouldn’t want to show up uninvited—“ 

Arthur waves his hand. “That’s bullcrap. You totally should come. It’s gonna be fun.” 

Audrey looks at Ellen again with a meaningful look. Ellen doesn’t say anything for a moment, only returning Miranda’s signal with a slight smile. Then she says, “I’ll convince her to come, Arthur. Don’t worry.” 

Arthur nods his head in approval. “I gotta run now,” Arthur says, “but I’ll see you again tonight.” 

Audrey watches as Arthur walks out of the restaurant, then suddenly her eyes catch something on the corner of the street. She quickly averts her glance, pretends not to notice it. She plays with her hair, slightly leans over towards Ellen and smiles widely. “So, what time are you going to pick me up?” she asks. 

Ellen chuckles and shakes her head. “You always get what you want, don’t you?” 

Audrey moves her right shoulder lightly. “I try.”