Hart to Hart: To Love Again

Chapter 10

The cast and crew remained in London for 2 more weeks, and they finished making the movie without any further problems. Lil St. James was down, but she was not out. She didn't think for a second that it was over, and was secretly working on her next plan to get RJ for herself. "Sophia, you little bitch, this is far from over...I WILL win RJ's heart...one way or another" she said to herself. With the movie completed, and no other projects in line, she had time to come up with a fool-proof plan.

During the last 2 weeks in London RJ and Sophia grew even closer. They had breakfast in the hotel together every morning, and several romantic dinners for 2. They were definitely 2 people in love. RJ and Sophia went out for dinner the evening before they were scheduled to leave London. They were talking, and in conversation Sophia said, "It will be great to finally be home. You have..." she started to say. RJ cut her off saying "Honey, you are going to love Los Angeles." "I'm sure I will. I can't wait to come out and visit you out there, soon I hope because I'm going to miss you. You'll have a few weeks R & R before you start work on your next movie. And as for me...I put up with all this movie business for months, my next story is going to take me to my favourite place in the world...Kenya! I told you weeks ago that I'm here because Marcia, my editor, promised me if I did this project I could have the story I've wanted for almost a year. I survived the movie...mind you, I have a lot less hair" she said, running her fingers through it, and remembering her hotel room brawl with Lil St. James.

"I know we haven't specifically talked about it...but we're a couple now...I thought you'd be coming back to Los Angeles with me."

Sophia was stunned, and completely caught off guard. "RJ, I do love you, but this is so sudden. My life centers around New York and Kenya..." she was saying.

"So that's it...goodbye...it was nice knowing you" RJ looked disappointed.

"Of course not, I love you Baby. We need to take some time to sort things out, that's all." Sophia reassured him. "I'll be in Los Angeles for the Academy Awards, and then I'm off to Africa. We can talk about this when I get back, ok?" she asked.

Two Weeks Later (the Academy Award nominees were selected. Their movie received multiple nominations...but Sophia was shocked and surprised to learn she was nominated in the 'Best Writer' category. Other nominations were: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and of course it was no surprise to anyone, RJ Hart for Best Actor)

RJ called Sophia to congratulate her on her nomination. "I don't believe this. It's a mistake or someone's idea of a joke" she said. The Academy members asked me to be a presenter. I can't do it...Hollywood glitz and glamour is not for me. I can't do this" she said. He could hear the uncertainty creeping in to her voice. "I hear Lil St. James is presenting the 'Best Actor' Oscar, is that right RJ?" she asked.

"Usually the previous year's 'best actress' winner presents the 'Best Actor' the following year...so yeah, it'll be her.

"Where were you planning on staying in L.A.? he asked. "I haven't made arrangements yet" she seductively asked "Do you have any ideas?"

"Oh, you bet I do...there's this great place on Seabreeze Drive in Pacific Palisades" he said. I know the owner personally, and he'd love to have you stay there while you are in L.A." he grinned. "That sounds wonderful. Then it's settled. I'm not familiar with the area. Do you think the owner would mind picking me up at LAX?" she asked with a grin. "I know he'd love to" he told her. "How will I recognize him?" she asked playfully. "You won't miss him, he'll be the guy wearing the biggest smile when he sees you" he said. She laughed, saying "I hope he'll be wearing more than that." Sophia decided to put her trip to Kenya off until after the Awards. When she had her travel plans arranged she called RJ with the details. By this time it had been a little over a month since they'd seen each other. Her plane at LAX, and as she was looking around the terminal for him she was approached by a gentleman with a full beard and mustache, and wearing a long black leather coat. As he wrapped his arms around her, he said to her, "Hey beautiful, can I give you a lift?" Startled, she pushed him away as she backed away from him. "Uh...no...no thank you...I'm waiting for someone" she said firmly, but quietly, not wanting to draw attention to herself. He approached again, "Ah, come on Baby"...this time he peeled back the mustache a bit, and winked at her. It was him, "RJ, what in the world...?" she started to say, as they came together in a passionate embrace, and a kiss that onlookers thought would last forever. "Baby, I never thought you'd get here" he said, as he grabbed her bag and they headed out of the airport arm in arm. They were finally together again, after what to both of them seemed like an eternity. RJ hoped she would never leave. As they drove, RJ put his hand over hers. "I know I'm leaving it kind of last minute, and I hope I'm not too late, but would you do me the great honor of being my date to the awards?" he asked. "It would be my honor, Mr. Hart" she smiled. "At the last minute my date had to cancel." "Oh...who was that" he pouted. It was Marcia, silly" she smiled, as a wave of relief crossed over his face. As they pulled into the driveway, she gazed at his beautiful home.

"Oh RJ, what a beautiful home" she said. As soon as Sophia was settled in the living room, she felt right at home.