Even though it wasn't explored much in the movie, I really like the dynamic between Gina and Ruth in The Girl in the Cafe and had inspiration for this 'what if' moment. I like to think they crossed paths again.

"Is that you, Gina?"

Gina turned, the familiarity of Ruth's voice feeling strange after only a handful of short conversations with her all those weeks ago. A smile came easily, albeit, a nervous one. "Suppose I shouldn't be surprised you recognize me."

Ruth hugged her, surprising Gina even more. "Quite memorable."

"So much for being on my best behavior, yeah?"

Ruth chuckled. "I'll be honest, I was hoping I'd run into you. I know you met Lawrence on this street. Do you live around here?"

"No," Gina answered. "I come this way now and again… You were hoping to run into me?"

"Didn't Lawrence tell you? Surely you've seen it in the news."

Gina blushed. "Yes, he did. And I have."

"Your speech caused quite a stir."

"I'm sorry about that. Although, I'm not really. Seeing as it seemed to make a difference and all."

"Of course, the men would never credit you." Ruth rolled her eyes before returning to a soft expression. Touching Gina's arm, she said softly. "I want to congratulate you. Sincerely."

"Thank you. It's a bittersweet victory."

Ruth gave a slow nod. "Have you seen Lawrence at all?"

With a mix of a shrug and a nod, Gina answered, "We met once after he came home. We… Things ended abruptly. Under the circumstances I owed him. When I left Iceland I had no intention to see him again."

She didn't know why she was saying any of this. Only that she'd fail to make sense of her relationship with Lawrence on her own and Ruth had been kind to her from the start. Kind and almost protective. It was a nice change.

"They offered him his job back, you know. Didn't take it."

"He mentioned something about needing a break. Needing a change. I've only heard from him once since. I don't expect I will again."

"Too bad, that. I've known him for years and I'd never seen him so happy."

Looking down, she pursed her lips. "Wasn't meant to be."

Ruth touched her arm again, letting a few seconds pass before speaking again. "What I want to say most to you is how sorry I am. Lawrence told me what you said to him at the airport… I don't need to tell you how much I sympathize."

Gina looked up again. "He did?"

"Please, don't be angry with him. He was distraught when he came back to the hotel. I pressed him."

"Oh."

"I supposed I've been seeking you out for a selfish reason. At least in part. It's so easy for people to say they understand, but unless you've actually gone through it…" Ruth's voice caught.

Now Gina was the one reaching for her hand. "I know."

Recovered, she went on. "When he told me, I thought immediately of our last conversation. Your response to me was different for everyone else. You didn't flinch when I broke down the way I did. Once Lawrence said what he did I felt as though I should have known."

"Don't be silly."

Ruth sniffed as she reached into her purse. Pulling out a card, she handed it to Gina. "Here's my number. Call me anytime if you want. No pressure or anything, I just know that sometimes it's nice to talk to someone who's been through it. Although, from what I gather, there's more that I cannot possibly imagine."

Gina took the card, trying to stop her hands from fumbling. In almost a whisper, she said, "Yes."

"I wish I had your courage, Gina."

Her eyes never wavering from the card, she said, "Lot of good it's done me since."

"You've inspired change. That's a lot of good."

"The only consolation. And there's a selfish part of me that would take everything back… make sure that night never happened."

"I think just about any mother would."

Mother. The word echoed. When was the last time she was referred to as a mother?

Her shoulders pushed forward, a sob stuck in her throat. People passing by on the sidewalk were already casting glances her way.

Ruth pulled her to the side, offering open arms which Gina readily accepted.

"I haven't talked about it since the hearings," Gina admitted weakly. "I can never bring myself to."

"I'm sure," Ruth soothed.

"Even Lawrence only knew what I told him when I left. He asked again, you know, when saw each other. But I couldn't. I told him there wasn't any point. I stood by what I said: there's no future for us. And I just can't. Because when I do, I'm beside myself."

"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have brought it up."

Stepping back and wiping her eyes, she said, "No, I'm glad you did. Because you're right. It's so hard to find people who understand the grief of losing your child. Especially when it was sudden."

Ruth's eyes shut tight. "The worst…"

"The worst."

After a moment, Gina spoke again. "I will call. It's a bit embarrassing to say that I don't have many friends these days. Lawrence was the most significant relationship I've had in a long time. Platonic or otherwise."

"If there's ever anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."

Gina nodded, although knew she never would. She wouldn't know where to begin.

Instead, she said, "If you have some time now, I was just on my way to get a cup of tea. Would you care to join me? There's a café not far from here. Where I met Lawrence, actually. I promise not to get emotional again."

Ruth laughed, linking her arm through Gina's. "Regardless, I would love to."

Gina could have crumbled there again by the simple gesture. Her world suddenly felt a little less lonely.