Nora Goes Off Script

by Annabel Monaghan

“Join me?” he asks. I grab another glass. Bernadette’s art project is on the armchair so I sit on the couch by his socked feet. “Thanks for letting me stay,” he starts. “Thanks for helping my kid.” He raises his glass in a toast, and I raise mine back and wait for him to speak. He puts it down. “I think toasting is really pretentious.” “Same.” “Do you think I should quit acting?” I turn my whole body to him, pulling my legs onto the couch. “No. No one does. What are you talking about?” “I don’t know. I’ve made a lot of movies, and I’m only forty. I could have a whole second life, not being famous. Using the self-checkout gun.” “You’re just burned out. You’ve made three movies in two years. This is a reset, and honestly, I’m really glad you’re here. But you’ll get excited about the next role, and you’ll be back at it.” “I just sort of like doing this.” “You’d get sick of it.” “Are you?” “Not at all.” He smiles. “Can I tell you a secret?” I try to hide the excitement in my voice. “Sure.” “I’ve watched the Christmas movies on TRC. I love them.” “You do not.” I try to contain the smile that is overtaking my face. “I do. When I’m home for the holidays, my mom and I stay up late and watch two or three in a row. Or we did. She liked the young people falling in love; I like the overly wreathed houses and the moms cooking things. And everyone stressing about how the lights are hung.” He takes a sip of his wine. “It’s a guilty pleasure.” “What’s your favorite?” Pick one of mine! Pic...