The Cinema at Starlight Creek
Page 36
‘My, she is beautiful,’ sighed Hattie.
‘She is,’ Claire said. ‘What’s going to become of her now?’
Hattie looked at Luke.
‘You tell her,’ said Hattie. ‘I better go mingle. And Claire?’
‘Yes?’
‘Thank you for everything you have done. Your arrival in Starlight Creek has changed the lives of many and you’ve helped this old duck finally remember her past and how much she’s achieved.’ Hattie’s grin was like a five-year-old’s. ‘I’m going back to it. Toodle-oo!’
With a wink at her great-nephew Hattie crossed the road, leaving Claire and Luke in the darkness once more.
She turned to Luke. ‘What’s happening with the cinema?’
‘My artists’ retreat isn’t all that’s happening.’
‘Pardon?’
‘Hattie and I have decided to keep the cinema open and we’re going to specialise in Hollywood classics. In fact …’ He smiled. ‘Hattie is going to lead the way by showing movies and talking about her time in Hollywood. We’re already booked up every weekend for the next six months.’
‘Really?’
‘And it wouldn’t have happened without you.’
‘I’m sure in time you two would have—’
‘Claire.’ Luke’s tone was one of frustration.
‘What?’
‘You can’t see it, can you?’
‘What?’
Luke laughed. ‘Is that your favourite word?’
‘Pardon?’ She joined in his laughter.
Luke held her face in his hands, his gaze intense. ‘Please, stay.’
‘I can’t. I …’ Her shoulders slumped. ‘We can’t keep going around in circles!’
Claire looked at the cinema with all the townsfolk milling out the front, their camaraderie shown in their laughter and animated chatter. How very different Starlight Creek was from when she had first got here. Once a town on the verge of collapse that had shunned newcomers for years, now it had a palpable energy and warmth that invited strangers in. Never in her life had she felt more at home.
‘This could be my base,’ she said. ‘I’d have to travel a lot.’
‘I’d be here, waiting for your return.’
‘Are we really doing this?’ She laughed. ‘Are you sure?’
‘I’ve never been surer in my life.’
Luke’s lips met hers.
Home at last.
Luke moved back slightly, his lips kicking into a slow smile. ‘And Claire?’
‘Yes.’
‘You were right. It is absolutely possible to have everything you wish for. I’ve wished for you for a very long time.’
‘Then you have me.’ She rested her head against his shoulder, taking in the cinema that had changed so many lives. ‘Dreams really can come true.’
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Once again I am so very blessed to work with a wonderful group of people who love stories as much as I do.
A huge thank you to the talented and magnificent team at Harlequin MIRA, especially my wonderful publisher, Jo Mackay, who is a delight to work with and has brilliant vision for my stories. Endless thank-yous to Annabel Blay, Laurie Ormond and Julia Knapman who have worked tirelessly to make this story shine. Thank you so much to the very talented cover designer Michelle Zaiter who captured Lena and the cinema so perfectly.
To the wonderful publicity and marketing gurus, Sarana Behan and Adam van Rooijen, thank you so very much for all you do and making sure readers get to discover my books. And a huge thank you to Johanna Baker for the dozens of balls you juggle every day. Thank you so very much to the sales team and all of the Harlequin staff for the hard work you put in to make magic happen.
Stories like this can’t happen without in-depth research and I’ve been so very fortunate to have had the help of a plethora of experts in the field of film and television. My heartfelt thanks goes to those who answered my myriad questions and allowed me to experience what life on set was really like: Pino Amenta, Sue Edwards, Yael Bergman, David Hart, Kevin Carlin, Kate Atkinson, Susie Porter, Kathy Chambers, Penny Moore, Karlyn Fitzgerald, Bridget Dixon, the cast and crew of Trust Frank, Marion ‘Maz’ Farrelly, Denise Eriksen, the Australian Film Television and Radio School, and Women in Film and Television.
Of course, I need to thank my writing crew who think it is totally normal if I talk to myself or the characters in my head. Thank you to Dave Sinclair, Angela Ackerman, Di Curran, Nicki Edwards, Delwyn Jenkins, Heidi Noroozy, Juliet Madison, Kariss Stone, Kerri Lane, Louise Ousby, Natalie Hatch, Lisa Ireland, Rachael Johns, Supriya Savkoor, T.M. Clark, Ros Ward, Tess Woods and Vanessa Carnevale for brainstorming and cracking the whip when needed.
Thank you so much to all the booksellers, book bloggers, librarians, journalists and every reader who promotes authors and their books. On behalf of every author, I extend a huge thank you because without you, our stories would not make it out in this world.
An extra big thank you to the Romance Writers of Australia members. Your encouragement and friendship will always be cherished. Thank you so much to members of the Australian Romance Readers Association. Your support for Australian authors and our books is greatly appreciated.
A whole world of thank-yous to my extended family and non-writing friends who don’t mind when I’m a little distracted with my characters and plotting. This journey is so much sweeter with your unwavering support. Special thanks to Mum, Dave and my beloved Dad and Nanna (missing you always) for encouraging me to follow my dreams.
Thank you to my partner Garry and my gorgeous kids Rebecca and Nicholas: you are the sunshine in my life and your laughter the sparkle. Love you so very much!
This book is dedicated to my brother Dave who shares my passion for writing books as well as our love for Hollywood classic movies. I probably don’t say it enough, but I’m so glad you’re my brother, Dave. Love ya!
And a special thank you to you, dear reader, for choosing to spend time in The Cinema at Starlight Creek.
ISBN: 9781489256621
TITLE: THE CINEMA AT STARLIGHT CREEK
First Australian Publication 2019
Copyright © 2019 Alli Sinclair
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