Chapter 13: Sentimental

In the evening, Winona Ryder came to find Arthur to go out for dinner together. "Did you hand over the script to your agent?"

Arthur nodded. "Just not sure if they'll take it seriously."

After dinner, they went to the grassy area by Lake Lutz. Florida has many forests, lakes, and wetlands. Hillsborough County has countless scenic lakes and forests!

Arthur lay on the grass, his head resting on Winona Ryder's lap, enjoying the gentle evening breeze and the beautiful sunset over the lake.

"Arthur, why didn't you go drinking with Depp?" Winona Ryder asked, stroking Arthur's hair.

"Ah, that guy has too many vices. Besides drinking, he's heavily into marijuana," Arthur said, opening his eyes and looking at the beautiful face above him. He advised her, "That stuff may relieve stress, but it's not good for you. You should avoid it. It makes you age faster, slows your thinking, and is generally harmful to both your body and mind."

Since Winona Ryder wasn't with Johnny Depp, that was good. It meant she wasn't picking up any bad habits.

"Haha, a lot of people who love rock music are like that," Winona Ryder said with a smile and kissed Arthur on the lips. "I know."

Johnny Depp liked rock music and often played his guitar, which everyone in the crew knew.

"Anyway, just stay away from it. That stuff can make people spaced out and stupid," Arthur said, realizing that after filming, he saw that someone like Johnny Depp might look glamorous in public, but his private life was a mess.

Moreover, Arthur had heard that Johnny Depp's friends, River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, had similar lifestyles: alcohol, drugs, and women, non-stop.

"I know, but I heard you say you weren't like this in school before. Was it because you took time off?" Winona Ryder asked softly.

Arthur sat up. "More or less. Now that I don't have any family, I need to keep a clear head to succeed!"

Winona Ryder smiled slightly, leaning on Arthur's shoulder, and gently reminded him, "You don't need to rush so much now. Take it slow. Many people haven't participated in any projects at 20. Your scenes wrap up next week. Are you going straight back to Los Angeles?"

"Yeah, I'll go back, write scripts, and continue auditioning," Arthur said, realizing that acting paid well.

"Okay, I'll probably have to shoot for another half month after you leave," Winona Ryder nestled into Arthur's arms. "When I'm done, I'll go to Los Angeles to find you. If you like, we can go to Petaluma in Sonoma County, California. There are many redwood trees, and the scenery in autumn is beautiful. It's where I used to live."

"The North Bay of San Francisco?" Arthur smiled.

"Yes, I studied acting at a drama academy near San Francisco."

"Hmm," Arthur kissed Winona Ryder on the lips, and they lay on the grass, enjoying the kiss.

After the kiss, Arthur, still wanting more, suggested, "Honey, tomorrow is the weekend. Let's not go back tonight, shall we?" implying not to return to the accommodation arranged by the crew.

Winona Ryder looked at Arthur and nodded. "Okay, where should we go..."

At night, in the suite of the Tampa Marriott, Arthur sat on the bed, watching Winona Ryder come over after a bath, dressed in a sexy slip.

"Arthur, do you like it?" Winona Ryder twirled around.

"Of course I do," Arthur pulled her onto the bed and caressed her face, her deep-set features combined with elegance.

Then, Arthur took the initiative to kiss Winona Ryder, and soon, her slip dress and underwear were tossed onto the floor.

Winona Ryder held Arthur tightly as he lay on top of her, her pained expression soon giving way to relaxation, her nails leaving marks on his back...

In the morning, the sea breeze from Tampa Bay flowed into the room with the sunlight, and the two of them woke up almost simultaneously.

"Arthur," Winona Ryder, now a woman, kissed Arthur on the face. "It's a beautiful day."

Arthur smiled and caressed her chest. "Tampa Bay is next to the Gulf of Mexico, unlike Miami, which faces the Atlantic Ocean's storms and tsunamis."

"Later, let's go to the amusement park near the pier," Winona Ryder suggested.

"Do you still have the energy?" Arthur joked, flipping over to kiss her again.

After expending their morning energy, Winona Ryder finally gave in.

"Honey, carry me to the shower," Winona Ryder said weakly, lying on Arthur's chest. "No more."

"Alright," Arthur carried her to the bathroom. "After that, we can go to that French restaurant again. You said their steak was good last time."

"Okay, I am a bit hungry," Winona Ryder smiled. "I noticed you don't like cheese or butter, and you don't even look at hamburgers."

As they soaked comfortably in the bathtub, Arthur continued, "I'm not picky about food, but I'm not interested in high-sugar, high-fat foods."

Winona Ryder laughed and shook her head. "You're too picky. I'll learn to cook if I get the chance."

"Haha, no need," Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I can cook myself. I'm just too lazy sometimes."

"Really?" Winona Ryder turned to hug Arthur's neck. "Dear, did you learn this after your parents ..."

"Uh," Arthur was stunned for a moment. Women are indeed sentimental; this was his inherent skill.

"Sort of," Arthur nodded reluctantly.

"From now on, I'll be your family," Winona Ryder said, kissing Arthur again...

*****

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