The Royal Couple: A Christian Romance (Royals Book 1) Read online

  “No, you weren’t wrong…exactly. Still, this setting is a little…uh…romantic for a meal between friends isn’t it?”

  He scratched his cheek and glanced around the restaurant.

  “You think so? I don’t know. It just seems like a really comfy, relaxing place.”

  Barbara was beginning to think that William was a better actor than she was.

  She decided to change the subject and not belabor the point.

  “I guess I expected you to take me to Fifteen.” Fifteen was the Waldorf’s famed Michelin star-rated restaurant. “I’ve dined there a few times. The food and service are excellent.”

  “It did cross my mind but each time we’ve met this week it’s been at the Waldorf. I decided that a change of scenery was in order.”

  “So, what’re you having?” she asked.

  Since she didn’t eat meat, it had been easy to decide on the soup of the day for the starter and the grilled salmon and new potatoes for the entrée.

  “I’m going to have the tuna tartare for the appetizer. I’m still trying to decide on my main.”

  William’s attention returned to the menu and Barbara took the opportunity to covertly observe him. She noted how his open-necked periwinkle shirt highlighted his eyes and contrasted nicely with his black blazer and the way the fitted jacket hugged his broad shoulders. Her gaze continued to roam, taking in the large stainless steel watch on his wrist and ended at his long fingers with their short, trim nails. She sighed softly as she took a sip of water. He really was a fine specimen of a man. There was no denying that.

  When her eyes slowly made the trek back up to his face, she found that he was no longer looking at the menu. He was now watching her with slight amusement playing around his lips.

  Barbara’s body immediately flooded with warmth and she glanced away. She took a gulp of water and looked around the restaurant to escape William’s piercing eyes.

  After they had ordered their meals, William shifted in his seat and took a sip of his martini. “Now, back to your choice of beverage. Is water all you ever drink?”

  “Still with the water. Why are you so obsessed with what I drink?”

  “I’ve just noticed that every time we’ve been together you’ve only drunk water, except for that glass of champagne at Prudence’s party.”

  William stopped as he suddenly recalled that exception.

  “Hey! I thought you said you didn’t drink.”

  Barbara smirked. “I should have said I hardly ever drink. I really grabbed that champagne because I needed something to do with my hands right then. You may not have noticed but I never finished the glass.”

  “I did notice.”

  “The water thing is a habit I cultivated over the years. My first nutritionist suggested that I drink at least ten cups of water every day.” She looked at her glass and laughed. “You find that when you’re drinking that much water you really don’t have room for other liquids. If I drank anything else I’d spend my life in the bathroom.”

  William chuckled. “Yes, I see what you mean. Wouldn’t leave you much time for making movies now, would it?”

  She shook her head and continued to laugh. “No, it wouldn’t.”

  “Speaking of which, I saw the trailer to your latest movie, The Reaping. It looks really interesting. I can’t wait to see it. What’s it about?”

  “Well, it begins when the church is raptured and tells the story of what happens with those who are left behind. It also covers the end times, including the rise of the anti-Christ.”

  “So it’s based on the Bible then.”

  “Yeah, it is. It’s set for release in June.”

  “Tell me more.”

  She shook her head and played with the stem of her water goblet. “I don’t want to reveal any spoilers,” she said with a smile.

  “Is your character good or bad?”

  “Let just say she becomes reformed after she’s left behind.”

  William took another sip of his drink and continued to hold her captive with his beautiful eyes. “I heard you talking to Prunes about a new movie you are planning to produce, am I right?”

  “Yes. It’s called Israel. The script is really good. I’m very excited about the project.”

  “Is it true, then, what I read about you no longer making secular films?”

  Barbara was about to say something when their waiter approached the table to set down their appetizers.

  “Yeah, pretty much,” she responded after the waiter left. “I’m not interested in wasting my time on things that have no eternal value. I want my remaining time on earth to count for something. I realize that God gave me acting talent for a reason: to bring people to him through the art of storytelling.”

  “Has your decision to star only in Christian movies impacted on the money you make? I’m guessing that the vast majority of movies that do well at the box office are secular.”

  William picked up his knife and fork. He was about to cut into his tuna tartare when Barbara reached across the table and asked, “May I bless the meal first?”

  He abruptly put down his cutlery, grasped her hand and bowed his head. When they were through he didn’t release her hand. After a few seconds, she gave it a small tug as her heart beat began to quicken. He let go and picked up his cutlery. The corners of his mouth twitched as he pierced the fish with his fork.

  “You’re right,” Barbara said, resuming their conversation. She picked up her soup spoon. “I must admit though that the three films that Changing Lives has produced so far have all made substantial profits, which I credit to God’s grace. Even if the profits had been small, though, it wouldn’t have changed my commitment to making Christian films. After all, for what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?”

  William wrinkled his brow. “Is that Shakespeare?”

  Barbara shook her head slowly in disbelief. “Seriously, William, for someone who claims to know the Lord you should at least know the difference between Scripture and Shakespeare.”

  “That was a joke, Barbara. For heaven’s sake, lighten up. I know that it’s taken from Luke 9:25.”

  Barbara’s mouth fell open.

  William took a slow sip of his drink and stared at her for a long moment. Eventually, he sighed. “Don’t be so impressed, I only know the verse because the minister at the church in Paris made reference to it during his sermon.”

  “Yeah, but the fact that you remembered is remarkable. The sermon must have really impacted you.”

  Was it her imagination or did William look slightly uncomfortable? He shrugged. “I retain information easily so don’t read too much into it. Anyway, I’m sorry for being so flippant about Scripture.”

  “Apology accepted,” Barbara replied. She tore off a small piece of her dinner roll and popped it into her mouth.

  “By the way you look incredibly sexy,” William drawled seductively.

  The bread slipped down the wrong passageway. Barbara began to cough violently.

  “Are you all right?” William asked in a voice laced with concern as he pushed her water towards her.

  When her coughing subsided, Barbara took a few sips of her water.

  “I’m fine,” she said in a raspy voice as she glared at him through watery eyes. “…but don’t do that again.”

  “Don’t do what?” he asked as his eyebrows met. “Compliment you?”

  “We’re just friends, remember? It’s not appropriate for you to say provocative things like that to me.”

  He held up his hands, palms facing her. “I’m sorry. Forgive me. I lost my head.” But his blue eyes were twinkling so much that she seriously doubted he was sorry.

  Barbara had been very deliberate when she had selected the loose fitting white silk jersey top with its three-quarter sleeves and paired it with the matching white slacks. Her tangerine, strappy stilettos were probably the only aspects of her wardrobe that could be described as ‘sexy’. She had even rolled her hair into a tigh
t chignon and kept the jewelry to just a thin gold necklace and small gold earrings. In essence, she had tried to dress as though she was going to a business dinner. How could he still say that she looked sexy?!

  She was quite relieved when he changed the subject and asked her why she had decided to produce films.

  ~*~*~*~

  Barbara paused and took a sip of water.

  “Producing films has given me more control over what happens on a movie set than I had in the past. That was my primary motivation when I started my first production company, Barman Films. When I renamed it Changing Lives Films two years ago, the added benefit was to bring to life movies that might not otherwise get made. I consider what I’m doing to be very important. Media is such an influential art form. Most people don’t realize its impact in shaping the values of people from all walks of life. Story-telling as a mode of influence is as old as time. In the Bible, Jesus often used parables to help people to relate to his teachings. I see my work as changing lives one movie at a time. In fact, that’s our slogan.”

  “It sounds like you’re on a mission.”

  “I am. My dream is to set up my own studio where I can market and distribute high-quality Christian films. Right now most studios don’t want to finance them. They don’t believe they will make money. I want to provide a platform and opportunities for this genre to thrive.”

  “Forgive my ignorance, but what’s the difference between a film studio and a film production company?”

  Barbara took a sip of water from the glass the waiter had just refilled.

  “Basically, a studio is a bigger piece of the pie. It’s like the difference between being a landlord and a tenant. My production company rents or leases the majority of equipment and other necessities we use on sets during filming. A studio, on the other hand, owns backlots, prop houses, sound stages, equipment and so on. A sizeable portion of a studio’s income comes from renting or leasing these things.”

  “So what’s preventing you from setting up a studio?”

  “Time. It would take considerable commitment to undertake something like that. There is so much involved in running a studio that acting would have to take a backseat. At least producing allows me to act too, which I love. The most important issue is money. Studios don’t come cheap.”

  “How much money are we talking?”

  “Roughly $75 to $100 million for a state of the art one. That’s money I don’t have; money I’d have to raise. All of that takes time and energy.”

  Then marry me and you’ll have enough money to do whatever your heart desires. Wisely, William kept that particular train of thought to himself. He didn’t think that such a proposal would go over too well.

  Instead, he said, “Tell me about the Changing Lives Foundation, now. How did you come up with that idea?”

  Barbara’s eyes lit up. “I felt God leading me to do it. I kept thinking about all of those kids who live in impoverished areas and seem to have all the odds against them. I was inspired to do something to help. To not only meet their basic needs for food, shelter and clothing but also their educational and, most important, their spiritual needs.”

  “How does the Foundation do that?”

  “We’ve set up community centers across the country that meet those needs. In other cases, we partner with NGOs and various other community groups to enhance the work they are doing with at-risk youth. It’s been going very well. I’m really encouraged by the number of people we’ve been able to reach and influence in a positive way.”

  “How is the work of the Foundation financed?”

  “We’re non-profit so the majority of our money comes from a percentage of the profits from the production company and then from donations, sponsorship, and the annual fundraising gala.”

  Her eyes suddenly widened. “You know what? As you’re the main sponsor of the gala, I’d like to take you on a tour of the three New York centers sometime during your vacation.”

  William watched Barbara in surprise. Why did she think he would want to visit the community centers? He was happy to financially support worthwhile causes but getting down in the trenches had never really been his thing.

  He spoke carefully. He didn’t want her to think that he was uncaring.

  “The work of the Foundation sounds great and I’m rather happy to lend support. I don’t think it’s necessary for me to visit the centers. I trust that you will ensure the money will be put to good use.”

  Barbara frowned but made no response.

  The main course arrived and as they ate their meal William shared his ideas on how Barbara could gain more sponsorship for the Foundation. She nodded and appeared amenable to his suggestions, but he noticed that she had gone quiet.

  After their plates had been cleared away, he asked, “Care to share dessert or are you going to leave me to sin alone?”

  That elicited a laugh. “I think I’ll succumb to temptation on this occasion.” Her eyes scanned the dessert menu. “Well, if I’m going to sin let’s make it memorable. How about the flourless chocolate cake?”

  “Sounds delicious. Now add a scoop of vanilla gelato and it’d be perfect.”

  “You’re a terrible influence, Lamport.”

  “Am I?

  “Yes. I need to watch my figure, you know.”

  “I can watch it for you if you’d like,” he offered sincerely.

  Barbara covered her face with her hands and groaned. “Do these lines actually work on women?”

  “You thought it was a line? I was serious.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “About you? Always.”

  She was saved from replying because just then the waiter reappeared to take their order.

  After a few forkfuls of the dessert, Barbara carefully placed her fork in her plate. “William, I want you to know that I appreciate all of your ideas and your commitment to helping with the gala.”

  He was savoring his dessert and just nodded.

  “I am a little concerned, though, that you may be doing it for the wrong reasons,” Barbara said.

  William’s mouth was full of cake so he didn’t attempt to speak, but his mind raced as he tried to figure out what she was talking about.

  Barbara reached for her phone and began to swipe and tap the screen. Finally, she slid it across the table towards him. “Look, read this.”

  He shifted his body so that he could see the screen clearly and was surprised to find himself staring at a passage of Scripture.

  “It says here in 2 Corinthians 5:10, for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

  She swiped the phone to scroll up. “And then again, in 1 Corinthians 3: 12 -15 it says, if anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

  “What’s your point, Barbara? I don't get it.” William wondered briefly if the love of his life had become some sort of religious fanatic.

  “What these passages are saying, William, is that we will be justly compensated for the way we use our Spirit-filled talents. ‘Good works’ performed in the energy of the flesh or for the wrong motives will be burned up, but faithful, Spirit-filled service will be rewarded. I listened to you the other day when you spoke about all the charity work that you had done over the years. What a shame that all those ‘good works’ will go unrewarded because they weren’t done with the right motivation.”

  William’s jaw clenched as he felt his body temperature begin to rise.

  Barbara hastened to add, “Listen, I'm not condemning what you’ve done. I’m just saying that your e
fforts should be weighed in light of this standard.”

  It sounded very much like she was condemning him. What did she know about whether his motivation had been right or wrong? Yet, she was babbling on about his works being burnt up. Donating millions to help people globally was suddenly a crime. That just took all.

  When William trusted himself to speak, he spoke in slow, clipped tones.

  “So, the help I gave all those people with my money over the years means nothing because, according to you, it wasn't done with the right motivation?”

  She reached out and touched his hand. Ordinarily her touch would’ve been more than welcomed. Right then, though, it wasn’t. He tensed as he tried to control his anger. She caressed his hand and stubbornly met his gaze.

  “Wills, listen. I'm just sharing my insights into God's word. I’m sorry if I came on too strong. I have a tendency to do that sometimes. I’m really, really sorry.”

  He felt his heart slowly begin to melt.

  Barbara continued. “It’s just that when I asked you about visiting the centers you declined. You seem to be detaching yourself from the people that you are helping. God doesn’t need your money. He wants your empathy towards those who will benefit from it as well. There’s a section of 1 Corinthians 13 that speaks to that same thing. Let me see if I find it…”

  She scrolled down her phone with experienced speed. “Here it is, if I speak in the tongues of men or of angels but do not have love I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophesy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains but do not have love I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast but I do not have love I gain nothing. When I read this passage a couple of years ago, I realized that all the charity work that I'd done in the pass had been worth nothing. You know why? Because I had done it in my own name. I'd never given God the glory. It had been about me and glorifying myself.”

  William’s face slowly relaxed into a smile. “Thank you for that insight. I promise to think about what you’ve said.”