‘I actually think you’d be doing him a favour. Can I ask why he kicked you out?’ Lorelai asked.
‘It’s obvious, isn’t it? I’m twenty-eight and I’ve never taken responsibility for myself. I could easily have moved out years ago, but I just like having my washing done and having my meals cooked for me. I know I need to grow up.’ His voice became small as he finished speaking, and he looked into the distance, looking every bit the scared little boy.
‘At least you’re honest,’ Lorelai said, trying to lighten the mood.
‘Dad got fed up of Mum doting on me and after a while she started to feel the same. I was officially a burden.’ Riggs’s eyes glistened with tears.
‘Look on the bright side. When you go and visit, the food will taste twice as good.’ Lorelai smiled kindly and was grateful when he smiled back. She decided to change tack. ‘So have you ever had any ambitions, outside of The Duchess?’
‘Not really. I think it was always just a given that thecinema was my future. For as long as I can remember. That’s just the way it was.’ He shrugged.
Lorelai wondered what that must feel like, to feel your entire future was mapped out for you, whether that’s what you wanted or not. With a start, she realised she knew exactly what that felt like. Sometimes there was security and stability in knowing exactly where your life was headed. Other times, it was suffocating.
‘Nothing at school ever pique your interest?’
Riggs laughed. ‘I was rubbish at school. I was usually trying to get off with girls behind the bike sheds.’
‘Right.’That sounds more like the Riggs I thought I knew,Lorelai thought. ‘So no other hobbies or interests?’
He just shrugged. ‘Why?’
‘Just… curious. There must be something that interests you, excites you?’
‘Well, there isn’t,’ Riggs snapped. ‘I’m what everyone says I am – unmotivated and useless.’
‘Riggs, I didn’t mean—’
‘Forget it.’ His face shut down, and Lorelai sensed he wouldn’t be pressed any further.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘I didn’t mean to upset you.’
‘You didn’t. Anyway—’ he suddenly smiled at her, the happy mask back in place ‘—what aboutyou?’
‘What about me?’
‘I know you like working at The Duchess, but surely it’s not your life’s dream, right?’
‘No.’ Lorelai took a long sip from her mug, hoping he would take the hint and stop prodding. This was getting too intense.
‘So, what’s the grand plan for your future, then?’
‘That’s a bit of a big question, isn’t it?’
‘That’s what you just asked me.’
Lorelai sighed, knowing he wouldn’t let up until she gave him an answer. Why not tell him the truth? He’d shared something personal with her.
‘Alright.’ She got up from her seat and walked through to the living room, leaving her coffee behind. Riggs took a large gulp of his coffee before abandoning it and following obediently. Around the television, mounted on the wall, were her bookshelves filled with books and the DVDs of their adaptations. Lorelai was suddenly nervous about explaining this to Riggs.
‘Joanie once asked me what one possession I would save if the flat was on fire and my mind zipped straight here. I spent ages wondering how many I could feasibly carry from a burning building.’ She looked at the bursting shelves, and felt her heart swell.
‘So… what exactly is the dream, then?’ Riggs probed.
‘Someone has to sit and turn the book into a script when it’s adapted for the screen,’ Lorelai said feebly and shrugged.
‘That’s the job you want?’
She nodded, looking up at her collection.
