It was May 6th, George Clooney's 37th birthday. He was having a birthday party at his house in L.A.
"So, you all having fun?" George asks, coming up to a small group of people standing around talking. The group consisted of Tony Edwards, Julianna Margulies, Laura Innes and her husband, David Brisbin, and Henry Smith, a cameraman.
"This is great George." Laura comments. Everyone nods their agreements.
"Is there enough drinks and food?" George asks.
"Yeah, there'd be enough with all of our extended families here!" Julianna exclaims, teasingly. He scoffs.
"At least we know if we get stuck here, we won't go hungry!" Tony says. George shakes his head.
"I do all this work and I get no appreciation!" He says, grinning. Everyone chuckles.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Julianna had a drink in her hand and she was leaning against a wall at George's house all by herself as everyone else danced or ate. She watched as George danced with one of the writers, to a Celine Dion song, as they talked and laughed. For some reason, Julianna felt jealous. Ever since they had filmed that last episode of season three when George had kissed her on the porch, she had been thinking about him a lot and was extremely jealous right now. She knew somewhere inside of her that she had feelings for him, but she wasn't willing to admit it and besides she was dating Ron. In reality, Julianna knew she had had feelings for George from day one, but hadn't admitted it to herself until recently. She sighed and stared down at her drink, swirling it around. She then brought it to her mouth and took a big swig, shaking her head at the nasty taste. She looked up to see George excusing himself from his dancing partner as the song ended. He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked towards her, his head tilted downwards slightly as he smiled at her. 'God, he is gorgeous.' She thought to herself and flashed him a smile. He walked up and stood in front of her, bringing his head up to meet her eyes.
"What are you doing over here all alone in the corner?" George asks.
"Watching. It was either watch, dance alone, or eat." Julianna says.
"You didn't have to dance alone." George says.
"Oh, so who was I supposed to dance with?" Julianna asks, her eyes scanning the room.
"Uh..I guess..you could have danced with Fred." George says, referring to the cameraman who was stuffing his face with food. Julianna makes a face at him as George chuckles.
"Yeah, if I wanted to get food all down the front of me." Julianna jokes. He smiles as another slow song comes on. He smiles at her.
"So, do you want to dance....with me?" He asks.
"Sure. Why not?" She asks, smiling at him. She sets her drink down on a table. He reaches out, taking her hand into his and leading her out to the dance floor. She follows him, her eyes on the floor. He pulls her towards him and she looks up into his eyes and smiles. He smiles back, wrapping his arms around her waist. She lifts her arms up around his shoulders as they sway slightly to the music. George gazes into her eyes and she gazes back. The gaze is becoming intense. George smiles and she returns the smile. In that moment he feels something he has never felt with anyone else before. He pulls her closer to him, smelling her perfume. She closes her eyes briefly, relishing the feel of being in his arms. His arms tighten around her as they dance closely. He always knew he had feelings for her but he never acted on them, scared of rejection and besides she was with Ron. But since Ron was in New York, he didn't have to think about him right now. So he decided to make the best of this time with her in his arms and he held her close. After a few minutes the song was over. George reluctantly let go of Julianna and she smiled shyly at him and he smiled back before she turned around and headed away to get a drink, trying to escape the situation. He watched her go before turning quickly and looking around. He saw Tony and Jeanine standing and talking so he walked over to them.
"Hey George." Tony says. George smiles shortly.
"Hey Tony. Jeanine. So you having fun?" He asks, trying to push Julianna out of his mind. They both nod.
"Yeah, this is a great party. Are you having fun birthday boy?" Tony asks. He chuckles.
"Yeah, I am." He says, smiling. Tony nods. "Well..I better go socialize with my other guests." George says. He smiles at them and walks away. He sees Julianna with her back towards him, talking to Noah and Tracy. He looks around and spots Fred, still eating. He chuckles and walks over to Fred, slapping him on the back. "Fred, my man!" George says. Fred coughs, surprised.
"Oh, hey George. Great food!" Fred says. George laughs, causing Julianna to look over at him. She holds back a laugh as she sees him talking to Fred. George reaches over, grabbing a big handful of potato chips. He eats one, then hands the rest to Fred.
"Here, have some more chips!" He says and walks away.
"Thanks!" Fred calls out to George. George walks away, passing Julianna and making a face at her. She laughs, remembering their previous conversation. Then she gets an idea. George had hired a DJ for his party and he puts on a fast song. Julianna giggles to herself then walks over to Fred.
"Hey Fred." She says.
"Oh, hey Julianna." He says. She smiles sweetly.
"Would you like to dance?" She asks. He looks at her, surprised.
"Now?" He asks.
"Sure, why not?" Julianna asks. He smiles brightly.
"Okay...okay. Sure!" He says. She laughs and smiles, walking out onto the dance floor, sending George a humorous glance before turning around to face Fred. She starts to dance and Fred starts to shake his body, awkwardly, although he doesn't know he is dancing so strangely. She smiles and laughs with him as they dance. She glances over at George who is standing with his mouth wide open and an amazed look on his face. She flashes him a smile and moves closer to Fred. George lets out a loud laugh. Fred doesn't notice, he is too caught up in the dancing. She smiles at Fred as the song ends.
"You're a great dancer, Fred!" Julianna says, loudly enough for George to hear. He smiles shyly.
"Thanks Julianna." He says. She smiles.
"Maybe we can dance more later." She says. He smiles.
"Okay!" He says, then turns and heads back to the food. Julianna smiles at George and walks over to him. He is still laughing.
"I can't believe you just did that!" He says.
"Why not? He's a...good dancer." Julianna says. George chuckles.
"Come on, let's go dance some more." He says, pulling her towards the dance floor as another slow song came on. She wraps her arms around his neck again and he wraps his arms around her waist. "So are you having fun, now that you're not alone in the corner?" He asks. She smiles.
"Yeah, I am. I was having fun earlier, observing..." She says. He gives her a look.
"Uh huh." He says. She smiles.
"Okay, so I was a little bored. But I'm having fun now. That counts." She says. He smiles.
"Alright, I'll give you that one. But I'm going to make sure you have fun the rest of the time. No more hiding by yourself in the corner." He says. She smiles.
"Alright. I'm counting on you." She says. The electric slide comes and Julianna smiles, pulling herself away from George. Maria Bello, Laura Innes, Gloria Rueben, Julianna, and Jeanine start to do the electric slide. Tracy smiles at Noah, then stands up and starts to do the dance. Yvette Freeman, Lily Mariye, Ellen Crawford, and some other women join in. The men stand back, watching and teasing them. Julianna looks at Laura and the two of them nod at each other. She walks over to David and drags him over to Laura. She walks over to Noah and drags him to Tracy. Then she pulls Tony over to Jeanine and finally she spots George. He lifts his hands.
"Oh, no you don't!" He exclaims. She laughs and grabs onto him, pulling him out to the dance floor, as do some of the other women, pulling their dates out to dance.
"Just follow me!" She says. She guides him as he clumsily makes his way through the dance. The men are getting the hang of it and they are all laughing and having a good time. George grabs Julianna's hands, turning her towards him and they start doing the dance facing each other and he twirls her around. She laughs, not expecting it. He chuckles, smiling at her as they make up their own version. The song ends but Blondie's "One Way Or Another" comes on immediately so Julianna and George just continue to dance, making up their own steps to the music.
"One way, or another, I'm gonna find ya, I'm gonna getcha, getcha, getcha, getcha!" Julianna and George sing to each other and continue singing and laughing and having fun. All of the other couples are dancing too and as Tony passes Laura he whispers something.
"They're really flirty tonight." Tony says. She nods her agreement as everyone sort of watches George and Julianna but continue dancing with their own partners. When that song ends, the tango comes on. George smiles evilly and pulls Julianna close to him and starts to lead her through the dance, trying to teach her the steps. She throws her head back and laughs happily as he weaves her through the rest of the dancers.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Julianna didn't remember a time when she had had so much fun with George. She knew she particularly enjoyed dancing with him tonight because she had fallen in love with him. As they danced she had realized it, no one had ever made her feel this way before, not even Ron. When they slow danced that first time, and gazed into each other's eyes, something had changed, but she wasn't sure if he noticed it too. She smiled to herself and continued driving home.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Julianna walked into the apartment and saw Ron sitting on the couch in the living room.
"Hey Ron!" Julianna says, smiling, still in a cheerful mood from the party.
"Where were you?" He asks. Her smile disappears.
"I was at George's birthday party." She says.
"You were out late." He says.
"It ended late." Julianna says.
"You were drinking." He says.
"I had two glasses of wine." She says.
"You act drunk." He says. Her eyes narrow.
"Did you just come back to L.A. to criticize me?" She asks.
"Well you were out late, drinking. Now what am I supposed to do?" He asks.
"I was at George's house with a bunch of other people. We all had a few drinks and we were having so much fun, we lost track of time!" She says, raising her voice.
"You should have called!" He says.
"Ron, maybe you should just get your stuff and go back to New York." She says.
"Julianna..." He says, his voice softer.
"No, Ron. I love you..for what you stand for and for what we used to have. But..I don't think we're working out. I don't know if I even want to try to work us out." She says. He nods.
"I've seen this coming for awhile now." He says.
"Ron, we've grown apart. You're always in New York, I'm always here in L.A. It's just not going to work." She says, placing her hand on his cheek. He nods.
"Yeah, I know. You're right. I just...it's gonna be hard, you know?" He asks. She smiles.
"I know. We've been together for awhile now. But I really think it will be what's best for us." She says. He smiles.
"Yeah. I agree." He says. He leans in and kisses her softly on the lips.
"I'll go get my stuff and head back there now. If I need more stuff, I'll either come get it, or have you send it to me." She nods and he moves about the house.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
"Hello?" Julianna asks, picking up her phone.
"Hey Jules." George says.
"Hey." She replies.
"So..what's all this gossip I hear about you and Ron breaking up?" George asks.
"Yeah, we broke up the other night, after your party." Julianna says.
"Was it bad?" He asks.
"No. We both decided it was what was best for us and decided to call and catch up every now and then. He went back to New York and took most of his stuff. I'm supposed to send the rest to him when he needs it." She says.
"Well, I'm glad it wasn't bad." He says. She smiles.
"Yeah, the press won't be able to get much out of it." She says. He chuckles.
"Nah, they'll use their imaginations and make something out of it." He says.
"Oh well, I don't really care what they say as long as I know the truth." Julianna says.
"Yeah, that's all that is important." George says.
"Yup." She replies.
"So what are you doing?" He asks.
"Sitting at home, just relaxing." She says. He smiles.
"Me too." He says.
"Want to relax over here with me? I could use some company. I'm tired of always being alone." She says. He chuckles.
"Sure." He says.
"Great, now get over here." She says. He laughs.
"Yes, ma'am." He says.
"I'll see you then." She says.
"Yep. I'll be there soon. Bye Jules." He says.
"Bye George." She says and they hang up.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
About a half hour later, George enters Julianna'a house.
"Hey." He says. She smiles.
"Hi." She replies.
"Nice outfit." He says. She has on a pair of flannel pants and a big sweater. She looks down.
"Isn't it?" She asks and smiles at him. He laughs.
"I changed." He says.
"Why? You were just coming over to relax." She says.
"I didn't figure you wanted me to come over in my boxers." He says as they flop onto the couch.
"I'm sure I wouldn't mind." She says, winking at him. He chuckles.
"So, what are we watching?" He asks, turning his head towards the TV.
"When Harry Met Sally." She says. He laughs.
"I haven't seen this in forever!" He says. She smiles.
"Yeah, well it's on the movie channel and I was flipping around and this is what I found." She says. She sighs and stretches out on the couch and looks at George. He gazes at her and sees the look on her face.
"What's wrong?" He asks. She sighs again.
"I know that when I was with Ron, that I was always alone, here at home. But now that he's gone, I really am all alone. It's kind of a scary thought." Julianna says. George smiles at her and sighs, sinking into the couch.
"Yeah, but you'll eventually get used to the loneliness. I always do." He says, his mind wandering. Julianna sighs.
"Is it always this hard?" She asks.
"You've been with Ron for a long time. I think that after a break-up happens after such a long period of time, it's worse. And since it's been so long, you don't remember what it's like to be alone." George says. She runs her fingers through her hair.
"I don't like it." She says. He smiles slightly at her.
"You don't have to be alone, ya know." He says. She gives him a surprised look.
"Why?" She asks.
"You're beautiful. You could find someone to be with, easily." He says. 'Like me.' He thinks. 'What if I've already found him?' Julianna asks him silently, in her mind. Julianna gazes intently into his eyes and his eyes bore straight into hers, with equal intensity. 'Oh God, oh God.' Julianna says, her breath quickening. 'Is he going to kiss me?' She wonders. All of a sudden, he looks away from her and looks at the TV. He clears his throat and she sinks into the couch, disappointed, turning to stare at Harry on the screen, even though she really wasn't seeing him. 'Are these feelings one-sided? Does he feel the same as I do?' Julianna wonders.
'Why did I turn away? Did she want me to kiss her? Does she know how she makes me feel?' He asks himself. Julianna decides to take a chance. She needs to know what he feels.
"George?" She asks, hesitation laced through her voice. He turns his head, slightly, and looks at her.
"Yeah?" He says quietly.
"What if I've found him?" Julianna asks, almost whispering.
"What?" He asks.
"What if I've already found someone that I want to be with?" Julianna asks. He turns to her, facing her completely. His heart his pounding, he swears she can hear it. Her breath is coming quicker as she watches him. She shifts her position on the couch and moves closer to him. He stops breathing, waiting, watching. She reaches her hand out and touches his hand, lacing her fingers through his. He pulls her closer, and she willingly moves into his embrace. Her lips meet his tentatively and she sighs softly against his lips. His strong hands cup her face and she wraps her arms around his torso, wanting to be closer to him.
"Jules?" He manages to get out between their lips. She doesn't reply but slows down slightly. "What are we doing?" He asks. She pulls her mouth away from his but leans her forehead against his, still clutching onto the front of his shirt, as she catches her breath.
"What do you want to be doing?" She asks. He hesitates slightly.
"I want to be with you. I don't want to be lonely anymore." He says.
"I don't want to be alone." She whispers. He smiles and pulls her closer, kissing her again. She pushes him back, falling on top of him as she deepens their kiss. After a few minutes, he decides that things are getting a little hot.
"Jules, we should stop." He murmurs against her lips.
"Yes. We should." She replies, still kissing him.
"Really. We can't do this. Not yet." He says, placing his hands on the side of her face and pulling her away from him, slightly. She looks in his eyes and knows he is right. She lowers her head to his chest and buries her face into him, smelling him. He wraps his arms around her tightly, holding her to him, cherishing her.
"George? What's going to happen?" She asks. He smiles slightly.
"Good things." He says. She giggles.
"What kinds of good things?" She asks. He smiles.
"Hmm..I dunno. Relationship things." He says. She laughs.
"Nice choice of words." She says. He chuckles. She props her chin up on his chest and looks up at him. He looks at her, stroking the side of her face with his finger. "Did you just, now, today, start to have feelings for me? Or has it been longer?" She asks, fearing his answer. He smiles and rubs his thumb across her cheek.
"You remember when we met? When you walked onto the set of ER, to guest star and we ran into each other and I dropped my script and you bent down to help me pick it up and then we stood up and saw each other, really saw each other?" He asks. She nods. "That's when I knew something would happen. So I fought to get you on the show, not only because I thought you were beautiful but you were extremely talented. Then I found out that you were with Ron, and I guess I kind of just tucked those feelings away and moved on, even though you were always there, in the back of my mind." He says, running his fingers through the edge of her hair. She has tears in her eyes and she smiles before leaning up and kissing him gently. He chuckles slightly and cups her face.
"How long have you had feelings for me?" He asks.
"Since I saw you." She says, smiling. "But then..since I was with Ron, I pretended I didn't feel anything but that all resurfaced when you kissed me on set for our last episode. I mean, we kissed before, during the first season, but then I was still with Ron, and he was here more and I was with him more so I pushed the feelings away again. But since Ron was in New York, I had a lot of time to think about that kiss on the porch and I couldn't push the feelings away since I saw you all the time and I hardly ever saw Ron." She says, smiling. He chuckles.
"And then we danced." He says. Her whole face lights up.
"Oh. Remember when we slow danced, the first time?" She asks. He nods, smiling. "Did you..you feel that? That change?" She asks, not knowing how to describe it. He chuckles.
"Yeah. You felt it too?" He asks. She giggles and nods.
"Is that why you kept pulling me closer and closer to you?" Julianna asks. He smiles.
"Yeah, I was thinking about how I felt about you and then I remembered Ron. But I thought, that since he wasn't there, that I should take advantage of the situation because I might not be able to hold you like that again for a long time, or ever." George says. She smiles.
"Dance with me." She says. He chuckles.
"Now?" He asks.
"Say yes." She says.
"Yes." He says. She smiles happily and stands, pulling him up. She walks over to her stereo, holding onto his hand, wanting and needing to feel his touch. She plays a slow song, not really caring what it is. He smiles and brings her closer to his body. She smiles happily and presses her body into his, wrapping her arms around his neck. He pulls her close and leans his forehead against hers, staring into her eyes and swaying slight to the music.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000