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"Is Robert not coming with you?" Katharine asked.
Since her 1982 divorce from Andrea Dotti, Robert Wolders—the Dutch actor seven years Audrey's junior—had become her officially acknowledged life partner.
Though they never remarried, they maintained a relationship that was clearly more than friendship. Audrey often brought her younger partner to public events; the two had even met with then-President Ronald Reagan together.
By comparison, Katharine had remained single since her divorce back in 1934 and never had children. That didn't mean she wasn't interested in her friend's love life—hence the question.
Audrey replied helplessly,
"Robert isn't all that interested in the charitable trips to Africa, so he wasn't too keen on coming along this time. And I didn't want to force him."
"Hmph. Men," Katharine scoffed, launching into a sweeping critique. "They'll rush to bars and restaurants, but ask them to accompany someone somewhere meaningful and it's like asking for their life."
From the driver's seat, Henry called back with a helpless tone,
"Hello, ladies—I'm being very well-behaved and driving properly here. Surely I don't deserve to be lumped in with that crowd. I'm wounded, you know!"
"There, there, good boy. Just focus on the road," Katharine said dryly. "And no matter what you hear back here, just exclude yourself from it. That'll make you feel better."
Sharp-tongued as ever, Katharine's remarks left Henry feeling slightly aggrieved.
Audrey, ever more graceful, quickly stepped in to smooth things over.
"Henry, how long have you been driving? Your handling's very smooth."
Henry replied honestly,
"I've had my license for about six months now. I learned driving in Alaska—you know, one of those 'no-man's-land' places. I guess I've got some natural talent."
All three statements were true—though there were plenty of unspoken details in between. But the quality of someone's driving is best judged by those actually riding in the car.
And both Audrey and Katharine had plenty of experience riding with terrible drivers—those who couldn't keep a steady speed, constantly jerking the gas pedal like they were trying to simulate ocean waves. Even on a straight road, some people could make you car sick.
Katharine chimed in to support him:
"Little Henry's doing pretty well, I'd say. At least he's not bouncing me around in this vintage car so badly I vomit up my breakfast."
Henry feigned innocence and replied,
"Katharine, I did ask if you wanted me to rent a different car for today, didn't I?"
"Relax, dear child. No one's complaining about your old Cadillac," she reassured him.
The third-generation Cadillac DeVille, a 1965 model, was considered a full-size luxury vehicle back in the day. While it might not compare to top-tier names like Bentley or Rolls-Royce, in its time it was plenty flashy—especially in the eyes of Hollywood's B-list stars.
But these two aging beauties had seen it all. At their age, they no longer chased after glitz or glamour. Safety and comfort were what mattered most.
And once Henry knew he'd be using this car to drive the two distinguished guests, he'd meticulously cleaned and detailed it—almost to the point of a full interior restoration.
He paid particular attention to areas often overlooked, like odors and tight crevices—holding himself to the standard of a Kryptonian perfectionist. He nearly disassembled the whole thing just for thorough upkeep.
As for performance, the car's previous owner had maintained it quite well, and had no bad driving habits. That was a major reason Henry agreed to take it off his hands.
All things considered, the car's only real flaw might be the paint—just not glossy enough. Even after waxing, it didn't quite gleam like a new model. But for two long-faded stars, that little imperfection was just right.
They had no interest in reliving the old cat-and-mouse games with paparazzi.
"Oh, right." Audrey suddenly pulled a business card from her handbag and handed it forward.
"Henry, are you familiar with this address?"
Henry glanced at the card as he drove.
"Ronnie Insurance Management Agency?"
Though similar to insurance agents, insurance managers act on behalf of the policyholder, not the insurer. Their job is to design optimal coverage plans tailored to the client.
They typically work with multiple insurance companies and don't push any one brand. Their added value lies in helping clients meet eligibility for specialized coverage—maximizing protection while lowering premiums.
Audrey's next words aligned perfectly with that understanding.
"Ronnie told me that if I want to purchase insurance for this upcoming trip to Somalia, I'll need to be accompanied by a professional security team.
"He helped me get in touch with one. One reason I came to LA this time was to meet with that team. If everything checks out, I'll sign a contract with them."
"A security team, huh…" Henry's tone betrayed a hint of disappointment.
The two aging women were sharp as ever, their observational skills honed by decades of showbiz. Even without Henry saying much, they immediately picked up on the emotion behind his voice.
Audrey chuckled warmly and said,
"Don't worry, Henry. From the moment I saw you, the job was already yours—unless you don't want it."
Beaming, Henry exclaimed,
"How could I possibly say no to an opportunity ? To serve Miss Hepburn is the honor of a lifetime!"
His whole demeanor screamed loyal puppy. Even the tongue he'd never wagged in his previous life now fully embraced its new, enthusiastic role.
And yet, Henry was far from oblivious. He simply hummed silently to himself: "Young men don't appreciate older women… till they taste the sweetness of soft rice."
But Audrey didn't smile at his instant agreement. Instead, she turned serious.
"This job isn't going to be easy, Henry. Rather than calling it a driver role, I'd say it's more like being a personal assistant.
"The most important thing is that you'll be following me all over the world—most of the time in Europe. Anton, who worked for me since my Hollywood days, finally retired after my work as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador became too taxing."
"I became an ambassador in 1988, and I've been traveling constantly for visits and charity events ever since. The job just became too much for him. That's why I need someone new."
"I want to be very clear—it's not just about driving. It's not insanely difficult, but it is extremely detail-heavy. Most of all, you'll need to accompany this old lady on all her travels. Are you still willing?"
"Of course I am, ma'am. I have a knack for languages, too—maybe I can be of some help," Henry replied, before repeating the same sentence fluently in French, Dutch, and German.
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