This was ridiculous. He’d been on red carpets. He’d accepted an Emmy on live television in front of millions of people. He’d kissed a gorgeous actress on screen in a scene that required nine takes and a room full of crew watching. None of that had ever made him feel like this.
“How was the wrap party?” Mauve asked.
“Fun. Kind of crazy, if you want to know the truth,” Jason said. “Cast and crew let their hair down, so to speak. As did I.”
“I wish I could have been there,” Mauve said.
“I’d have loved that.” For a second, he was just lost in her eyes, but then remembered they were not alone like they’d been in L.A.
Mauve seemed to notice the same thing, because she swept her hair behind her shoulders, smiling at Reese and then Roan. “How are you guys? Any news?”
“Cody’s back from college,” Roan said. “With four bags of dirty laundry.”
“I want to go to a Hollywood party,” Reese said wistfully.
“They’re overrated,” Roan said drily.
“So is laundry.” Reese poked her husband in the side with her elbow.
The server arrived with drinks and took their food order. Burgers all around and a basket of fries to share.
Mauve rested her chin in her hand, tilting her head to look at him. “It’s good to have you home.”
Jason lifted his mug of beer. “Happy holidays. It’s good to be here.”
They all clinked glasses, and the conversation flowed easily, like they did this every Friday night instead of once in a blue moon. To Jason, the four of them fit together in a way that felt like coming home. He found himself fantasizing about what it would be like if he lived here full-time, but pulled himself back to reality before he lost himself in that rabbit hole.
Roan caught him up with what was happening at his gym, including more programs for teens. Reese told them about choreographing the school play and how good Emma and Marcus were. “They’re killing the dance parts. Marcus is light on his feet. It’s pretty fun to watch his improvement over the last year.”
“To think where we all were this time last year,” Roan said, shaking his head. “It’s hard to imagine now.”
“We’ve been blessed,” Reese said, placing her hand on her husband’s arm.
“Did you hear from your agent about the movie?” Mauve asked Jason.
“I did. Got it.”
Mauve’s face lit up. “I knew you would. I’m happy for you.”
“We start shooting January 2nd. In Prague,” Jason said.
“I’ve always wanted to go there,” Mauve said.
“Come visit me,” Jason blurted out. “I’ll fly you over.”
Mauve opened her mouth, but seemed to decide against whatever she was about to say and closed it again.
“Tell us more about the movie,” Reese said after a second or two of uncomfortable silence. “It’s so exciting.”
He told them what he knew and how he was hopeful it would lead to more roles in the future. “It feels like a game changer. But who knows? I might get fired.”
“You’re not going to get fired.” Mauve nudged his shoulder with her own.
“I hope not,” Reese said. “That would be awful.”
“I’ve been fired before,” Jason said. “First sit-com I got. Lasted exactly one week while shooting the pilot. They said they were heading another direction. Broke my heart.”
“Yeah, that was rough,” Roan said. “But it’s a good thing that happened or you wouldn’t have been available forDriftwood.”
