I pass my glass to Pooja. She smacks her lips together and then pauses thoughtfully.
“Interesting. I’m getting kinky billionaire with a foot fetish and unresolved mommy issues. Also, leather.”
“Your palate is so refined.”
I take a sip from the last glass and then let out a gasp.
“Oh, Pooja. You’re going to love this one.”
“What does it taste like?”
“It tastes like… I can hear the music thumping.”
Pooja’s eyes go wide. “You don’t mean…?”
“I do. I can hear the rhythm pumping.”
“Have you heard the news, coming down your street?”
“Does it feel like magic, every time we meet?”
“Down at the Little LLC!” we sing in unison.
A few other patrons glance over at our table, but Pooja and I pay no attention as we belt out the rest of the lyrics to the theme song of the show that brought us together. It’s the kind of thing we’d never do in LA, the farthest thing from a judgment-free zone. But here, it’s barely causing a ripple of attention. Just the way I like it.
Our waitress places a fresh tray of charcuterie on our table just as we’re fist-pumping our way through the last line, then hurries off without making eye contact. I make a mental note to leave her a very large tip.
“Speaking of your stardom,” Pooja says, spreading soft cheeseover a cracker, “while you were busy getting hammered, nailed, and screwed last night, I started to worry about something.”
I lower my glass. “Pooja, I’m so sorry. I hope we didn’t wake you up.”
She waves me off. “No, not that. Trust me, I’m thrilled about that. But I’m… concerned that I’m pushing you to go back to work before you’re ready.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I don’t want you to sign on to this movie for me. Don’t say yes because you think it’s what I want.”
I press my elbows into the table and lean forward. “Pooja, you’ve been trying to get me to go back to work for the past decade.”
“I know.” My best friend’s expression is laced in guilt. “Honestly, I shouldn’t have done that. I never meant to make you feel bad about your choices. Especially when I’m so damn proud. Do you know how much respect I have for you, staying home and raising your kids? Being there to support Levi and being such a hands-on mom? You’re incredible. I hope you know that.”
I reach forward to squeeze her hand. “I do. But thank you for saying it.”
Pooja smiles. “So, if you are having any hesitations about doing this movie, just tell me. I would completely understand.”
I shake my head. “No, I want to do it. I can’t remember the last time I felt so excited about a project. And the fact that I get to work with my best friend? That’s the icing on top.”
“It will be nice to get the band back together.” She bites down on her thumbnail. “Also, I forwarded a script sample to your inbox on the off-chance that you wouldn’t say no.”
“That’s my girl, always one step ahead. That’s why you should be running the company.”
“Don’t get me started.”
Aware that it’s a sore subject, I swiftly pivot the conversation. “I can’t believe you’re leaving tonight. This weekend went by too fast.”
“I know. But it will free you up to spend some more time with your carpenter. And for the record, I wouldn’t be so hasty to blow this off as a summer fling. Rocky never looked at you the way that man does.”
My stomach flutters. “How does he look at me?”
