Page 5 of Rafe

“Over here,” she heard a familiar voice call out to her.

A smile broke across Skylar’s face as she caught sight of her friend Hailey’s newly dyed rainbow-colored hair. A free spirit, Hailey grew microgreens and had cultivated a decent business over the past year, selling them to local restaurants. Her other close friend, Eva, a lawyer, still wearing her business suit, waved.

“Hey girl! Oh my God, I love your hair.” Skylar wrapped her arms around her energetic friend and hugged her.

“Aw, thanks. Yeah, I think it’s fun. We’ll see how long I keep it.”

“It’s definitely you.” Skylar turned to Eva and reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. “I’m so excited for you. How’s life at the DA office?”

“It’s great. I’m so happy the bar exam is done and passed.” She pumped both her palms up in the air.

“I’m so proud of you. It’s awesome!”

“Come sit down. We just ordered some deviled eggs and crab dip.”

“Fries too.” Hailey slid into the booth.

“I’m gonna miss you guys.” Her smile faded.

“Don’t leave,” Hailey pleaded briefly, leaning her head on Skylar’s shoulder.

“I promise I’ll be back.”

Eva’s eyes lit up. “We’ll come visit you. Hit the beach. Do some hiking.”

“I would love to have you guys come visit. I rented a place for six months.”

“Near the beach?” Hailey asked.

“No, sadly. But I’m closer to the studio where we’re shooting so I’m not in traffic all day.”

“You got a gun, girl?” Eva asked with her lips still on the edge of her glass. “Not joking.”

“I’ll be okay. You guys need to stop worrying about me.” Skylar had her own concerns about safety on a regular basis. Though she knew how to use a gun, she hadn’t planned on bringing one with her to California.

“There’re plenty of good acting jobs here in NOLA.” Eva attempted to get the attention of a passing waiter who winked at her but carried on with his tray full of drinks to the next table.

“I know there are, but this could be my big break.”

“She’s not a police officer but she plays one on TV,” Hailey teased.

“Exactly. So, she should bring the gun,” Eva insisted.

“You’ll be seeing me next season on Murder, Money & Mystery. Hopefully.” Skylar sighed, seeds of doubt creeping into her thoughts. “I have to give it a shot. I mean it’s not every day you get to be on the same set as Ty Redding.”

“He’s so hot,” Hailey exclaimed. “I think I’d stop speaking right there if I saw him.”

“The only speaking I’ll be doing is my lines.”

“Maybe you’ll get a love scene,” Eva suggested with a devious smile.

“I’m Police Officer number two. I’m pretty sure I’ll be standing over corpses. But hey, whatever pays the bills.”

“Really?” Hailey laughed.

“So far, my lines are, ‘We found him over here.’ And ‘We didn’t find a wallet.’”

“Are you serious?”