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I laugh. “You’re not wrong.”
“I have an idea. Rooted is closed that afternoon and evening for the restaurant scene. I bet their chef would be happy to cook something for the two of you. I’ll give him a call.” She doesn’t wait for me to answer and starts chatting away with whoever answers the phone.
I don’t know how she does it, but Chad stops by with enough food to feed a small family by the time I get home on Thursday night. He leaves me with detailed instructions on how to heat and serve each dish.
I take a quick shower and set the table, pulling out the good China my grandmother gave me as a college graduation gift and a candle and antique silver candle holder I got for the occasion. The food is slowly heating in the oven. The only thing left to do was call Joe and let him in on the surprise. We both need this. A chance to catch up and reconnect.
“I’m sorry, I can’t make it. I have a meeting I can’t get out of. Rain check?” he says when I finally get him on the phone.
“Of course.” I’m glad I didn’t tell him the trouble Cara and Chad went through to make this secret date happen.
“Let’s grab coffee before you leave and catch up. I miss you.” Joe hangs up before I get a chance to respond.
I light the candle, fix myself a plate, and do my best to enjoy the food Chad prepared for us. To be honest, it’s a bit of a pity party though.
18
JOE
“You didn’t have to do this, I’m fine,” Alice says as I hold open the door to the diner.
“I already told you, but I’ll say it again. It’s no problem. Let’s grab some food and talk.” I smile and hold my arm out for her like we’re in some fancy restaurant instead of the local diner down the street from today’s shoot.
“Sit anywhere you like,” the waitress, an older woman with a neat, white apron wrapped around her waist says.
I chose a booth by the front window, hoping the public location will make Alice comfortable.
“Thank you for doing this.” Alice takes the bench across from me, tucking her purse between herself and the window that overlooks the quiet side street.
“Can I get you some coffee?” The waitress hands us each a menu.
Alice shakes her head. “It’s a little late for coffee for me. Water would be nice.”
“I’ll take a coffee.” I open the menu and glance through it. “And two slices of apple pie,” I say, looking at Alice for her approval. She nods.
“Two apple pies, coming right up. Whipped cream on both?”
We both shake our heads.
“Ready to tell me a little more about what’s going on with you?” I ask. I’d noticed a few days ago that something was off. The spark that had made her stand out from everyone else during the audition was gone.
“I miss being home.” She plays with the wrapped silverware, her eyes on the table.
“Is this your first job outside of LA?” I ask.
She shakes her head and looks up, her eyes meeting mine. “It’s not. I filmed another movie in Toronto last year.”
“What’s different this time?” I ask, reminding myself that she’s young and that this is hard for her.
“Micah and I weren’t together back then. We’d started dating, but ...”
“Coffee, water, and two apple pies.” The waitress places everything in front of us and leaves after making sure we don’t need anything else.
“This is your first time away since you’re in a serious relationship. I get it. It’s difficult being away from a loved one. Can Micah come out for a visit?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “It’s not just that. It’s missing the rest of my family and ...”
There’s something she isn’t telling me.
