They stopped in front of the theater door. Both had their hands full, so how were they going to open the door?

“Mad? I mean, Madison?”

They turned to see a blonde woman in designer jeans and a shiny yellow blouse standing behind them.

“Janice?”

“The one and only.” The woman was beaming at Madison. “It’s Robert’s and my anniversary. That’s why we went out tonight on a romantic date. And I see you two had the same idea.” She winked.

Oh my God. Sherry felt as if she were about to faint. Did this woman know the truth about them? Janice… Where did she know that name from?

Madison didn’t seem to be worried at all; she was still smiling. “Congratulations on your anniversary.”

“Thanks.”

Madison leaned over to Sherry. “Janice is my lawyer. She drew up the contracts for you and Rita Mae.”

Nervousness gave way to an all-too-familiar tingling at Madison’s warm breath close to her ear. As usual, she ignored it and focused instead on her relief. “Nice to finally meet you.” Sherry raised their food and drinks to indicate she couldn’t shake hands.

Janice grinned. “You both seem to be pretty hungry, if I may say so.”

Madison chuckled. “Most of it’s for a bunch of kids sitting in here.” She nodded toward the auditorium door beside them.

Janice squinted above the door to read the title of the movie. “Madison, you’re watching an animated movie?”

Madison stared at the floor as if embarrassed. “It’s Jake’s birthday.”

“A…and you’ve joined the kids?”

A mix of hurt and anger flashed over Madison’s face. “Why not?”

Janice held up her hands in a gesture of defeat. “Just saying. Um, I’d better go, or Robert will be sending out a search party for me.” She smiled and walked away. Over her shoulder, she waved at them. “Have fun.”

“She seems nice,” Sherry said when Madison kept staring after her.

Madison shrugged, and a few pieces of popcorn fell to the ground.

She didn’t really know what was going on with Madison, but she knew how to lighten the mood, so she said, “It seems she had no idea that you’re into cute animated babies with superpowers.”

“Seems so.”

A wave of affection for Madison swept over Sherry, and she gave her a short peck on the cheek.

When Sherry stepped back, someone left the auditorium, and Madison and Sherry used the chance to slip in.

On the way back to their seats, and later when they were sitting quietly beside each other, Sherry ignored how Madison looked over to her repeatedly as if trying to find out what to make of Sherry’s kiss.

“Hey, Madison, can you connect a new barrel of beer?” Jack called from the dispensing head.