On a whim, I swung by the wine fridge to grab a bottle of Malbec I was sure would blow Elena’s mind, pouring it into a decanter and leaving it to breathe. We only had a week and a half left, but I could spoil her in little ways.

When I glanced at my watch and saw it was about time for people to start showing up, I went in search of my nosey girlfriend.

I found her perched on a wingback chair in an upstairs sitting room, so engrossed in whatever she was reading, she didn’t even notice I was there until I was standing in front of her.

“Find something juicy?” I asked, making her stop reading and look up at me.

“Have you fucking read this?” She didn’t even pretend to be guilty. She waved a script at me.

“I have.”

“You’re doing it, right? This is the greatest spin on Pride and Prejudice I’ve ever seen. You would blow this Darcy out of the water. You’re an idiot if you’re not doing this.”

“It conflicts with shooting Crown of Swords, so I had to pass.”

“You’re definitely an idiot. This is way better than what Crown of Swords is going to be in the hands of those dudebros. This still has BDSM undertones. Darcy is so clearly written as a dominant. And it’s the raunchy version of Pride and Prejudice we all deserve. And did I mention you’re an idiot?”

I huffed a laugh. “I agree, but Crown of Swords is way higher profile and Steel is a coveted role I had to fight for. I’m even willing to put up with you for a month to get it.” I kissed the tip of her nose, but she wouldn’t be deterred.

“You need to fire your dudebro agent. You in this role would be iconic. I know nothing else about it, but you as this Darcy would give you a cult following.”

“Steel already has a cult following. It’s a sure thing,” I said.

“You’re—”

“Yes, an idiot. Come on. This idiot’s family is about to be here.”

She set the script down then hesitated, looking like she wasn’t quite ready to part with it, but she did, then followed me downstairs.

“What’s the strategy here?” She smoothed her already smooth skirt. It was almost like she was nervous.

“We’ll let them come in, make some small talk, get settled at the table, and then I’ll casually mention it.”

“Casually, huh?” She was fighting a smile. “I’ll just follow your lead, then.”

From the kitchen, I heard, “No. Freaking. Way!” Elena whipped her head around.

“Maia?!” The two women ran to each other, embracing in a tight hug before pulling back to study each other. I wasn’t even going to ask how they knew each other. Everyone Elena knew wasn’t necessarily from the scene. I didn’t need to pry into Maia's private life.

“I’ve missed you,” Elena said, pulling her back in for another hug. “That must be your amazing food I’m smelling.”