“April. It’s kind of a spring fling sort of thing. People really seem to enjoy it. And we made a real love connection this time.” Lilah was practically glowing. Genuine pride in a job well done. Amanda briefly considered what that would be like before she forced her brain to temporarily erase Dru’s existence again.

“I’m trying to get Jesse to enter the auction this time, but he refuses.”

Jesse put down his fork and fixed Lilah with a hard stare. Amanda didn’t know whether to freeze or hide under the table. She never wanted that look from Jesse Pleasant turned in her direction, but Lilah just glared right back. “And I told Lilah I would do it if she also joins the auction.”

“And I. Said. No. I’m not in the mood to date.”

“Well, neither am I.”

“We got our first review from the Post,” Evie broke in, grabbing everyone’s attention from Lilah and Jesse’s back-and-forth. “Didn’t love our choice in light fixtures. But the menu was awarded stars all around. The carbonara that Brit helped me perfect was the big hit.” Amanda had seen little bits and pieces about Thyme, the restaurant Evie was opening in Manhattan, on her Instagram, but it wasn’t open to the public yet and of course, she hadn’t been to New York recently. Not without She Who Would Not Be Named.

“That’s wonderful, sweetheart. Very proud of you,” Miss Leona said.

“Any word on Celia or when the doc will be released?” Vega asked.

“Celia Lamontagne filmed a documentary on Evie’s recovery and what it took to get Thyme off the ground,” Sam said, filling her in.

“No firm release date yet. We still have more to film, but don’t worry, when I know I’ll make sure everyone knows,” Evie said. “Sam, she told me Larry Johnson asked about you. Did he get in touch with John?”

“Yeah, he did,” Sam said, letting out a heavy, frustrated breath. “I met with him on Tuesday and he had another biopic that would have me cast as the supporting character in my own story. He wasn’t the only one though. We got about twenty scripts this week. Which is great. I want those calls. I want those meetings, but I also want to play a leading man or at least an equal man in an ensemble in something with some heft or some humor. I don’t want to play a sidekick and I definitely don’t want to play a cop.”

“Amanda,” Jesse suddenly said.

“Yes?”

“You look like you were about to say something.”

“Yeah, girl. You have no poker face whatsoever,” Corie added.

“Oh,” she swallowed. “Sorry.”

“Both of you, just chill,” Sam warned.

“Seriously. Why are you trying to start stuff with the girl? She’s been here a whole hour,” Evie laughed.