I had to stop fixating on Brett and get on with my life. But whenever I pestered Penny about wanting to work, she’d become exasperated and remind me I had to be patient and wait for a “serious” role. The last time she’d said, “Quit kvetching and get a hobby.” Then, she’d hung up on me.

INT. JACKIE AND BRETT’S KITCHEN

NIGHT

“Penny thinks I should get a hobby.”

Brett raised his hand. “I second that motion.”

We’d come from the Striptease premiere where I’d had little to eat but a lot to drink. Now we were in the kitchen, shoes kicked off but still in our black-tie evening wear, having a “campout” of microwave hotdogs and marshmallows.

“I wonder who her trainer is.” Brett undid his cummerbund and let out a burp.

“Who, Penny’s?”

“Demi’s! Sheesh.” He chuckled.

“If you want Demi’s body so bad, call her for Chris’sake. I hear she and Bruce are on the rocks.” I was out of sorts. My feet hurt and I was sick of women throwing themselves at my boyfriend when I was standing right next to him holding his hand.

Brett finished his hotdog and crumpled his paper plate. “I want her trainer, Jackie, good Lord. “And the only body I want is yours.”

I went up on my toes and licked a spot of mustard off his chin. “Swear?”

Brett put his arms around me. “Boy scouts honor.”

“Prove it,” I whispered in his ear.

His body stiffened but not in the place I was aiming for. “It’s late sweetheart.” He unwound from my arms and began cleaning up. I followed behind as he sponged crumbs from the counters.

“What should I do? I’ve never had a hobby.”

“How ‘bout aerobics?”

“You saying I’m fat?”

“No! You’re perfect. You were just complaining about—”

“Complaining?”

“Okay, I can see there’s no winning here.” He tossed the sponge in the sink and swung his tuxedo jacket over his shoulder. “I’m headin’ to bed, puddin’ pie. Don’t forget to turn off the lights.”

“Wait, Brett wanna’ take a Jacuzzi?”

“Sorry sweetie, I’m whupped.”

“Wanna go out for breakfast tomorrow?”

“Can’t. I’m meeting Josh at the gym.”

“How ‘bout lunch?”

“Rehearsal, Jackie.” Brett kissed my cheek and walked out of the kitchen.

“I could come to the set?” I called after him.

“Why don’t you buy us some furniture?” he called back as he vanished up the stairs.

“Fuck.” I grabbed a few Tums from an otherwise empty cabinet, poured a club soda, and walked into the empty living room.