Carly sucked in air. “I can’t fucking believe it’s sharpened. What are you trying to do to me?”

Lauren chuckled and pulled Carly into her lap. “How are you feeling today? Better?”

Carly’s smile dimmed. “I’m good.” She shrugged. “Talked to Alika about lining up some meetings for when I get back to LA. Auditions, too. I have no problem proving myself all over again. If anything, this experience has taught me about the value of hard work.” She nodded. “I’m ready to do it.”

“I know you are. Everyone else is going to know soon, too.” Thinking about Carly going back to LA reminded Lauren that they were close to the halfway mark on their four-week run of the show. That put an uncomfortable lump right in the middle of her throat. Lauren didn’t want this journey with the show to end, or her time with Carly. She also couldn’t fathom not working with Carly every day. The concept of her returning to LA was one she hadn’t quite examined fully. Maybe that was naïve of her, but it felt more like a guarding of her own heart, which she’d all but surrendered to Carly lately.

“Where did you go just now?” Carly asked, angling a strand of hair behind Lauren’s ear. “You got that faraway look in your eye, and it’s rare for you to drift away.” She tapped Lauren’s temple. “Always so focused.”

“Thinking about when the show closes.” She felt the wistful look creep onto her face right on cue. The future felt uncertain, and for someone who thrived on planning, that was a daunting prospect.

Carly sighed, mirroring Lauren’s emotions. “You know, when I think about that particular topic, it always involves a side narrative where you come back to LA with me. Make a go of it out there. We fly through the streets with the top down on my convertible. We do some kissing, too. Maybe stop at Starbucks. Then, more kissing.”

“Of course you drive a convertible back home, too. What kind?”

“I drive a 911 most of the time.”

Lauren blinked. “I have no idea what that is. Is it bigger than a Mini Countryman? Does it have a siren?”

“No, and no. A 911 is a Porsche.”

“Well, yeah,” Lauren said, as if it was the most natural thing in all the land. “Everyone knows the names of all the Porsche models. So incredibly common.” Lauren laughed in that hoity-toity way she imagined a rich person would.

“You’re adorable.” Carly shook her head, staring at Lauren with pure affection. “I’m keeping you and taking you to LA. Discussion closed.”