Lauren gestured to the woman. “Tinsley Worth, meet Carly Daniel. Tinsley is our assistant set designer.”

“Very cool to meet you,” Carly said, taking her hand.

“Likewise. I’m a fan. Loved you in Race the Night,” Tinsley said, but Carly was unable to tell if that was true because Tinsley turned her attention immediately back to Lauren, and began chattering away as if they were alone in the world. It took only two minutes for Carly to understand that this Tinsley girl had a crush, which she totally identified with, but Carly made three and wasn’t the type to nip at heels.

“You’re just always so great with people,” Tinsley gushed to Lauren. “I’ve always thought so. And this shirt looks great on you. Really.”

Lauren glanced down. “Just trying to blend.”

“It’s working. Wait. No. I mean, you never blend, but—”

Lauren touched Tinsley’s arm to steady her. “I translate you.”

Yep. There was a definite adoration vibe happening. Bummed to have lost the moment, Carly slid the mango martini across the table to Lauren and headed off in search of fun because the night was too short to waste. She found Trip and TJ, who played the gate agent who informed the main characters that they missed their flight. She’d already decided TJ was good people. The two were in the billiards section of the bar, contemplating a game of pool.

“You want in?” TJ asked her.

“I’m not from around these parts, you know,” she told them, batting her eyelashes like a naïve little lady. She wasn’t half bad at pool, though, and was prepared to flaunt the hell out of that. She was competitive to a fault.

“All right,” TJ said. “You and me versus Trip and—”

“Me.”

She turned to see Kirby sidle up next to Trip. The two high-fived and exploded their hands.

Carly put her hands on her hips. “Well, this should be interesting.”

It wasn’t, though. She and TJ cleared the table on the other duo in under six minutes. Losers bought drinks, and to slow her roll so the night would last, Carly opted for a dressed Dos Equis she could sip slowly.

“Who’s taking us on next?” TJ asked. “Where are the brave souls? Step right up. That’s right.”

“I’m out,” Kirby said. “Gotta call Joe. He waits up to say good night. He’s a doll.”

“I’ll partner with Trip,” a voice from behind said. Carly turned, and her beer went still on the way to her lips. Lauren.

Trip walked to her and offered a high five. “All right, Lala. You and me. Let’s do this.”

“Lauren, do you know the rules?” Carly asked with a small smile. “I can explain them.”

“I was hoping to figure them out as I went,” she said with a hopeful wince. “Think that might work?”

Carly laughed. “Let’s give it a try and see.”