Alexis chose that moment to appear from nowhere bearing two glasses of champagne. She handed one to each of us and then lightly embraced us in turn. “Welcome! You’re just in time; dinner is going to be served in just a few moments in the back. Make yourselves at home!” With that she flitted away and disappeared through a door in the back corner of the room.

“I don’t know how anyone could be ‘at home’ here,” I confided under my breath. “It’s like living in a museum. I’m afraid to touch anything.”

Jack snickered. “Really? You don’t see yourself decorating with crystal and authentic art?”

“That’s real?” We were both eying a large abstract that I’d thought looked an awful lot like a Picasso. I shook my head in amazement. Just then a waiter appeared from the door into which Alexis had disappeared and announced that dinner was being served. We fell in with the rest of the crowd that began to file through double doors in the back of the room. My jaw dropped again as we entered the dining room. It was the size of a small banquet hall, with solid-looking wood tables surrounded by chairs with velvet upholstery. Gorgeous place settings adorned the tables, and exotic flower arrangements sat in the center of each. Jack led me to a table where we joined two other couples we’d sat near during the premiere. I was instantly nervous again, worrying about what I should or shouldn’t say if these people started asking me questions. I sat back in my seat and tried to look distracted and not interested in conversation. Jack was immediately laughing and talking and generally the life of our table’s party; I was grateful that all the attention was on him.

Waiters came around to distribute salad and more champagne. I still hadn’t touched my first glass; I’d never been big into champagne or wine. A wet bar manned by two bartenders was located along the far wall, and I had a sudden craving. Jack apparently noticed me staring at the bar, because he leaned over and said, “I’m going to go grab a beer. Do you want something?”

My craving won out. “Bailey’s on ice, please.” He smiled and excused himself from the table. I began to eat my salad, thankful to finally get some food and wondering what the main course would be. Then I realized someone was talking to me. I blushed furiously at my lack of attentiveness and smiled at Madison Grey, one of the supporting actresses I’d seen in numerous other movies. “I’m so sorry, I’m a little out of it. What were you saying?”

She grinned. “It’s overwhelming, isn’t it?” I nodded. “I was just asking how long you and Jack have known each other.”