I forced myself to be normal as I perused the menu and we discussed the specials and dishes he’d had here before. Our waiter came to take our order, and as we were waiting for our salads, a woman passed the table, then backtracked and stared at Jack.

JACK

“JACK? OH MY gosh, haven’t seen you in ages!”

I nearly choked on my Coke. “Penelope! Wow, great to see you!” I stood to deliver the requisite hug, hoping I’d submerged my shock before it had a chance to register on my face, and then introduced her to Grace. “This is Penelope Jones; we worked together on Deep Cover. Penelope, this is Grace Winslowe.”

Penelope shook Grace’s outstretched hand, and I saw her check Grace out with the kind of subtle judgment women so often use on each other. I hoped Grace didn’t notice. Then Penelope turned back to me, resting her hand on my shoulder. “I saw Destiny Awaits the other night. I loved it! Guess there’s no point in hoping you’ll ever come back to DC now that you’ve successfully transitioned to the silver screen, hmm?”

I chuckled and shook my head, wishing she’d get her hand off me and get out. “Don’t think so. But I have to admit, I miss the set schedule sometimes. Not often, but sometimes.”

“I’d gladly trade it for the success you’ve stumbled into. Don’t forget us, okay?” She winked then turned to Grace. “Pleasure to meet you, Grace. Take care, Jack.” She smiled at us both and then went on her way.

I tried not to look as relieved as I felt. I hadn’t seen Penelope since my last day on the set of DC, and every time I saw her, I was reminded of the night I’d woken up and found myself in her bed. While I’d never been particularly proud of the fact that it had happened, I was suddenly ashamed, and the whole time Penelope had been talking to Grace and me, I’d been terrified of her saying something about it. I didn’t feel like I could finally breathe again until I saw her disappear out the door.

“You all right?” Grace asked.

“Yeah. Why?”

She shrugged as she reached for another piece of bread. “You looked for a second there like you were ready to bolt out the door.”

I chuckled and shook my head. “I was just surprised to see her, that’s all. I really haven’t seen her in years.”

Grace nodded, apparently appeased, and then the food arrived.