“Are you from here?” Caitlin asked the green-eyed woman, relaxing into the buzz from the liquor.
“I am. Born and raised in Chino Hills. What about you?”
“I’m from a small town in Pennsylvania called New Hope. I moved here a few years back for work.”
After another round of drinks had found their way over to the table, Kim slid her chair closer to Maddie’s side of the leather bench, creating their own private conversation. Following suit, Michelle moved toward Caitlin.
Michelle told Caitlin how she had worked her way up from a production assistant to a showrunner, now working for NBC. Caitlin didn’t volunteer much information about herself in return. If Michelle hadn’t already recognized her as an actress, then she preferred to leave it that way.
After learning about Michelle’s career, Caitlin shifted the discussion toward more personal topics. They connected over their mutual escape to The Valley, as far as possible from Los Angeles’s tourist traps. They had both opted for the quiet coffee shops and sunset hikes north of the bustling city. They laughed over insider drama that Michelle shared from her years working on reality television, Caitlin soaking up every detail. WhenLoveIslandcame up, she saw Michelle’s eyes light up with guilty delight.
“Wait, you actually watched it?” She laughed, nudging Michelle’s arm.
“Religiously.” Michelle grinned. “But don’t tell anyone! I’ve got a reputation to protect.”
Soon they were play-fighting over which couple had real chemistry, their banter bubbling with playful jabs and lingering glances. Turns out, reality TV was their not-so-secret love language.
“I have a confession.” Michelle moved her hand from the stem of her wine glass to place it tenderly on Caitin’s forearm. “I knew who you were as soon as we came over here. We actually met once before, even though you probably don’t remember me. I was a production assistant onPlan C.”
Well, that answered Caitlin’s earlier question. She had felt a sense of familiarity when the woman sat down next to her, butshe hadn’t been able to pinpoint where she had known the pretty brunette from.
During her years in LA, Caitlin had learned to keep her love life separate from her career and avoided workplace romances, especially with assistants. Once or twice, a castmate had crossed that line into Caitlin’s personal life, but she tried to keep her boundaries firm. If not,whenthings didn’t work out, it inevitably made the set uncomfortable for everyone.
“I thought I recognized you from somewhere, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.” Caitlin leaned into the moment and traced Michelle’s hand with her fingertips. “I’ve worked on a lot of rom-coms, but a car accident for a meet-cute? That was a first.”
Michelle giggled. “I guess the road to recovery could be a bonding experience.”
Caitlin shrugged, joining Michelle’s laughter. It had been an interesting concept for a romantic comedy, but one that had worked. Everyone had loved that movie when it premiered in theaters across the country.
“I know it was a long time ago, but you were always so nice to me. Not many actors are kind to assistants in Hollywood. So I guess you really stood out to me. I may have had a little crush on you,” Michelle said shyly as she took a sip of her espresso martini, trying to hide the blush spreading across her face.
Caitlin felt her own face warm at Michelle’s admission, flattered. Most people only acknowledged her looks. It was endearing to be liked by a woman for her kindness. She brushed her thumb along the heat rising on Michelle’s cheeks.
They were having a great time, and the conversation flowed so easily that Caitlin hadn’t realized how late it had gotten. Maddie and Kim had left about an hour ago, but neither Caitlin nor Michelle had made any moves to go, simply enjoying each other’s company.
“Would you want to get out of here?” Michelle asked.
Caitlin nodded, suddenly feeling nervous. It had been a while since she left the bar with a woman.
Caitlin quickly paid their tab, then the two women walked hand in hand out the door into the cool night air. At the curb, they slid into the back of Caitlin’s black car, which whisked them off toward Michelle’s house in Sherman Oaks. Caitlin hadn’t known what the night would bring, but the way it had unfolded was a welcome surprise.
When they arrived at Michelle’s house, Caitlin realized that she didn’t know what the protocol was for a night like this. Should she walk Michelle to her front door? Would she ask Caitlin to come inside? Did Caitlin want to be invited inside?
She could hear Maddie’s voice in her head, urging her to live a little. At the same time, unbidden, the image of Gemma’s pain-soaked face flashed through her mind.
Caitlin shifted her gaze to Michelle. “It was nice hanging out with you tonight.”
Michelle looked over, concerned. “You aren’t going to come inside?”
“I’d like to take you out on a date first. I don’t want to come in and give you the impression that I’m only here for a one-night stand. Unless that’s all you’re looking for, of course.”
Caitlin hadn’t asked a woman out in ages, and she feared that she wasn’t being very smooth.
Michelle smiled. “I’d love to go on a date with you.”
“How about Saturday?”
“That’s perfect.” Michelle gestured for Caitlin’s phone so she could type in her contact information. “Text me,” she said as she leaned in to kiss Caitlin’s cheek.
