Chapter 36 Another Scene, Another Step
The neon glow of Skyline Chili flickered just above the glass doors as Emilia, Roxanne, and Lily stepped inside, greeted by the unmistakable aroma of simmering chili and freshly cooked spaghetti. The air carried a mouthwatering blend of spices, cheese, and warm, doughy bread, an instant comfort on a cool evening. The chatter of patrons, the soft clatter of utensils, and the low hum of music playing from an old jukebox created an atmosphere that was both lively and intimate.
They slid into a corner booth, the red vinyl seats slightly squeaking as they settled in. The restaurant was cozy, with yellow-toned lights casting a gentle glow over the wood-paneled walls lined with framed photos of local celebrities and Skyline's long history. Roxanne was practically vibrating with excitement, her hands clasped together as she grinned ear to ear.
"I still can't believe it," she breathed, her emerald eyes alight. "This opportunity... I just—God, I could scream."
"Please don't," Emilia teased, smoothing out her long chestnut waves as she leaned back with an amused smile. "I don't want to get banned from here. I need my three-way chili fix."
Lily, ever the enthusiastic one, clasped Roxanne's hand in hers. "But seriously, Roxy, we are so, so proud of you. You deserve this!"
"Yeah," Emilia added with a nod. "You worked your ass off for this. It's all you."
Roxanne exhaled and shook her head. "No, Emi, you helped me so much. If it weren't for you—"
Emilia immediately cut her off, waving a dismissive hand. "Nope. Don't even try it. I just nudged you. You got this gig because of your own talent, not me."
Roxanne rolled her eyes playfully. "You're impossible."
"And you're welcome," Emilia shot back, earning a laugh from all three of them.
Just then, their waiter arrived, a young guy with a friendly smile. "What can I get for you ladies tonight?"
"A large plate of three-way chili, extra cheese, and a side of coneys," Emilia declared confidently. "Oh, and some fries. We're celebrating."
"Make that two," Roxanne chimed in. "I need all the carbs."
Lily grinned. "Same here. Might as well make it three."
The waiter chuckled. "Got it. Drinks?"
"Milkshakes," Emilia decided on the spot. "Strawberry for me."
"Chocolate," Roxanne said.
"Vanilla," Lily added.
"Perfect. Coming right up!" he said, scribbling down the order before hurrying off.
As soon as he left, Emilia clapped her hands together. "Okay, so, Rox. What's next? Are you freaking out yet?"
"Yes and no," Roxanne admitted. "I mean, I'm still processing, but also, I feel ready, you know? This is the dream. I want to do this."
Lily beamed. "That's exactly why you're going to kill it."
The conversation flowed effortlessly, shifting from Roxanne's audition to their favorite Skyline memories, to random gossip about Jason and his over-the-top antics. By the time their food arrived, the table was filled with laughter, excitement, and the warm, comforting scent of chili-covered spaghetti.
Roxanne raised her milkshake. "To new beginnings. To dreams coming true. And to the best friends a girl could ask for."
Emilia and Lily clinked their glasses against hers. "To Roxy and her bright future!"
The first bite of chili was absolute heaven, and for that moment, everything was perfect.
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Just as their conversation was picking up again, Emilia's phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen and smirked. She'd texted Henry a few minutes ago that Roxanne got the lead role and they were celebrating at Skyline Chili. It was about 2:30 p.m.
Henry: "How's the celebration going? Hope you're still conscious after inhaling chili."
Emilia snorted. Typical Henry.
Emilia: "I'll have you know, I'm a lady. I savor my food."
Henry: "Sure. And I'm a monk."
Emilia bit her lip, trying not to smile too hard as she quickly typed back.
Emilia: "You? A monk? Not with those hands."
Henry: "Damn, Emi. I'd say get your mind out of the gutter, but I like it there."
Her eyes widened. Her cheeks instantly flushed hot as her mouth fell open in a scandalized, delighted gasp.
"Oh my god," she whispered, slapping a hand over her mouth.
Before she could respond, Lily leaned over and swiped at her phone. "Ooooh, what's happening over here?"
Emilia snatched her phone back and cradled it to her chest like it was the last piece of chocolate on Earth. "Nothing! Just—he's funny."
"Funny?" Lily teased, her eyes glittering. "Based on the shade of red your face just turned, I'm guessing it was a very specific kind of funny."
"Extremely specific," Roxanne agreed, smirking. "Now, spill."
Emilia sighed, still trying to fight off the giddy smile tugging at her lips.
"So how did you two meet?" Lily pressed. "Spill. Now."
Emilia rolled her eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "Fine, fine." She tucked her hair behind her ear. "So... my Aunt Rose is best friends with Henry's grandmother, Rhea Kingsley. Apparently, they've been trying to get us together for years—like some kind of deranged matchmaking cabal—but Henry and I were both with other people."
Roxanne's brows lifted. "Wait—Henry Kingsley's grandmother is Rhea? As in Rhea Kingsley?"
"Yeah." Emilia nodded. "We're talking old-money scheming. They've probably been plotting our wedding registry since I was born."
"Love that for you," Lily said, propping her chin on her hand. "Keep going."
"Okay, so... this was about six months ago. I'd just gotten out of a seriously messy situation with my ex-fiancé, Chase."
"Oof." Lily winced. "What happened?"
Emilia's lips twisted. "He left me for his childhood sweetheart."
Lily's mouth dropped open. "What?!"
"Yeah." Emilia's tone was calm now, but with a slight edge. "Chase and I had been dating for about a decade at this point, and apparently, he slept with her."
Lily slammed her hand down on the table, making their drinks wobble. "Are you kidding me?"
"I still should have decked him last night," Roxanne muttered, her jaw tightening.
Emilia gave her a small smile. "What would've been the point?"
Roxanne's expression softened, her brow knitting in quiet confusion. "It's just... so strange. He used to dote on you so much. He was always like, Em this, Em that..."
"I know." Emilia shrugged, running a hand through her hair. "But honestly? He was a good boyfriend for most of it. That's the thing — I don't look back and feel like I wasted my time. He was... consistent. Attentive. Thoughtful."
Roxanne gave a small, sad smile. "Yeah... that's what makes it so hard to believe."
Emilia reached over and squeezed her hand. "I get it, but it's okay. Really. I've made my peace with it. Chase and I had our time — and honestly, I think it ended when it was supposed to."
Roxanne let out a breath, her smile turning warmer. "You're stronger than me. I'd still be bitter as hell."
"Oh, I was," Emilia said with a laugh. "But now? I'm good. Better than good, actually."
Lily shook her head. "Forget Chase. Go back to Henry. What happened after your aunt gave him your number?"
Emilia's cheeks warmed. "So, the day I decided to leave Chase for good, Henry texted me for the first time."
"And?" Roxanne's eyes widened.
"And he said, 'Hey Emilia, I know I don't know much about you yet, but I'd love to change that.'"
The girls gasped in unison.
"Stop!" Lily practically shrieked.
"No, seriously." Emilia laughed. "So I replied with, 'Oh? So you're on a quest for knowledge? I should warn you—I'm a mystery wrapped in an enigma, covered in sarcasm.'"
"Ugh, that's so cute." Roxanne fanned herself. "Kingsley confidence should be illegal."
"I know, right?" Emilia's smile softened. "I wasn't looking for anything serious. But Henry... he just—he made it easy. And then... well, here we are."
"You're telling me this man swooped in and singlehandedly restored your faith in humanity?" Lily teased.
"Pretty much."
Emilia's phone buzzed again, and she glanced down to see another text from Henry.
Henry: "Don't worry—I'll help you work on savoring later."
Emilia's eyes widened. "Oh my god."
"What'd he say?" Lily demanded.
"Nothing!" Emilia shoved her phone into her purse, cheeks burning.
Roxanne grinned. "Yeah, we're definitely meeting Henry again soon."
"Anyway," Emilia said, setting her phone down with a grin. "I meant to tell you guys—Henry and I are having a housewarming party next week. You're both invited."
Lily's eyes lit up. "Shut up. I love a good housewarming. Wait—your new place, right? The one with the insane view?"
Roxanne practically vibrated in her seat. "Oh my god, yes! From what I remember that place is stunning. Floor-to-ceiling windows, right? And the balcony?"
Emilia laughed, nodding. "Yeah, Henry went a little overboard with the house hunt, but... honestly, it's perfect. Feels like home."
"And what's the theme?" Lily leaned forward; eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Because you know I need to mentally prepare for my outfit."
Emilia grinned. "Nothing fancy. Just good food, drinks, and maybe some board games if Henry gets his way."
"Board games?" Roxanne snorted. "Henry strikes me as the 'casually ruthless' type."
"Exactly," Emilia agreed. "He's suspiciously good at Clue. Swears he's never cheated, but I don't believe it for a second."
Lily grinned. "So, is this one of those 'just come and hang out' vibes or 'we're practically planning a wedding' vibes?"
Emilia's cheeks flushed. "Definitely the first. Though... Henry did mention he might grill."
"Oh, it's serious then," Roxanne teased. "Kingsley at the grill? That's, like, next-level domestic bliss."
"Speaking of which," Lily leaned closer, eyes dancing with mischief. "Tell us some cute Henry stories. I know you have them."
Emilia's smile softened. "Okay, so... the first week after I moved in, Henry insisted on assembling some extra furniture we recently bought together, all the furniture himself. No tools, no instructions—he said it was 'a challenge of character.'"
"Oh no." Roxanne covered her mouth.
"Yeah." Emilia laughed. "It took him three hours to build one chair. And when I told him to just look up a tutorial, he said, 'Em, I've done heart surgery. I can figure out an Ikea chair.'"
"And did he?" Lily asked, eyes wide.
Emilia grinned. "Nope. The chair was missing a leg, and he spent the rest of the night sitting on the floor in protest."
The girls burst into laughter just as their food arrived, the scent of chili and melted cheese mingling with the warmth of their conversation. Plates were passed around, and soon the booth was filled with the comforting sound of forks clinking and playful teasing.
"Speaking of Kingsleys," Emilia said, swirling her straw in her drink. "When do you think Jason will be done?"
"Who knows?" Lily guessed immediately.
Right on cue, a shadow fell over the table.
Jason Kingsley slid into the booth beside Emilia with a smirk full of mischief. "Talking about me already? You guys are obsessed."
The girls groaned in unison.
Jason reached over and, without hesitation, stole a fry off Roxanne's plate. "Nice to see you too, ladies."
"Excuse you?" Roxanne swatted his hand away. "Get your own."
Jason shrugged, completely unbothered. "Why would I when you guys have such good taste?"
Emilia sighed and pushed her plate toward him. "Here. Take it before you steal from everyone else."
Jason shot her a fake loving look. "Ah, my dear sister-in-law. Always so generous."
Emilia snapped a photo of him mid-fry-theft and sent it to Henry:
Emilia: Your brother likes to steal my food. What should I do? Throw him in a river or leave him on the side of the road?
Henry's response was immediate: ?? That bastard. I'll cook you dinner and make him pay for everything.
Emilia's lips curled into a smirk. Henry's faux outrage, mixed with the promise of a home-cooked meal, made warmth bloom in her chest.
Jason, catching the look on her face, leaned closer. "What's big brother saying? Bet he's threatening to fight me."
"Pretty much," Emilia replied, smirking. "And he's cooking me dinner."
Jason's gaze sharpened. "What's he making?"
"Not sure yet" Emilia teased, swirling her drink. "But if it's Aunt Jane's lamb, you're not invited."
Jason gasped in mock horror. "Em, please. You have to let me in on this."
Emilia's lips curled. "Hmm. I don't know, Jay..."
Jason clutched his chest. "Emilia, you wound me."
"Pick up the check," Emilia said sweetly.
Jason groaned, head dropping to the table as the girls burst into laughter. "Alright, alright," he mumbled, fishing out his wallet. "But only because I'm emotionally vulnerable right now."
______________________________
As Jason handed over his card, Roxanne sat up straighter, her eyes lighting up with sudden realization.
"So, Jason, can you tell me a little about this new movie of yours?" Emilia asked, her eyes narrowing with interest.
Jason's grin widened instantly. "OF course."
"What kind of part is Roxanne playing?" Emilia asked, curiously.
Jason shot Roxanne an approving look. "Not just a part. She's playing one of the smartest, most cunning characters in the whole damn script."
Roxanne's brow lifted. "Oh?"
Jason leaned forward; eyes gleaming with excitement. "Okay, picture this—it's a high-stakes heist thriller. International scale. Think 'Ocean's Eleven' meets 'Mission Impossible,' but darker. Roxanne plays the daughter of the mark—a billionaire art dealer with some very illegal side hustles. But here's the kicker—she's also secretly working with the crew pulling off the heist."
Roxanne's mouth parted. "Seriously?"
Jason's grin sharpened. "Yeah. Double-crosses, hidden loyalties, and some major 'are-they-or-aren't-they' romantic tension with the crew's mastermind. You'll be charming him while secretly feeding intel to your father—until it all goes to hell in the third act."
Roxanne's eyes widened. "Oh my god."
"And the stunts?" Jason's hands flew as he painted the picture. "We're talking car chases through narrow Paris streets. Rooftop escapes. An underwater vault break-in. And there's this one scene—" He pointed at Roxanne dramatically. "—where you'll be hanging from the side of a helicopter while trying to decrypt a security system on your tablet."
Roxanne blinked. "Excuse me?"
Jason grinned. "Fully harnessed, of course. But the backdrop? Eiffel Tower at sunset. Wind in your hair. Total cinematic gold."
Lily gasped. "That sounds insane."
"Oh, it gets better." Jason's smile turned downright devilish. "Emilia's got a cameo."
Emilia's brows shot up. "I what?"
Jason's expression turned smug. "Oh yeah. Middle of the heist, tensions running high. Roxanne and the crew are trying to blend in at this high-society gala. And you?" He pointed at Emilia with a flourish. "You'll be wearing this sleek, floor-length black dress, walking down this grand marble staircase. One of the crew members—probably the mastermind—brushes past you, and you just give him this knowing smile."
Emilia's jaw dropped. "Jason."
"And then," Jason's eyes gleamed, "as security comes flooding in, you sidestep them, grab a glass of champagne off a passing waiter, and say—" His voice lowered, smooth and cool, "'Rough night?'"
Lily gasped. "Shut up!"
"Right?" Jason grinned. "Totally steals the moment. The audience will spend the rest of the movie wondering if you're working with the crew or just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time."
"Jason." Emilia was covering her face with her hands, but she was smiling. "No way."
Jason shrugged. "It's already written. The wardrobe department's picking out your dress next week."
"I hate you." Emilia laughed.
"You love me," Jason shot back, grinning.
Emilia just gave Jason a look before saying, "What is it with Kingsley men and their dramatic plans?"
Jason smirked. "Must be in the blood."
She shook her head with a sigh, but her smile lingered. As much as she protested, there was something thrilling about all of this—the film, the adventure, the life she was stepping into. Just like moving in with Henry, just like everything that had been unfolding lately, it was another step in a bigger, wilder journey.
And if the past few months had taught her anything, it was that she was more than ready to take it.
This makes the table erupt in laughter.
Roxanne shook her head. "Okay, but when does all this start?"
"Next month." Jason's smile widened. "We're kicking off in Paris for two weeks, then heading to London for the big action sequences. And after that, back to home. for studio work."
"Paris and London?" Roxanne's eyes were huge.
"Global scale, baby." Jason tapped the table. "We're talking high-budget, A-list, potential franchise material."
Roxanne ran a hand through her hair, looking a little overwhelmed. "No pressure."
"You'll kill it," Jason said confidently. "I mean, you're Roxanne Rivera."
Emilia rolled her eyes. "Don't let it go to your head."
Jason smirked. "Oh, it's already there."
Lily giggled. "Okay, I'm officially invested in this movie now."
"And the set's open," Jason added, glancing between Emilia and Lily. "If you guys want to stop by and see the chaos firsthand, just say the word."
"Wait, wait," Roxanne cut in, narrowing her eyes. "Did you just invite them and not me?"
Jason shrugged. "You'll be working. They'll be watching."
Roxanne scoffed. "Wow. Rude."
Jason winked. "You'll thank me when you're holding that Oscar."
Emilia shook her head, laughing as Jason leaned back in the booth, arms stretched out over the backrest.
"Okay, but now I actually have to think about what to wear for this cameo," Emilia teased.
"Don't worry." Jason's eyes gleamed. "I've already arranged for a stylist. You're going to look like you belong in Monte Carlo."
Emilia laughed, shaking her head. "I hate how much I'm looking forward to this."
Jason lifted his glass. "To the heist of the century."
Roxanne clinked her glass against his. "To the heist of the century."
Lily raised hers too, grinning. "And to Jason paying for lunch."
Jason groaned, tossing his card on the table. "Unbelievable. I'm literally funding your lifestyles."
Emilia beamed. "Hey, you invited us. This is your fault."
Jason shook his head with a playful smirk as the girls laughed. He leaned back, warmth spreading through his chest as the easy flow of conversation wrapped around them like something solid and familiar.
Yeah. Life was good. And it was only getting better.