Chapter 24
“I can’t believe I let you drag me out here,” Zoe complained to TJ. “I should go home and check on Mr. Bobbins.”
The pub was packed for a Wednesday night. Their table was littered with empty and half-full cocktail glasses, some of which
were theirs and others were from the other designers who’d left early. Clearly the pub hadn’t expected to be this busy on
a Wednesday night and were short-staffed.
“Trixie promised she’d take care of your cat,” TJ reminded her.
Zoe had wanted to talk to her roommate after the meet and greet, but Trixie had to get back to her shop for the afternoon.
“You can’t skip out on our first cast-and-crew happy hour!” TJ protested.
“Everyone’s so nice. It feels good to be around people who understand you implicitly,” Zoe conceded.
“And not worry someone will accidentally make a racist joke,” TJ added. “There’s a reason I left rural North Carolina. You
don’t see too many gaysians there.”
Zoe snorted.
“I’d say California is the mecca for gay Asians, but there’s plenty in the DMV,” Zoe concurred.
“I dragged you here to have fun and be my wing woman tonight,” reminded TJ.
“Why not Th ? o? You two hung out last night.”
“She was such a downer last night,” TJ whispered. “Don’t tell her I said that.”
Zoe glanced over to the half-circle booth a few tables from them. The seating was large enough for them to spread out, but
Th ? o and Derek had made a Katie Mai sandwich. What secrets were they discussing that made them put their heads so closely together?
“What do you think is going on there?” Zoe asked.
“Are you jealous?”
“No,” she replied too quickly.
TJ raised an eyebrow.
“Except for the intro this morning, he hasn’t talked to me today.”
“Did you really expect him to after last night?” TJ asked.
Zoe sighed. Derek had every right to be upset.
“He could’ve texted during rehearsal breaks.” Zoe hated that she was being childish, but all these new feelings had thrown
her off balance.
“ You could have texted him,” TJ pointed out.
“And say what? Sorry I embarrassed myself by kissing you, then kicking you out of my apartment. But maybe I have feelings
for you and I think you do for me, too?” Zoe rolled her eyes.
“Honest, if a bit rambly. So you’re gonna sit here by yourself and mope while I get Danny’s digits?” TJ put a hand on his
hip.
“I’ll be fine.” Zoe didn’t sound convincing even to herself.
He gave her a skeptical look but snuck a glance at the actors hanging out by the bar.
“Go,” she insisted. “I’ll get myself another drink.”
“Relax and maybe you’ll find a hottie to go home with tonight. Then I won’t feel so bad if I leave with the Emperor.”
“You know I don’t do one-night stands.” Zoe shuddered at the idea of hooking up with a complete stranger.
“You demisexuals are so prickly,” he teased. “Good thing you have a decent collection of vibrators.”
“Keep your voice down! Not everyone needs to hear what’s in my bedside drawer.” She pushed him out of his chair. “Go flirt and let me be broody.”
“You do you, babe.” He kissed her on the cheek and practically skipped over to Danny.
She’d nurse one last cocktail to make sure TJ had a ride back to his apartment before heading home to check on Mr. Bobbins.
Maybe she’d even cozy up to her well-curated collection of sex toys. It was one of the perks of having a sex educator as her
roommate.
If Derek no longer wanted to talk to her after last night, then it was his right. She’d made everything awkward between them.
Maybe she needed time to—
“Hey, mind if I sit here?” Katie Mai tucked her hair behind her ear and grinned at Zoe. “I brought you a rum punch. Derek
says it’s one of your favorites.”
The actress set two glasses on the table. Zoe hadn’t been able to flag anyone down, so why waste a perfectly good rum punch?
Zoe invited her to sit down.
“He’s right. What brings you over this way?” Zoe asked. “You three seemed comfortable over there.”
“Oh no, they started talking shop. Something about chord progression and repeating a theme? My brain is too tired to follow
the conversation.” Katie Mai laughed.
“It’s been a long day for everyone,” Zoe agreed. She herself was running on very little sleep. “I’ll probably head out soon.”
Katie Mai’s face fell, but she quickly covered it up with a nervous grin.
“I’m glad I caught you then.” She fiddled with the string of her braided red bracelet.
“Everything okay?” Zoe sat up, her stomach swirling. Maybe Katie Mai wanted advice on dating Derek. It was obvious from this
morning’s meet and greet that the two had a connection.
“This is going to sound super fangirl, but I’ve heard so much about your designs and Something Cheeky. When Derek told me you were designing our costumes, I squealed.” Katie Mai spoke quickly as if she’d been holding it in all day.
“Oh, thank you.” Zoe let out a sigh of relief. She wasn’t sure enough about her feelings about Derek that she’d fight another
woman for him. Not that he was some prize to be won.
“I wanted to tell you earlier, but Heather rushed us away to get our paperwork finalized. I can’t disobey the stage manager
on my first day.”
“Heather’s sweet but a stickler for staying on task, especially during our virtual production meetings.” Zoe had dreaded the
calls at first, but the stage manager was one of the best people wranglers she’d ever met. She wasn’t afraid to cut someone
off if they went over their allotted time.
“That’s how she was today during our first rehearsal. I’m a little scared of her,” Katie Mai stage-whispered and shuddered
dramatically while looking at the bar, where the stage manager was sitting.
Zoe smiled for the first time since arriving at the pub. Katie Mai was growing on her. The only reason Zoe had to dislike
her was the actress was possibly dating Derek. But it would be too cliché for her to sleep with her director. Katie Mai didn’t
seem like that kind of person.
No, the actress was genuinely kind. Zoe caught no hint of underlying motives from Katie Mai. Perhaps in a different situation,
the two of them would be good friends. She might as well take advantage of the moment to learn if Derek and the actress had
a history outside of their professional one.
“You’re welcome to stop by the boutique anytime. I’ll let my staff know to offer you the friends and family discount,” Zoe found herself saying. She could hear Josie’s voice in her head about randomly handing out deals, but it was too late to take it back. A smaller profit margin on a few pieces could be worth it, depending on the intel Katie Mai let slip.
“Really? Oh my God, I can’t wait!” Katie Mai hugged her. “I’m sorry, I’m a big hugger. I should’ve asked.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind.” Zoe picked up her drink. “How about a toast?”
“To this show and to new beginnings,” the actress said as they clinked their glasses.
The rum punch was cold, strong, and delicious. Not bad for an Irish pub in DC.
“So what’s going on between you and Derek?” Katie Mai asked.
Zoe spit out her drink. She grabbed some leftover napkins and wiped the table.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to ambush you.”
“Why would you think there’s something going on?” Zoe asked cautiously.
“I’ve known Derek for only a few years, but he’s talked about you nonstop.”
“All good, I hope.”
“He adores you, Zoe.” Katie’s eyes narrowed as she turned to face Zoe. “I need to know what your intentions are toward Derek.”
“Intentions?” Zoe laughed. “Like in a historical romance? Derek is no wallflower.”
“Oh God, that sounded super cheesy, didn’t it?” Katie chuckled. “Maybe I’ve had too many drinks.”
“I should be asking you that question,” Zoe blurted. Screw caution. Her exhaustion combined with the alcohol had quieted her
inner editor. “Are you two—”
“Ladies, we brought some snacks,” TJ interrupted as he slid a tray of loaded tater tots in front of them. “Danny sweet talked
the bartender into a BOGO.”
“Voilà!” The actor came up right on cue. He held another tray that was completely covered with deep-fried potatoes. “I had to. The kitchen was closing soon and I’m famished.”
TJ had terrible timing, but Zoe’s stomach grumbled. Bar food always tasted better after a few drinks. TJ glanced at the actress,
then gave Zoe a questioning look. Zoe shrugged. She still had more questions than answers.
“It’s as if you read my mind, Danny.” Katie Mai dove right into the mounds of melted cheese topped with bacon bits. If she
wondered what Zoe’s question had been, she didn’t mention it.
Zoe would have the actress’s undivided attention tomorrow during her fitting. She’d recruit TJ to dig up Katie Mai and Derek’s
history. TJ would call it procrastinating, but she needed to know before taking the next step with Derek—whatever that was
going to be. If the two of them were a thing, Zoe didn’t want to get in the way.