Page 5 of Cat's Outta the Bag

I’m laughing for a good minute at her rapid-fire texts before being able to follow up.

Jason: Glad to hear you and Slinky love it so much! And no, I don’t have people who manage my phone for me. I do, however, have a social media team.

Jason: Got any more behind the scenes of movie stardom questions for me?

There, that sounds sufficiently encouraging without being condescending. At least, I hope so.

Before she can text back, there's a knock at my door, signaling they're ready for me on set. I shoot off one last text, so she knows I'm not ghosting her and head out.

When we wrap for the day, I am off like a shot, heading back to my trailer as quickly as possible. Some actors bring their phones to set for downtimes between takes and whatnot, but I’ve made it a habit to leave it in my trailer. When I’m acting, I want to be as focused on the scene as possible.

I am relieved beyond what is rational to see two texts from Alexis. What the hell is happening to me?

Alexis: Have a good day on set!

Alexis: And you have no idea what can of worms you just opened… be prepared for a lot of questions. [winky face]

She gave me the perfect opening I need. I shoot off one last text before heading home.

Chapter 5

Alexis

Jason: Why don’t we get lunch sometime? I’d be happy to answer your questions then.

Iblink. And blink again.

Is—

Did—

Did Jason Adams, Hollywood actor, winner of two Oscars and one Golden Globe, ask me out? To lunch?

I pinch myself just to make sure I’m not dreaming. Because let me tell you, the number of intensely steamy dreams I’ve had about him over the last few days borders on unhealthy.

Nope.

I am not dreaming. Holy cow.

I need to be cool, cool as a cucumber. Being friends with a movie star requires a bit more sophistication than I am currently capable of, but I'm committed to playing the part.

"Be cool, be cool, be cool, be cool."

I write and rewrite a reply six times, SIX TIMES. But once it seems sufficiently cool, calm, and collected, I send it off.

It takes Jason nearly an hour to text back, and my anxiety over what I sent him is through the roof by the time my phone chimes. It's across the room, shoved between the couch cushions because I was obsessing over it so much. Honestly, if someone had recorded the swan dive I took over the arm of the couch to go grab my phone, you’d be impressed.

Jason: Sounds great. I'll get us a reservation and text you the details. I'll be wearing a ball cap and sunglasses to fend off the rabid fans, just in case you can't find me. [winky face]

It's embarrassing, but I audibly squeal over his reply. We're just getting lunch, but he's taking the time to plan it and make sure we at least can spend some of the time in peace before people realize he is there. We've treated a few celebrities at the hospital over the years, and I've never sympathized with them more than when they're just trying to seek medical treatment, and the paparazzi and fans are swarming.

Celebs may have signed up for public life, but that doesn't mean they should be constantly mobbed, especially when seeking medical care.

Before I can shoot a text back, there is a knock at my door.

I look at Slinky, who's lazily watching me from her window perch as if she would know who it was. I'm not expecting guests; in fact, I need to leave in the next thirty minutes for my shift at the E.R.

“Alexis? You home? It’s Jason.”

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