Stronger

“How was the shower?” Trent said over dinner Sunday night.

“Oh fantastic,” I said.

I decided that I wasn’t going to make a big deal of April’s pregnancy. Was it upsetting? Yes. But I was in a different place now and I wasn’t going to let my baggage or my past affect my current life, which was really good. But I did want to tell Trent because we didn’t keep secrets and he’d know something was immediately up anyway.

“You see Tony?”

“Yup,” I said, nodding.

“How did that go?” he asked, treading carefully.

“His girlfriend is pregnant.”

“WHAT?!?!”

“Yup.”

“Wow. And she showed up at Jess’ shower to steal her spotlight or something?”

“THAT’S WHAT I SAID!” I said, relaxing because it was his answer that made me realize that I’m finally with the right person.

“Did she even know anyone there?”

“Nope.”

“Did she eat?”

“Haha. I love you baby,” I said, kissing him.

He smiled. “I love you too. Are you OK for real though?”

“Yes, I am. At least I think I am. I’m a strong person. This only makes me stronger.”

“It’s OK if you’re upset, you know that right? I don’t want you to hide your feelings because you think it will bother me.”

“I know. I mean, does it bother me? Yes. But what can I do about it? I can’t make her not pregnant. The next time I see them will be at Jess’ wedding, and then I won’t ever have to see or hear from them ever again. And until, I’m going to focus on my awesome, amazing boyfriend and my awesome and amazing TV show I created.”

“I think you’re awesome and amazing. Want to get out of here?” he asked.

“Yes, yes I do.”

*************************

Since the studio was dark this week for the Tonight Show, I spent my days over at the Queens office. We have two more weeks of taping and then I get to be entrenched in editing, perfecting each episode and hoping we don’t have to re-shoot any scenes.

Monday, I hunkered down with Matt for the day, outlining where we’d like to take the second season if we got picked up.

“So, how was this weekend? The new girl show up? Get any new writing material for us?” he asked.

I laughed, because the truth was I did have a lot of writing material. In fact, the whole series is based loosely on my life – just taken to the extreme. Though, some shit I couldn’t even make up if I tried. Like the most recent turn of events.

“Actually, I do,” I said.

“Do tell.”

“She did show up, very pregnant.”

“What the fuck? Really? Seriously Pen, that’s amazing. I mean, it’s not amazing news, but sometimes I feel like we don’t even have to make up stories with these episodes,” he said.

“Oh, I am aware.”

“Are you OK though?”

“Yea. I am. I mean, I was obviously upset, but then when Tony tried to apologize, I just got angry.”

“Wait, he apologized for getting her pregnant? Or for not telling you? Or?”

“Honestly, Matt. I don’t even think he knew what he was apologizing for,” I said, sighing. “But it’s OK. What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger, right?”

*******************************

“Why didn’t you fucking tell me?” Lizzy said, hitting my arm.

“Because you’re busy with wedding stuff. You’re getting married in four days.”

“I know! But seriously? What a dick? Both of them.”

“Haha. Let’s talk about something else. Are you all set? Do you need help with anything?”

“Nope. Getting my dress tomorrow, then rehearsal dinner, then chilling out. Counting down the minutes to my honeymoon.”

“Well cheers,” I said, raising my glass. “Because the next time I see you, you’ll be a Mrs.”

“Ahhhhh.”

*********************************

When I got home from dinner with Lizzy, I got a text from Jimmy to go out east for the day with him. He wanted to talk about the series and just chill, since we really haven’t hung out in a while. I took the train on Wednesday morning and he picked me up at the station.

“Hey pal!” he said, hugging me. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better,” I said, remembering that he was talking about the attack and not the April news, which by Wednesday didn’t even seem like news anymore.

He and I caught up and got buzzed on wine. I took the late train home and went back into the office today. There was an email from the network that they wanted to schedule a meeting next week to talk about the first few episodes as well as a release date. I was pumped, but also really nervous.

“What if they don’t like it? What if they change their minds?” I said to Trent as we lay in bed waiting for #TGIT.

“You’re being ridiculous. You’ve already said they love the scripts, why would they hate it up on screen? They will probably tell you they love it and move up the release date or something,” he said, tracing a trail along my breasts down to my hips.

“I don’t know!” I moaned and then laughed as he tickled me.

“You need to stop this. But I’m glad you’re in better spirits….”

“I don’t want to talk about that anymore. I’m moving forward…with you. Let’s talk about that trip you want to take in a few weeks. Given any thought to where?”

“Bahamas? Turks and Caicos? Puerto Rico?” he said, laughing. Before we started dating, I told him about my solo trip down to PR and he got a kick out of it.

“Ha ha. Will you just fuck me already?” I said, getting frustrated as he teased my sweet spot, but refused to put his fingers inside me.

“Is this what you want?” he said, as he thrust two fingers in me.

“MMMMM, I was thinking more of this though,” I said, reaching down to stroke him.

“God, Pen. The things you do to me!”

“Well lay down, and I’ll do more.”

And just like that, all the stress and troubles melted away.

Amnesia

“I wish that I could wake up with amnesia,
And forget about the stupid little things…” ~Amnesia  – 5 Seconds of Summer

“Oh, hi. April, right?” I said, fumbling and tripping over my own feet to shake her hand.

It was dumb. We both knew each other. But what else was I supposed to say? Congratulations on carrying my ex’s baby?

“I know, it surprised us too,” she said, still rubbing her stomach.

“Right. So, you can sit wherever you want….”

“Penny,  Tony wanted to tell you, well we wanted to tell you…”

“It’s fine really,” I said, waving my hand and looking for the door for someone else to walk in and break up this awkwardness.

“Coot, I’m here, what do you need help….WHAT THE FUCK?” Emily said, as if on cue.

April turned beat red.

“Maybe it was a bad idea I came…I mean…I don’t..”

“Want to steal Jess’ thunder on HER day?” Emily said, narrowing her eyes and crossing her arms.

“Em, it’s fine.”

“No, it’s not. Does Jess know you’re pregnant?” she said.

“No. We haven’t seen Jess and Jay in a while. We wanted to tell Penny first, it’s just…”

“Well what the fuck were you waiting for?” I asked, getting angry.

Guests started to arrive at this point and I didn’t want to make a scene. Though as Mandy, Josie and Katie filed in, I could see them mouth ‘what the fuck?’ as they got a glimpse at April.

And the truth was, part of me started to feel sorry for her. She didn’t know anyone except Jess, and I knew she felt obligated to go because Tony is the best man. But with the looks my friends kept giving her, I would have just left had I been in her position. I tried to focus on Jess. I went through the motions of the cheesy games, the ribbon veil and opening of gifts. Oooing and ahhhing at the right moment. I was grateful for Emily and Mandy for jumping in to help out when I spaced out.

After four torturous hours, the guests finally started leaving. I collapsed at one of the tables, as Jason and his buddies came in to help take the presents out. I didn’t even realize (or put two and two together) that Tony would be there to help too. I had my head in my hands, determined not to break down. I didn’t want him to get to me. Not after how far I’d come and how happy I was. I thought of Trent and his son, and how happy they make me. Until I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“Pen?” he said.

“Go away,” I said, not looking up.

“I’m sorry.”

“Please go away,” I repeated.

“You OK?” Emily asked. I could see her out of the corner of my eye, so I lifted my head and nodded.

“Sure?” she said, backing out of the room and ushering out the girls.

“Please let me explain,” Tony pleaded.

“I don’t really think there’s anything to explain. You let one slip past the goalie with your new fling. And now she’s having your baby. I guess I should say congratulations. But I’d be lying if I said I was happy for you,” I said, glaring at him.

I poured myself the rest of the wine on the table.

“Well?” I said.

“I…I should have told you.”

“You know what? I don’t even care. You don’t owe me any explanation. I’m good. I’m in a good place. But to just have her show up like that? That’s the fucked up part Tony. To have her show up at MY friend’s bridal shower. What was she trying to do? Show up Jess? That’s pretty fucked up.”

“She wanted to tell you! She begged me. She didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

“OH MY GOD. You’re just like …. ” I didn’t dare say it. He knew who I meant. This was deja vu. I had this conversation more than five years ago with Scott.

“I’m not anything like him. I loved you.”

“But you know what Tony. If you did love me, we wouldn’t be here right now, having this conversation. And you are like him. It’s the same shit you said to me back in July. She’s manipulating you. Is that how she got pregnant? Said she was on birth control but actually wasn’t?”

It was a low blow. But I didn’t care.

“Pen…”

“No, I’m done. Go away. Have a nice life with your new family.”

I walked out before he could say anything else. As I walked outside, the girls gathered around me.

“Wanna go get a drink?” Mandy suggested.

“Do you even have to ask?”

*************

Emily followed me home so I could drop my car off and we headed straight to Jimmy F’s.

“Al, keep ’em coming,” I said, throwing $100 on the bar.

“Penny, you know this is too much,” he said, pushing my money back.

“Nope. Gonna need it. Tony’s girlfriend is pregnant,” I said.

“Ah,” Al said. “In that case, here.”

He handed me the first of many shots that night.

“Will that baby even have the nutrients it needs? She doesn’t eat meat!” I moaned about an hour or two later.

“She’s getting fat, that’s a plus,” Josie said.

“And she had a lot of acne,” Mandy offered.

“Thanks guys. I shouldn’t be harping on this as much as I am. And I shouldn’t shit on the girl. It’s not her fault….”

“Do you think Hillary knows?” Emily said, randomly.

“Um…good question. I bet they don’t even hang out anymore. This new one, as with all my exes, seems to be controlling. Probably doesn’t let him see anyone. God! I have to stop! I wish I had amnesia. I can’t believe this is my life sometimes. First, I get dumped by the man who took my virginity. Then I date a man who kept me as a mistress. Then I get dumped by the man told me he wanted to marry  me. And now he’s went ahead and gotten the new girl pregnant. The ironic part is, he totally freaked when we thought I was pregnant….”

“But think of all the lessons you learned from it. AND you’re turning this craziness into what’s going to be a hit show!” said Katie.

“And your boyfriend is really hot and he goes down on you like six days a week,” Mandy said.

“Seven,” I said smiling. “You guys are right. I have learned a lot. And this experience will only make me stronger. Hell, I had a stalker and got attacked just a few weeks ago. Plus I totally told off Trent’s ex the other day…”

“You did?” Emily said, raising her eyebrows.

“He really goes down on you every day?” Mandy said at the same time.

As I went into that story (and how Trent has amazing oral skills), I could feel the thoughts of Tony and April go out of my head. My friends were right. Despite all that I’ve been through in the love department, I was in a much better place than I’ve been in years. And I knew that me being secure in my relationship with Trent was helping me get through this.

It still sucks monkey balls though.

Ghost

“I keep going to the river to pray; ‘Cos I need something that can wash out the pain.
And at most, I’m sleeping all these demons away.
But your ghost, the ghost of you; It keeps me awake.” ~ Ghost – Ella Henderson

“You look great! Have you lost weight?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, quietly. Afraid to tell him I only lost it because of him.
“I’ve made a mistake. A terrible mistake…”
“What do you mean?” I asked, thinking of Trent, but wanting to know what he was admitting.
“I can’t tell you. I’m sorry, just please forgive me,” Tony pleaded.
“Forgive you for what?” I needed to get back to Trent, but I couldn’t move.

I wanted to hear more. But I also wanted to leave. This wasn’t fair, I thought. Tony reached out to brush the hair behind my ear.

“I like your new glasses. They suit you,” he said, smiling.
“Don’t change the subject,” I said, but I let his hand linger on my face. “What are you sorry for?”
“For everything Pen. I fucked up…”

“Baby, wake up,” Trent said, gently shaking me.

I woke up drenched in sweat.

“Are you OK?” he asked, kissing my shoulder. “You were yelling in your sleep.”

“Yea, I…That was so weird. I was having the most bizarre dream.”

“Do you want to tell me it?” he asked, gently.

The truth was, this wasn’t the first time I’d dreamt of Tony. I never told Trent because it felt like a sort of betrayal. This man who hurt me shouldn’t be occupying my thoughts, be it consciously or subconsciously. I could understand when I was upset and still crying over him. But ever since my birthday, I haven’t heard a word from Tony or about Tony. Even Jess was keeping quiet about anything with him or his new girlfriend. But I didn’t like the recent dreams I’ve been having about him. It worries me because I fear something big is going to happen, and that chapter of my life is closed.

“No, baby, it’s fine. I only remember bits and pieces,” I said, kissing his hand. “Can you hold me for a bit though?”

I curled up against him, as he put his arm around me.

*******

“You probably dreamt it because you have to see April tomorrow,” Lizzy said at work later Friday.

“You’re right. I haven been a little nervous about that. But let’s not talk about me. You’re getting married in a week! That is nuts!” I said.

“I know! Paul is at his bachelor party this weekend.”

“Fun. Is he going to have titties in his face?” I said, laughing.

“I don’t know. I don’t care,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I just want to be on my honeymoon. You’re going to miss me when I’m gone.”

“Yes, I know! Two weeks is ridiculous without you at work!”

“Eh, just go have sex with Trent in his office. Now that you know who your stalkers are.”

“Very true. Yea, we haven’t done that in a while. Good idea.”

“You’re gross.”

“Whatever, you’ll be having sex on the beach soon enough.”

“True.”

***********

“Hey baby,” Trent said, looking up from his desk.

“Hi, there,” I said, locking the door behind me. “Up for a little afternoon delight?”

“Do you really have to ask?” he said, coming over to me and pushing me up against the desk.

He kissed me softly as he ran his hand down my side.

“I only have 10 minutes,” I said, as I pushed his hand under my dress.

His eyes grew wide when he realized I wasn’t wearing panties. I gasped as he slipped a finger inside me.

“Well, in that case, turn around,” he said, unbuckling his belt.

I leaned over the desk as he pushed into me. I almost screamed out as I came quickly and bit down on my lip when I remembered where we were.

“Oooh baby, I’m going to come again,” I moaned quietly, as he kept his pace steady. I could feel him inside me, as he tensed up and groaned.

“So, to what did I owe this pleasure?” he asked, as pulled up his pants.

“Why can’t I have sex with my boyfriend in his office on a Friday afternoon?” I said, innocently, batting my eyelashes.

“God, I love you,” he said, taking my face in his hands and kissing me. “But seriously Pen, are you OK? You haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Yes, baby,” I lied. “I’m fine. I was just feeling frisky.”

“OK.”

He didn’t press the issue, but I knew he didn’t believe me. I would tell him eventually, I just figured if I didn’t bring up the dreams and my fear about seeing April, maybe it wouldn’t be real.

*********

I learned quickly why I was having dreams of Tony, though. And the fears I had were very, very real.

I was setting up the restaurant with balloons and favors for Jess’ shower. I was alone with my thoughts, when she walked in. I didn’t even see her at first. I looked up to greet the first guest as she put her present on the table.

“Hi, there,” I said, cheerfully. “You can sit anywhere and help yourself to wine and…”

And as she look up at me and turned around, I could see the baby bump.

“Hey Penny,” April said, rubbing her stomach.

Zombies, Vamps and Monsters, Oh My!

I’ve always been a big fan of sleep. But, I gotta tell ya, since the show got picked up, I’ve been working off 4-5 hours of sleep each night playing double duty. And this weekend was no exception. New York Comic Con is something I’ve always wanted to attend, but always remembered too late to even think about purchasing tickets. But this year, I was a part of it, and it was everything I could have imagined and more!

Anna worked with the network to get all my credentials. I arrived at 8am sharp at the Netflix booth. That gave me enough time to look over my itinerary AND figure out which booths and discussions I wanted to check out. But there was really only one thing I wanted to do as a ‘fan,’ and that was meet the cast of The Walking Dead. I was on a mission to stalk Norman Reedus and Andrew Lincoln, AKA Daryl Dixon and Rick Grimes, respectively. And I was in luck because most of the actors were going to be there on Saturday with me.

As I settled into the booth with some stars from Netflix series, I figured no one would know me. But I was mistaken! A lot of fans came by to chat and ask for advice about starting a series or writing for television. Of course, I got questions about my romance with Trent and my recent stalker. But, fans were pretty much respectful of my personal life and wanted to know more about the show. I guess Sunny and her team, as well as the Netflix team, were doing a great job promoting the series. I was glad I set up the Facebook and Twitter pages for the show, as I gained a lot of followers this weekend.

The morning went by pretty quickly and soon I was ushered into a room for lunch. And next to me on the lunch line was none-other than Daryl Dixon. I was suddenly nervous.

“Hey,” he said, nodding at me.

“Hi. Love your show,” I muttered.

“Thanks. Hey! You’re Penny right?”

Was this really happening? Norman Reedus knows me!

“I am.”

“I read a lot of good things about your show! It looks great. When’s it coming out?”

“They are hoping in February of next year.”

“That’s fantastic! Are you ready for the spotlight?”

“Eh. Got any tips?”

“Just lay low. If the show’s any good, which I’m sure it will be, that’s all the attention it will need to be a success.”

“Thanks!”

“Any time,” he said, patting my shoulder and winking.

As I sat down at an empty table to prep for my fan Q&A, I texted Trent.

I just met Daryl Dixon, jealous?
I am! Did you get an arrow as a souvenir?
No! Boo. LOL. Are you and Nick having a good time?
We are! He’s geeking out over the costumes! Thanks again for the tickets, baby! You’re the best. We’ll see you at the Q&A in a bit! You’ll do great!

And again, to my surprise, the press and fans had a ton of questions about the show, the plot, if there would be a second season, etc. At one point, a fan asked if the rumors were true about Trent, to which everyone turned around to look at him. I just smiled as he winked at me. The cameras loved it, as the audience laughed.

Even though the event ran until 10 p.m., the Netflix tent wrapped up around 8 p.m., which gave me time to geek-out with Trent and Nick. As I joined them, I could see Nick had a light saber.

“That’s awesome Nick!”

“Now dad and I can have battles!”

“That sounds like fun. What else did you guys see and do today?”

“We saw a lot of Doctor Whos and zombies! And I got to meet Rick from The Walking Dead! Did you know he has an accent? And I saw a lot of Darth Vaders. And dad let me have two ice cream cones!” he said, without taking a breath.

“I see that,” I said, laughing and kissing Trent hello.

“You were great today baby. I’m so proud of you!” he said, hugging me.

“Dad! Can I go look at that exhibit over there?” Nick said, tugging on his arm and dragging both of us over to the Marvel booth.

“Can you believe no one cared about the stalker or you?” I said.

“Baby, it’s Comic-Con. You only get hardcore fans here. And it looks like you have a fan base already. I saw your Facebook page!”

“I know!”

*************

“How was your nerd-fest?” Emily asked at the restaurant after the christening on Sunday.

“Nerdy.”

“Anyone freak out on you?”

“Nope. Looks like the show will have a pretty good following before it is even released.”

“That’s awesome!” she said. “Here, hold him while I go pee.”

She handed Jayden to me, as she went to pee and then mingled for a bit. When he started crying, I immediately handed him over to Jesse, who was nearby waiting for him to get fussy anyway.

“You look good with a baby. Like a natural,” Trent said, as I went to sit down with him.

“You don’t even want any more kids. What are you talking about?” I said, raising an eyebrow.

“I never said I didn’t want any more kids….”

“You’ve implied it several times.”

“Well, it’s not true entirely.”

“Well you can’t have a half of baby.”

“I’ve just been thinking that if I were to want another one, I’d want it with you.”

“Ah. Oh,” I said. That was unexpected.

“Is that bad?” he said, with a worried look on his face.

“No,” I said, smiling and kissing him. “Not at all. But you know I don’t want one right now, right?”

“Yes, I know. And that’s why I love you. Work first….”

“And then a family…” I finished.

*********

Trent pinned my hands above my head as he left a trail of kisses down my neck. I bucked my hips, motioning for him to just fuck me already, but he wasn’t having it.

“Patience,” he said, as he kissed each breast, teasing me. He moved his hand down the rest of my body until he settled between my legs. I gasped as he made slow circles over my sweet spot and then slipped a finger inside me. My eyes grew wide as he moved them in and out in a slow rhythm and then dipped his head in between my legs.

“Oh God! Yes!” I screamed as I felt a wave wash over me. He kept the same slow pace though. “I’m going to cum again!”

He waited until my third intense orgasm before kissing back up my body.

“Hi,” he said, hovering over me. “Welcome back.”

He knew me too well.

“Hi,” I said, smiling. “Are you going to fuck me now?”

“Gladly.”

***********

“So, did you mean that before?” I said, as I lay in his arms, running my hand over his chest.

“Mean what?” he asked.

“About wanting a baby with me?” I looked up at him.

“Yes, why?” he said, kissing my forehead.

“I just assumed it wasn’t an option,” I said.

“Anything is possible baby. And we have all the time in the world….”

And he was right.

 

(Failed) Revenge of the Ex

“What am I supposed to do with this?” I asked Trent when I got home Monday night.

I showed him the email from Melanie, which I hadn’t responded to yet.

“I….” he started.

“What things do I need to know?” I said, gesturing air quotes.

“Pen, I don’t know.”

“I don’t like this. I mean, I get it, we have to get along, but why the change of heart? Why?”

“Calm down, it’s probably nothing. Maybe she really wants to get to know you…”

“Really? You hate her. You only put up with her because you have to. Why the change of heart?”

I was getting agitated. I was being irrational and mean to him. This was turning into our first real fight and I wasn’t playing fair.

“Penny, I don’t want to fight with you over her. She hasn’t mentioned anything to me, but if you want I can bring it up.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll deal with it. Last thing I need is for her to think I’m the child she thinks that I am.”

We both just sat in silence for a little bit while I answered some more emails.

“Are you coming to bed?” he said about 20 minutes later.

“Yes.”

I climbed into bed and into his arms. I didn’t like disagreeing with him. I knew when we started dating that things wouldn’t be easy with his ex.

“I don’t like this,” he said, kissing the top of my head.

“Neither do I.”

“I’m sure it’s Melanie trying to pull a power play…”

“It’s fine. I’ll handle it. I’m the one you want to be with. So, I’m the one who won, right?” I said, looking up at him and smiling.

“Yes, baby. But I think it’s me that won.”

********

“So what are you going to do?” Lizzy asked over wine in the office the next day.

I was working late at the studio with Matt and she came by with wine to hang out.

“I don’t know. Wear my highest heels and sexiest dress and show her who’s keeps her ex warm at night?”

“That atta girl…drink up,” Matt said, topping off my glass.

Did I mention she came by with several bottles of wine?

“Let’s reply back now!” Lizzy said, pushing me over to my computer.

“OK.”

“Write this,” she started. “I’m sorry you left your hot piece of man meat, but I am now fucking him properly, so I can’t imagine what you can possibly say to ruin the honeymoon phase of our relationship. Oh and you have CryptKeeper hands.”

“Really classy,” Matt said, topping off Lizzy’s glass too.

“Stop trying to get us drunk!” I said.

“I don’t have to try very hard. The two of you have polished off three bottles already, without my help,” he said.

“But for real. Should I meet up with her? What’s the worse that can happen?” I asked, as I replied back to her email agreeing to meet up with her the next night.

*****

Well, the worst happened. I have to say even though I prepared for every possible thing she could say, I didn’t think she’s say what she did.

“I’m glad you agreed to meet with me,” Melanie said, taking off her big dark sunglasses and looking me up and down before taking a seat.

I just nodded.

“I’ll have a glass of your best merlot,” she said to the waiter. “Are you drinking?”

“I’m good with water, thanks.”

“Oh God, are you pregnant?”

What? Who was this bitch?

“Um. No. I just have to get back to the office after this.”

“Right, for your little show.”

OK. This was not a good idea at all.

“So, Melanie. What was it you wanted to talk about?”

“Let me get my wine first. I’ve had a rough day. And Nick is acting up in school, so I had to meet with his teacher, but you probably already knew that.”

I did, actually. But I wasn’t giving in.

“Melanie…”

“OK. I’m just going to tell you. It was me,” she said, taking a big gulp of her wine.

“Excuse me?”

“I had someone break into your office last weekend.”

“What? Why? What the fuck Melanie?” I said, feeling my face getting hot.

“Because I don’t like you.”

Just like that. 

“So, why did you take my clothes and my photos? Why not take my writing or something?”

“Because I wanted to make it look like your stalker. But then that little twit went and confessed. And the guy I paid to do it said he was going to rat me out…and I just didn’t want Trent hating me any more than he already does.”

“Melanie, I don’t think sitting here, insulting me and telling me over a glass of wine is going to make him hate you any less. In fact, I’ve always tried to give you the benefit of the doubt being the mother of Trent’s child. But really? Stooping as low as to break into my place of work. To what? Scare me? Freak me out? Break me? I was attacked. I may not have the experiences you have, but I’ve been through enough to know that nothing will break me. Knock me down, maybe. But not break me….”

I was clearly channeling Trent in telling her off. I guess it’s that easy when she pisses you off that much. And I left her speechless. She was pathetic. I could see the wheels turning in her head as she scrambled for a comeback. But I didn’t leave her time, as I got up to leave and threw a $20 on table.

“Drink is on me. Be lucky I don’t press charges. Last thing you need is to make the papers. ‘Gregory’s new flame sues his ex for breaking and entering….’ And in case you’re wondering. Yes, I’m going to tell Trent.”

******

“Really? Baby. I will press charges for you!” Trent said, pulling me into a hug.

“It’s fine. I mean, it’s not fine. But it’s fine.”

“No. It’s not. Something from my past should not cause you pain or grief. I’m going to talk to her.”

“Actually, Trent, I think we should leave it alone. I could see the fear in her eyes. I mean, you obviously know her better than me. But after I told her off, she sat there in silence with nothing to say for herself.”

“Really? That is unlike her.”

“Right?! Well, I think we should make her sweat out why you’re not saying anything to her. Maybe she’ll behave for a while,” I said, using air quotes again.

“I love you,” he said, kissing me softly and then more urgently.

*****

And now I have to prep for Comic-Con. I’m pretty nervous going out in public. We’re going to show about five minutes of the pilot to get reaction and feedback. But, to be honest, me being in the news in the last few weeks, the show has gained some momentum and buzz. The next few days are going to be pretty busy. So I will write next week, and fill you in on all the crazy costumes and fans I see at the convention. And of course, I’ll fill you in on Jayden’s christening.

A Family Affair

I was back at both offices today after a very long and tiring past few days. After the whole Sophia incident, I had to file some police reports, which was very detailed, as expected. I decided after some heavy thinking not to press charges, but did file a restraining order against her. I also asked that she seek help.

In the meantime, I met with Sunny to work on a press release about the incident. And Trent was doting on me more so than usual. Which meant he was going to pass up time with his son, which I was adamantly against.

“Baby, it’s fine. I’ll tell Melanie to just take him for the weekend. It’s no big deal,” he said Friday night.

“No. I told you. Nick comes first.”

“How about you just meet him?” he asked tentatively.

This was a first. We hadn’t really discussed me meeting his son, especially while the divorce was still going through. But I guess since it was a done deal, it would be OK. My fear was, if I wasn’t in it for the long haul, would this really be a good idea for Nick.

“Oh…I….I guess that would be OK. What do think we should do?”

“How do you feel about pumpkin picking? I was thinking we could stop at your parents for lunch, then pick up Nick from Melanie. Come back here, get dinner, play board games, whatever. Then on Sunday we go upstate for good ole’ fashioned apple cider, hay rides and pumpkin picking….”

“I think that’s a great idea,” I said, smiling. The scary part in all of that was I wasn’t even scared in the slightest. Doing family stuff was my thing…deep down at least.

“Really?” he said, grinning.

“Really. Let’s do it. All in, right?”

“Yes! Now come here…” he said, kissing my neck giving me goosebumps.

“Trent…I have a head injury, you shouldn’t make me light-headed…”

“Well then, let’s get you off your feet…” he said, pulling me into the bedroom.

***

“We’re going to be late if you don’t finish up those emails!” Trent said.

Saturday morning, I decided to finally tackle all of my work emails about an hour before we had to leave to meet my parents. I wasn’t stalling, I just woke up early in a panic that shit wasn’t going to get done. Even though there was possibly another stalker out there, I knew the only way to keep my mind off that was to throw myself back into work.

“OK, OK..I’m done,” I said, hitting send on a network email. The execs were just checking in and letting me know they would postpone production if needed. I told them it wasn’t necessary and I’d be in on Monday.

Lunch went really well. Trent charmed my mother and got my father to open up, as very few people can do.

“Do you like him?” I asked my mother while Trent and my father went out back to look at the hot tub.

“Yes, sweetie. He’s great. Very nice,” she said.

“But?”

“No but. You guys have a lot in common. He’s very down to earth, sounds like he came from a good family.”

“OK.”

I was surprised she didn’t have anything negative to say. But that was probably a good thing. I’m sure in the next few weeks I’d get an earful about being a step-mom or something about my eggs dying off and her wanting grandchildren. But for now, she was content and that was something.

***

“Dad, look at that one!” Nick said, dragging Trent over to the biggest pumpkin on a hay pile. “Let’s vote for this one!”

There was a pumpkin carving contest and Nick wanted to be one of the kid judges. He was running around like a madman looking at all the carvings.

“This one looks like Mickey Mouse!” he exclaimed. “Penny, look!”

I started toward him, but he ran over, grabbed my hand and pulled me toward it.

“Oh wow, it does. You want to vote for this one too?” I asked, my heart melting as he squeezed my hand.

“He likes you,” Trent said, coming up behind me.

“Oh yea?” I said, raising my eyebrows.

“Gross!” Nick said, as Trent gave me a quick peck.

“Come on kidd-o, let’s go for a hay ride and then pick out some pumpkins to take home and carve ourselves,” he said, ruffling Nick’s hair.

“Yea!” Nick exclaimed, pulling us both to the hay ride line.

***

As Trent walked Nick, and some pumpkins, to the door, I couldn’t help but crack the car window to hear if Melanie said anything about me.

“Hey honey!” she said, embracing Nick at the door. “Did you have fun with dad?”

“Yes! We played games, and picked pumpkins. And Penny took me on a hay ride!” he said, excitedly.

Uh oh!

“Oh yea?” she said, raising her eyebrows at Trent. “Why don’t you go inside sweetie? I just want to talk to your dad.”

Here we go, I thought, as she shut the door after Nick was inside.

“Really Trent? You thought it would be a good idea to bring your little slut pumpkin picking? Are you trying to replace me with a new family?” she snapped.

“No. I’m not trying to replace you. You’re Nick’s mother. But I am moving on. And Penny is a part of my life,” he said, calmly, not giving into her anger.

“She’s a whor…”

“Stop it Melanie. I’m not discussing this with you. Penny and I are together and we both decided it was time for her to meet Nick. No more secrets, no more hiding.”

“Are you going to marry her? Have more babies? Jesus Trent. The ink isn’t even dry yet.”

“Get over it Melanie. Our marriage died a long time ago, the divorce just solidified something that was bound to happen from the beginning. You needed me for a career. You got it. Move on.”

And with that, he walked away, leaving her stunned.

***

“You are so fucking hot when you stick up for me and your family!” I said, fumbling with my key.

“Give it to me,” he said, taking them from me, while at the same time unbuttoning my jeans. “You were so sexy with Nick today…”

We barely made it into my apartment without undressing each other outside. We ended up just fucking on the stairs.

“Every time. Pen. Every time,” Trent said, as he laid next to me on the stairs.

“Well, we haven’t done it since yesterday morning. We had a lot of pent-up frustration…”

“I wouldn’t say frustration. More like….”

“Horniness?” I offered.

“I hope we fuck like this until we’re old and gray,” he said, helping me up and collecting my clothes.

“Me too.”

***

When I got into my office at the studio early this morning, I had an email from Melanie.

To: Penny R.
From: Melanie G.
Peace Offering

Penny,
I know we know nothing about each other. But as Trent will tell you, this is uncharacteristic of me. But then again, Trent standing up to me is uncharacteristic of him. Anyway, Nick would’t shut up about how great ‘daddy’s friend Penny’ was. I think for this to work for all of us, maybe we should clear the air. There’s some things you should know…

-Melanie

Mystery Solved Or Is it?

“I’m so, so, so, so, so sorry!” Sophia started, collapsing into tears on my couch.

“Aw. Honey, what is it?” I said, turning into mother mode, handing her a tissue and sitting beside her.

“I did a terrible thing!”

“Sophia. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

And as she looked up at me, her wide eyes spilling with tears, I knew. I just knew. It was her.

“I…I….” she stammered.

“Sophia, calm down,” I said, getting up and grabbing my cell phone. I didn’t know how stable or unstable she was. I needed to be ready to call someone or flee, or both.

“It was me!” she finally said, quietly, bursting into louder sobs. “I sent all those flowers, I…”

“Calm down.”

She got up and started pacing, hiccuping, wringing her hands.

“Sophia, sweetie. You have to calm down and explain yourself,” I said, inching closer to the door and dialing Trent at the same time.

“You’re just the most perfect person. The perfect boyfriend, the perfect friends, the perfect life. I wanted to be you! And then I met Oliver and he was so great, I was so excited to be working with him. And then…and then….” she said, her eyes getting dark. She stopped pacing. “And then, he confessed to me one night that he was infatuated with you. And I couldn’t take it anymore. Yes, you were my boss and super nice and you gave me this great opportunity, but I wanted to break you.”

“I…I don’t know what to say,” I said. And it was the truth. I had no idea what to say. I certainly didn’t view myself, or my life, as perfect. I worked really hard to get where I was. I felt horrible that this young girl, just starting her career, viewed me as her nemesis or something. And I certainly had no idea about Oliver, but I wasn’t too concerned with that at this moment in time.

“Sophia,” I finally said. “I’m flattered that you feel that way. But you are also a very talented smart girl. You have your whole career ahead of you…”

“But I want to be you! You have EVERYTHING!!!” she screamed. Suddenly she wasn’t crying anymore. She turned around, her eyes flaming now.

The next few moments happened in a blur. Just as she lunged at me, I could see Oliver and Bruce running down the hallway to my office, with two security guards right behind them. The last thing I remember before my head hit the ground, was Bruce pulling Sophia off me.

***

“She hit her head, but it’s just a slight concussion. No damage. We’ll keep her overnight to monitor her. But she should be OK to leave tomorrow,” I heard a doctor say.

“What the?” I said, coming to. I could make out a man in a white coat and Trent. In the doorway was Bruce.

“Oh baby!” Trent said, rushing to my bedside, kissing my forehead and grabbing my hand.

The doctor gently moved Trent aside so he could flash a light in my eyes. He asked me the general questions of ‘Do you know where you are? Do you know how you got here?’ And unfortunately (and fortunately), I could answer them all. But I certainly didn’t want to stay overnight. I had work to do!

“Doctor, I feel OK. Would it be OK to just leave now?” I asked hopefully, as he made notes on my chart.

“I’m afraid we can’t let you do that with a head injury.”

“Baby, I think it’s best you just rest. You’ve been running around like a mad-woman lately, maybe this is what you need.”

“Well, someone needs to tell the office, both of them. Well, I guess everyone over at the show knows already…wait…Bruce?” I called out to him.

“Yes,” he said. “How are you feeling?”

“Groggy. And a little confused. Was Oliver with you at the office?”

“Yes. He came to security as soon as he heard what Sophia was doing. Apparently, she confessed to him over the weekend. She made him swear he wouldn’t tell anyone because she was going to stop, but when he heard she was going to confess to you…”

“He worried that she was going to hurt you…” Trent finished.

“Wow. Just wow. I had no clue. She was quiet and sweet on the set. Are we pressing charges?”

“That’s up to you,” Trent said. “The police do need a statement from you. But she’s confessed already. There is this one thing though…”

“What? This is it. It’s over, right?” I said, looking from him to Bruce. “Right?”

“Well..” Bruce started.

“I’ll tell her. Bruce, can you give us a minute?”

“Trent, you’re scaring me!”

“It might be nothing,” he started, after Bruce left. “But Sophia confessed to everything except breaking into your office.”

“Huh? You mean, there’s someone else out there, possibly crazy and obsessed with me? Maybe she’s lying. She’s clearly not all there.”

“She’s not. The night of the break-in, she was with Oliver. He’s her alibi.”

“I don’t even know what to say.”

“The network is going to have a security guard with you at all times at the office, and Bruce has agreed to be with you all other times that I’m not.”

“I don’t need a baby-sitter! I need a fucking detective to solve this already!”

“I know baby, it’s frustrating. But the police are involved now. They’ve gone back to your office to take more fingerprints. It’s going to be OK.”

“OK,” I said, curling into him on the tiny hospital bed. “What’s going to happen to Sophia?”

“That’s up to you.”

“Well, I don’t want to ruin the girl’s life by pressing charges. But I don’t want her on the show anymore. Can she just go quietly? We can re-cast, that won’t be a problem…”

“Sure,” he said. “We’ll talk to Sunny and the network tomorrow. Miriam has already said you can take the rest of the week off. So we can focus on cleaning this up together.”

“I love you,” I said, reaching up to kiss him.

“I love you, too baby. Now get some rest.”

And for the first time in a few weeks, I slept pretty soundly with Trent next to me. I’m pretty sure he didn’t sleep, because there was possibly still some psycho out there. But we were safe for the night.

This Isn’t Funny Anymore

“I made the fucking news again!” I moaned, as I surveyed my disheveled office. “I write the news, I don’t make the news!”

After I read Anna’s message, I raced into the office with Trent. She had already called the police. Together we all catalogued what was missing, which was just a few photos and my spare clothes. Surprisingly things were just thrown about, but none of my writing was taken, and IT says the computer wasn’t tampered with. So we can only assume it was my stalker, or related to my stalker. There was no note or anything. Nonetheless, the network execs were stepping up security on the set. We still have about another month left of taping.

“It’s going to be OK. They took some fingerprints, so hopefully they can track this person down,” Trent said, massaging my shoulders.

“It’s not going to be OK. What if this has nothing to do with my stalker? And I hate making the news!”

“You’re going to have an amazing show on Netflix, you’ll have to get used to it baby.”

“Fine. I just hate making the news for bad things that happen. I want to be known as this amazing do-it-all up-and-comer, not the girl who’s fucking Trent Gregory and has a stalker!”

“But, at least they aren’t lies.”

“Always the optimist,” I said, rolling my eyes. “It’s just not funny anymore. I’m over it. I just want to make a great show!”

“And you are. And you will. It will all pass. Now, let Anna take care of cleaning this up…”

“No, I’ll do it. I’ll meet you later for dinner?” I said.

“Fine. But I’m calling Bruce to help or at least hang out for a bit to make sure you’re OK.”

“OK,” I nodded, as he kissed me gently.

***

“Honey! I read the news, are you OK?” my mother said the next day on our weekly phone call.

“Yes. I’m fine. The police and network are working on it. They’ll catch the person soon.”

“I worry about you! And when do we get to meet this Mr. Gregory?”

My mother, always getting to the important stuff.

“I don’t know, mom. Soon. Next weekend?” I offered.

I had no idea what Trent’s schedule was like, but I’m sure we could squeeze a little meet-and-greet with my parents in. He was bugging me anyway to meet them. Plus maybe a quick trip back out to Long Island would do us some good.

***

“Aren’t you scared?” Lizzy said, over lunch on Monday.

“At this point, it’s getting old,” I said. “I just want the person to be caught and to just fucking stop.”

“All the flowers are flattering though…”

“No. It’s creepy. The notes are creepy. The fact that this person is watching me is creepy.”

“OK. Changing the topic. Can we talk about how Sophia was making out with Oliver by the end of Friday night?”

“Haha. I think they are cute together. Apparently she’s had a crush on him for a while.”

“Well, that’s weird, because I could have sworn he had a crush on you, the way he was gushing about you all night.”

“You think?” I said, raising my eyebrows.

“Oh yea. Big time,” she said. “Hey! Maybe he’s your stalker!”

“I never even thought about it. He was at the office late last week when I was there with Matt.”

“I bet it’s him.”

“Or maybe it’s Sophia. Maybe she knows Oliver likes me and she’s jealous?”

“OR maybe it’s both of them and Melanie hired them both to fuck with you?”

“There’s something wrong with us. I think we both watch too much CSI.”

***

As if I had enough to worry about, I was finally going over the responses to Jess’ shower Sunday night. Her sister mailed the invites earlier in August and Anna was kind enough to collect them all for me. And then I saw it, like it was taunting me. A big, fat yes from April, Tony’s girlfriend.

“Did you know that April is going to Jess’ shower?!?!?!” I texted Emily.
“No! Why?” she immediately replied.
“I’m assuming because Tony is the best man….”
“Who cares? She doesn’t even eat meat, what’s she going to eat bread?”
“This sucks! First my relationship is revealed in tabloids, then I get a stalker and now this.”
“I can trip her when she walks in and then we can key her car?”
“And that’s why I love you!”
“:)”

This was just fantastic. It was bad enough I had to see them at the wedding together in December, but now I’d have plaster a fake smile on for the shower. Her and Jess are probably best friends by now, since Tony and Jason are best friends. Whatever, I didn’t have time to worry about it.

***

“When are you coming home?” Trent asked.

“I’ll be home by 11 p.m. Promise,” I said.

“Great. When you get home, I want to discuss a vacation soon. Some place warm, where you only need a bikini…”

“I’m in!”

I had one more script to work on and then the series would be done. It would still have to go through the network, but the execs didn’t really have many changes to the earlier ones, so I knew they’d be OK with the final one. As much as the stress of working two jobs and the stalker was putting on me, I actually really enjoyed the writing and seeing my work played out in front of me. And the idea of taking a trip with Trent was very intriguing.

Just as I was finishing up, there was a quiet knock on the door. I just assumed it was Bruce ready to take me to Trent’s, so I didn’t think when I said “Come in.”

“Hey, Penny…”

I looked up to see Sophia.

“Hey, Sophia, what’s up?” I asked.

“I don’t know how to begin…but there’s something I need to tell you…”

This Is How We Do

“You need to go to Comic Con,” said Anna.

“What? Like just to hang out? Cool!” I said.

Anna was my new agent. After finally caving to Trent’s advice, I hired Anna as my agent/assistant to sort out my schedule and appearances. It was weird having someone tell me what to do and keep my calendar, as I was doing it myself my whole life. But I felt like I was going to overbook something and miss out on important things, like Jayden’s christening or Jess’ bridal shower. Couldn’t miss those, considering I’m the godmother and the maid of honor, respectively. Anna seemed to have her shit together, like me, so I had a good feeling about her.

“No. You need to be on a panel. Netflix will have a booth and a panel to introduce new and returning shows. You need to be up there to answer questions about the show and then available for photos for at least one of the days. You have the christening that Sunday, so I think Saturday will be your best bet. Thoughts?”

“Oh. Yea. Saturday works.”

“OK. Now what do you want to get Jess for a present. The shower is the following weekend.”

“Um, I was just going to order something online off her registry. And then throw in a pair of Islanders tickets.”

“I can pick those up for you and order the present,” she said, waiting to put down what I wanted to get her on her tablet.

“Wow. I am so not used to this. I guess see what’s in the $100 range and get one big thing or get a couple little things for the kitchen. I’ll give you my login for Bed, Bath and Beyond, so you can just charge to my account. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Will there be anything else for today then?”

“No, I think you covered everything. Thank you Anna. Have a good weekend,” I said.

After I answered a few emails, I summoned Bruce to take me out to Jimmy F.’s. A group of us were getting together to let loose. The past few weeks had been so crazy, that I just didn’t have a chance to relax. Among the group were Lizzy and Paul, Emily, Jess and Mandy, Trent and Sophia and Oliver, from the show. Oliver had sort of become my new buddy on the set, which was nice because it put my mind at ease over my stalker, who was still sending damn flowers to the Tonight Show office.

The photos that were sent to my apartment weren’t leaked…yet, and Trent and I were very careful about keeping our sexcapades, as well as our PDAs, in the bedroom. And this was really the first official outing where my friends would meet Trent. I wasn’t too worried, though. Plus we had Bruce watching out for us the whole night.

“Hey Al!” I said, settling in in our usual spot by the door.

“Hey Penny! How have you been? I haven’t seen you in a while…didn’t I read about…”

“Yes! Shhh. Keep your voice down,” I said, laughing.

“So things are well then?” he said, handing me a beer.

“They are.”

“The girls coming tonight?”

“Yes. And a few new faces too. OH, guess where I have to go in a few weeks?” I said, smiling.

“Where?”

“Comic-Con!”

“No way…for your show!”

I nodded.

“I’m so jealous! You’re going to have fun. But get extra security, Lizzy told me last week about your situation. Is that why Mr. Muscles is by the door?”

“Yup. He’s my best buddy until we track down who this crazy person is.”

“Hey baby,” Trent said, coming behind me. “Hey, man, I’m Trent.”

He and Al shook hands, as I settled into my seat. It really was the first time in a while that I was able to relax. I was with my man at my favorite bar, with my friends, new and old. And even though I was still slightly tense about my stalker still being out there, I felt safer surrounded my familiar faces. It was just what I needed.

***

“LET’S DO SHOTS!” Mandy yelled.

It was 1 a.m., and we were just getting started. Al made sure to close the blinds in front of the bar and alerted the bouncer about my ‘situation,’ so no paparazzi, or stalkers could get in.

As I handed out the shots, I looked over to see Trent chatting up Emily and Jess and got all googly-eyed.

“Hey there,” said Oliver.

“Cheers,” I said, handing him a shot.

“What is this?” he said.

“Don’t worry about it,” I said, turning to Mandy. “What is this shot for?”

“For being fucking awesome!” Lizzy screamed on the other side of me.

“Cheers!” we all yelled.

“Come,” Lizzy said, grabbing me, Sophia and Mandy to the makeshift dance floor as “Come Get It Bae” came on.

“You and your friends are awesome,” Sophia said. “Thanks for inviting me and Oliver.”

“Of course! You guys are phenomenal and really get the characters. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast to make my writing play out…”

“You should write more sex scenes for me and him,” she said.

Well, that was blunt, I thought.

“Hmmm. Do you have a crush on him?” I said, letting the alcohol talk.

“Maybe,” she said.

“Oh! He’s super nice! You should go talk to him some more!”

“BRUUUCCCCE,” Lizzy yelled.

I rolled my eyes and went to find Trent.

“Are you having fun?” I asked, kissing him as he wrapped me into a hug.

“I am. Are you?”

“Yes.”

“Your friends are a good time. I’m glad you invited me,” he said, getting that same googly-eyed look I had earlier.

“Eh, you know. That’s how we do.”

“You’re such a dork. We should settle up the tab, so I can take advantage of you at home.”

***

“Please don’t stop!” I said, holding his head between my legs, even though I knew he wasn’t stopping any time soon. I could feel the waves rush over me as he used his fingers to make me cum even harder.

When he felt I was good and worked up, he hovered over me, smiling and then slowly sunk into me working me up again.

“God, I love you Pen,” he said, as he buried his head into my neck and grinded his hips until I felt another wave rush over me.

“I love you too. You spoil me way too much,” I said, breathless.

After he came, he collapsed on top of me and we lay there catching our breath for a little bit.

“You really are something else. Every day I just fall deeper and deeper in love with you.”

“Me too,” I said, kissing him. “And that thing you did with the vibrator….wow.”

“Eh, you know. That’s just how I do…”

***

I woke up pretty late on Saturday, since we didn’t fall asleep until way after 3 a.m. When I checked my phone, I saw a message from Anna.

Call me when you get this. Someone broke in your office….

Obsessed

More flowers, more notes. The good news is the photos haven’t leaked yet. We let Sunny know to keep her eyes peeled for any mention or release of them, but it’s been four days and nothing yet. I just have a sinking feeling whoever it is that’s doing this will leak them at the most inopportune time. But, “There’s no such thing as bad press,” says Sunny. And according to Trent, she’s the best. She did keep his divorce under wraps for a long time. And she also reps some very famous celebrities. Since she’s a family friend of Trent’s, she’s giving us a very, very low rate for her services.

In the meantime, Trent insists on driving me and picking me up from work. I have to call or text him every hour, and he has his bodyguard friend, Bruce, escort me anywhere I want to go, whenever he can’t. Bruce is exactly what you would picture when you picture a bodyguard. Big, burly and mean looking. He’s also gay. But it was really funny watching Lizzy flirt with him, as she’s into the big, meaty guys.

“So, Bruce, how long have you been a bodyguard?” she asked, her voice suddenly perky.

We were in our office, goofing around until showtime.

“Ten years,” he said, not even looking at her.

He takes his job very seriously.

“Hey, lighten up Bruce! Penny’s not even famous yet.”

He didn’t say anything.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” she asked.

“No, mam.”

“Wife?”

“No, mam.”

“You can call me Lizzy, mam is so formal.”

“Lizzy, give the guy a break, he’s doing Trent a favor…” I said, stifling a laugh.

“Let me flirt a little! I’m going to have a ring on it soon,” she said under her breath, as Bruce smirked.

“OK, OK,” I said, rolling back to my desk and shaking my head.

“Bruceeeee,” she said. “What do you do for fun? And how are you not snatched up?”

I rolled my eyes.

“Probably the same things you like. And I didn’t say I was single, mam,” he said, as Lizzy’s eyes grew wide and her face turned red.

“Oh….I….” she stammered.

“Penny, I’m going to get a coffee, would you like one?” he asked.

“No, I’m good Bruce. Thank you,” I said, laughing as Lizzy squirmed in her seat.

“Mam?” he said, smiling. “Would you like a coffee?”

“No, I’m good,” she mumbled. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she said, throwing a paper at me.

“It was too funny watching you flirt. You are, after all, putting a ring on it soon….”

“I hate you!”

“You love me!”

“Don’t make me re-activate your Tinder account,” she threatened.

***

After the show wrapped up last night, I went back to the office on the set to bang out the last episode with Matt.

Running late. Gonna grab dinner, you want? he texted.
Just get me whatever you’re having.

As I settled into my couch reading over the notes he had left me earlier in the day, I told Bruce he could head home since Matt would be there soon. He really wanted to stay, and it took a phone call to Trent to assure him that I’d be OK the half hour alone in the office. And that I’d lock my door and make sure to not open to anyone except Matt. And that Matt would take me back to Trent’s after we were done.

Instead of reading over the script though, I pulled out all the notes sent with the flowers. They were so random. They all made reference to me in some way and someone watching me. But the instances they mention are so inconsistent. It could mean I had a real stalker on my hands. Someone who knew where I lived and worked. It creeped me out that some stranger was so obsessed with me.

I jumped when there was a knock on my door. When I peaked out the window, I saw it was Oliver, one of the actors on the show. He waved and motioned for me to open the door.

“Hey there,” he said, as I opened the door a crack. I was really paranoid.

“Hey Oliver. What’s up? I didn’t think anyone else was here this late.”

“You know my name?”

“Yea, why wouldn’t I? I know everyone’s name on the staff and crew….”

“Right. Well, I saw your light on and wanted to make sure everything was OK. I know you’ve been getting those notes and flowers…”

“How do you….”

“Security and the big, burly guy always following you around. It’s pretty hard to hide stuff on sets like this.”

“Ugh,” I said, relaxing and opening the door to let him in. “I’m such a newbie at this! And it shows. That’s horrible.”

“No, it’s not! It’s good. It’s refreshing! You know how many sets I’ve been on where the head writers/producers don’t really talk to the actors or crew? You’re so nice!”

“I’m naive is what I am. I’ve had this dream for so long, I didn’t realize I’d be giving up my freedom…”

“Well, there’s no such thing as bad press. So what if you have a stalker? It could be flattering right?”

“Eh. It’s creepy. Plus, I’m so boring! Why would anyone be obsessed with me?”

“Who wouldn’t be obsessed with you?” Matt said, walking in, looking confused.

“Oh! Matt. This is Oliver, he’s one of our supporting actors,” I said, introducing the two and taking one of the bags from him.

“Hey, man, nice to meet you,” Matt said, shaking Oliver’s hand.

“Well, Oliver, it was great chatting with you. But Matt and I have a long night ahead of us….”

“Right. Sorry,” he said, looking flustered.

“Stop by anytime. It’s nice to have another friendly face in here,” I said, smiling as he relaxed a bit.

“I look forward to it.”

“Do you think it’s Oliver?” Matt said, as soon as the door shut behind him.

“Jesus Matt. He’s not even down the hall yet!” I whispered.

“I’ve never seen him in here with you. Or around in general.”

“Matt, I hired him for Christ’s sake! It’s not Oliver. He was just looking out for me…”

“Or taking mental photographs of you for his spank bank later.”

“Oh ew,” I said, throwing a napkin at him.

“I’m just saying, keep an eye on him. I’m gonna tell that big guy to watch him tomorrow.”

“Fine, whatever. Let’s get to work.”

It was a little weird that Oliver stopped by, but he was just being nice. However, I’ve watched enough CSI to know that it’s always the nice ones that have bodies in their basements. Perhaps I would tell Bruce to do a background check on Oliver tomorrow.