Faye smiled her thanks then leaned in close to Griffin’s ear. “You’ll never guess who’s been hanging out here.”
“Wanna bet? I’ve already met them.”
“No way! The people from the film? The big stars haven’t been in yet but the director and some of the crew have. They love it here. The director said he may want to rent the place out for a private party. They may even shoot a scene here. I just have to name my price.”
“Good for you, sis.”
“You aren’t acting very excited. I thought you were a big fan of Penelope Winters.”
“Was, is the operative word…If you like having your balls frozen off, she’s the girl of my dreams. After meeting her, I’d say unfortunately, the fantasy is much better than the reality.”
Faye shook her head chuckling, “What am I going to do with you?”
Jesse helped Ty serve the two large trays of food, rearranging napkin holders and ketchup bottles to make room.
“What’s your little brother up to now?” Jesse asked, as he leaned down to brush his lips across Faye’s cheek. She smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with affection.
“Licking his wounds after meeting his fantasy woman Penelope Winters and discovering she’s immune to his charm,” she said, laughing. “I told him about the private party and filming here.”
“You’d better keep that on the down low or you’re going to have swarms of gawkers hanging out disrupting everyone’s plans.”
“I know, I’m trying but it’s just too juicy not to share. You’ll keep it to yourself right Griff?”
“Yeah but what about the rest of these guys?” he asked, looking around at the half dozen friends sitting at his table. With the music blaring and all the conversations going on at once, nobody had picked up on their discussion.
“I think we’re safe,” Faye said.
The front door opened, and a group of people walked in. Faye hissed excitedly in Griffin’s ear, “It’s them!”
Seeing the new arrivals, Jesse said, “I’d better get back behind the bar. Babe I might need your help. When does Addison get back from her break?” He lightly caressed her bare arm.
“There she is now,” Faye said.
“Just in time.”
“I’ll be there in a minute,” Faye said.
Griffin studied the new arrivals. It was hard to describe the energy surrounding the film crew. They stood out without even trying. They practically screamed big-city hipsters, and yet they were all dressed casually and seemed relaxed and out for a good time. He didn’t recognize any of them except the director, and Penelope Winters was most certainly not amongst the group. He felt let down and was surprised. He quickly tamped down his disappointment.
The door opened again, and his breath caught as she entered, deep in conversation with Noah. Fuck me. She was mesmerizing. Her long, ridiculously thick blond hair was piled on top of her head with loose tendrils escaping from the clasp. She wore a soft, rust-colored, free-flowing mini dress that moved as she walked. The narrow straps of her dress were tied at the shoulder, and he imagined pulling on the laces.
His eyes continued their assessment, admiring her long shapely legs all the way down to the brown flip-flops on her feet. He pulled his gaze away before he embarrassed himself. His friends were also transfixed, and Faye had to check them.
“Um guys, they are my guests, do you think you could put your tongues back in your mouths?”
They all laughed sheepishly, then grumbled, but did manage to tear their gazes away.
After greeting them at the door, Addison grabbed menus and led them toward the waterfront outdoor seating area. This time of year, the entire wall was open, linking the indoor and outdoor space. As the group passed by their table, Jake, one of Griffin’s more loud and obnoxious friends, stood to insure he had everyone’s attention.
“I’d like to make a toast to my best friend Griffin, who holds the current title of man least likely to settle down. To high winds and mermaids! Happy thirtieth, my friend!” The whole bar participated in the cheers and joined in to sing happy birthday.
Penelope arched a brow as she passed by his table, the only acknowledgement that she remembered meeting him. After seating the group, Addison approached Griffin and leaned down to say, “Stewart Abrams, the film director, would like to buy you a drink for your birthday. What’ll it be?”
Griffin’s eyes widened in surprise, “The director, hey? I’ll have a bourbon on the rocks. Tell Stewart thanks.” When she returned with his drink, he looked outside at the film crew’s table and caught the eye of the director and raised his glass, giving a slight nod of his head. Stewart Abrams raised his own glass and nodded back.
A short time later Addison returned. “The director would like you to join his group for a drink.”
“What?”
“You have been summoned. Maybe they’re sick of their own company.”
Griffin stood and confidently strolled over to their table.
Stewart Abrams immediately stood up and said, “Great to see you again. Griffin, right? Please, have a seat.” He gestured to the space on the bench between Penelope Winters and himself. Griffin swallowed. Stewart introduced him to the group and after greeting him, they jumped back into their animated discussion, Noah being the most vocal.
Griffin was acutely aware of Penelope’s leg touching his in the close quarters.
“Thanks for the drink,” Griffin said.
“Least I could do. It’s your birthday. I overheard your friend say it’s the big thirty.”
“That’s right.”
Griffin turned toward Penelope and was caught off guard by the hostility in her emerald green eyes. His brow furrowed, “Did you get out on the wrong side of the bed this morning?”
“Excuse me?”
“I said…”
“I heard what you said,” she said, curtly.
“Well?”
“Well what?”
“Is it the bed or are you always this ill-natured?”
“You’re being a little presumptuous, aren’t you?”
“Are there different rules for you then?”
She sputtered, “Who do you think you are?”
“I could say the same.”
Her eyes practically spit at him. “Of all the brazen…arrogant…”
Stewart interrupted, “Penelope…”
Griffin watched the anger dance across her face before she turned her back to him. Stewart shrugged his shoulders and gave him an embarrassed grin.
“Listen, the reason I called you over…and trust me, I know I’m coming out of left field here, but I’ve got something I’d like you to consider.”
Griffin’s brow furrowed, “What’s that?”
“We have an emergency that’s come up. One of our actors had to drop out of the film today due to a family emergency. I’m sitting over here watching you and I’m suddenly hit with this crazy idea.”
“You can’t be suggesting what I think you are.”
“Seriously, you’d be perfect. I’d like you to do a test screening. Read for the part. I know it sounds insane, but I’ve got a hunch. You’ve got something that sets you apart. A star quality if you will. I’ve been in this business long enough to know it when I see it.”