Adiel was dreading his date with Lexy. The pretty nurse was nice enough, but he just hated first dates in general. He’d asked her where she wanted to go for dinner and she’d suggested his favorite restaurant, the Italian place, Mamma Mia’s. He had mixed feelings about that. He went there so often that he felt a little funny going for a first date, but on the other hand, at least he knew he’d enjoy the food.

He’d almost forgotten about the date entirely. Ben had told him he needed to ask for her number and go on at least one date, so he’d called her the day after trivia and she said that she was working the rest of the weekend, so they made plans to go out Wednesday night. His thoughts all week had been entirely consumed with the show. There was even more of a sense of urgency about it now that they knew it was green-lighted.

And Rachel was doing an incredible job. He knew some of the other cast members were a little worried that he’d hired a complete unknown for such an important role but once they started filming, they quickly came around. Rachel was easy to work with, a complete professional and there was a wonderful vulnerability and rawness to her performance that was breathtaking. He knew it was good as he watched it live, but looking at the film later gave him goosebumps. He couldn’t wait to see what the audience reaction would be to this second episode. 

He’d offered to pick Lexy up, but she wanted to meet at the restaurant as she was going to go straight from her shift at the hospital. Adiel waited outside for her and she arrived right on time. They went in and were seated at a quiet table by the window. When the waiter came over, Adiel ordered a bottle of chianti and they chatted a little before putting their order in. He got his usual lasagna and Lexy chose the chicken Marsala.

She was friendly and easy to talk to, which was a relief. Adiel was impressed to learn that she was actually a nurse practitioner, a step above a regular nurse and that she loved her job at the hospital.

“I work in pediatrics, which is children of all ages, and it can be heart-breaking at times, but also really rewarding too.”

“It’s nice to love what you do. Have you always lived in Riston?” It seemed like most people he’d met were from the small town and had never left. He didn’t blame them though. It was a lovely area. But her answer surprised him.

“No, I’ve only been here for a few years, actually. I was a traveling nurse and took three month assignments all over the country. It was a great way to experience living in different areas and learn where I wanted to stay.”

They both looked up as their server set down their salads.

He smiled. “So, you came to Riston and never left?” 

“Pretty much. I extended my stay for another three months and then accepted a permanent offer with the hospital. I love it here.”

“I was a little hesitant to come here. I’d never been to Idaho before and it seemed like it was in the middle of no where. It was the only reason I didn’t jump on this opportunity at first, but now that I’m here, I get it. I bet it’s a great place to raise a family.”

Lexy’s eyes lit up. “I think it would be!”

They were halfway through eating their dinners when Lexy suddenly tensed up.

“What’s wrong?” Adiel followed her gaze to a couple that was being seated. A very tall man with dark hair and a petite blonde woman. “Do you know them?”

Lexy nodded and looked miserable. “That’s my ex. This was always our favorite restaurant. I never imagined we’d come on the same night.”

Adiel sympathized. “Has it been long?”

“Three months. We were engaged and dated for almost two years. It just fell apart at the end. It’s a long story.”

“I’m sorry it didn’t work out. We’re just about done, I can ask for the check if you don’t want to stay for dessert?”

“Could we? If you don’t mind, I’d prefer to just go. I’m sorry.”

“It’s no problem at all. I understand it’s hard to run into an ex, especially if they’re with someone else.” Lexy looked close to tears as Adiel waved down their waiter and asked for the check. He handed him a credit card before he even set the bill on the table and a few minutes later, they walked out the door. Lexy didn’t think that her ex had seen them and wanted to get out before it became too awkward.

“The last thing I feel like doing is saying hello to him and his date,” she said as they walked to their cars.

“Well, I had a nice time tonight,” Adiel said when they reached their vehicles. Clearly Lexy wasn’t over her ex yet, but until he showed up, they’d had a pleasant enough time.

She nodded and her eyes were damp. “I did too. I’m sorry I had to end things so abruptly. I’d love to go out again sometime, maybe.”

Adiel wasn’t sure if she was just being polite, but he smiled.

“Of course, I’ll call soon and we’ll make a plan.”

As he drove home, he thought to himself that he was glad he’d gotten out there. It had been a nice enough evening even though it had ended abruptly. It might be good for both of them to have a second date and see if there was anything there to explore.

Cameron called Rachel on her lunch hour on Thursday to confirm that they were on for trivia that night.

“Sure, I’ll just walk over to the restaurant when I finish up here.”

“Is your hunky director coming tonight?”

“The director? Oh, you mean Adiel? I don’t know if he’s coming. He hasn’t mentioned it.”

“I heard he had a date last night, with Lexy. That girl that showed up last week at trivia.” That was news to Rachel.

“Really? How did you hear that?”

“She told me over coffee this morning. She said they had a lovely time until her ex, that doctor she was engaged to, walked into the restaurant she and Adiel were at.”

“Oh, no! How awkward.”

“Well, it could have been worse. He didn’t see her, so she avoided having to talk to him. But still, it ruined her night. Fortunately, they were just about done eating by then, anyway.”

“Do you think they’ll go out again?”

“Maybe. She said he was nice, and she felt bad that she freaked out when she saw her ex.”

“So, you really think he’s hot?” Cameron hadn’t said anything before.

“Adiel? Yeah, he has that artsy look going on with his wavy hair that is just a little too long and those black glasses. He kind of looks smart and hot at the same time.”

Rachel laughed. “He does actually. He’s my boss so I haven’t really thought much about it. He’s nice.”

“How old do you think he is?”

“Are you really interested? I think I heard someone say he’s thirty-five.” Rachel never knew with Cameron. She always got bored easily and was on to the next thing.

“Oh, really?” She sounded disappointed. “For some reason I thought he was younger.”

“Thirty-five isn’t exactly old.”

“It is to me. I’ve never gone for older guys. You know that.”

Now that she thought about it, she realized Cameron was right. Just about every guy she’d dated was her age or even a little younger.

Rachel noticed people heading back on to the set. “I should get back to work.”

“Okay, see you later.”

Rachel had a scene that afternoon with Corey Walker, who played a playboy type that was trying to charm her character, but wasn’t getting anywhere. It was hard to tell where Corey left off and his character began because he was playing a part that was so similar to himself. He was a rising star in Hollywood and had quite a following of devoted fans. The tabloids loved him because he always had a parade of young women that he was in and out of relationships with. They never lasted long. He was tall and too handsome for his own good, almost pretty with full lips and vivid green eyes and impossibly long lashes. His hair was naturally light blonde and tousled.

He was definitely heartthrob material and when he took his shirt off, his abs were rock hard. He worked hard at it though and went to the gym at the ranch every day and for the most part, he ate well, though he did go out almost every night and was often hungover and quiet in the mornings. Until his second wind and several cups of coffee would kick in and then he’d start to pour on the charm. He’d already tried to date several girls on set and a few had gone out with him until they realized what he was like.

And now he’d turned his attention on Rachel. But she didn’t give him the time of day which frustrated him no end.

“Come to dinner with me tonight,” he asked, the instant their scene ended.

Rachel laughed. “I can’t. I have plans.”

“Well, break them. Go out with me instead.” His cockiness astounded her. Though she supposed he was used to women doing exactly that.

“I’m not changing my plans. And I’m not going out with you. So, you can stop asking. I don’t date people that I work with.” It sounded like a good excuse.

Corey pouted. “Why not?”

“It’s too messy. Ask someone else. I’m sure you’ll have no shortage of takers.”

He looked at her thoughtfully. “I’m not going to give up, Rachel. I’m going to wear you down. One day, you’ll say yes.”

She looked at him calmly. “No, I won’t. Move on to someone else, Corey.”

“We’ll see.” He stomped off and Rachel stood shaking her head as she watched him go straight to one of the make up girls and try his luck with her. A minute later they were both laughing, so maybe he was getting somewhere with her.

“Was he bothering you?” Rachel looked up to see Adiel standing there.

“Corey? No, he’s fine. He’s just not my type.”

Adiel smiled. “No, I wouldn’t guess that he is. Are you heading to trivia tonight?”

“Yes, I was just about to walk over. I’m meeting Cameron there.”

“And I’m meeting Ben and Anna.”

“No Lexy?” Rachel asked before she could stop herself.

“No. Are you ready to go?”

They walked the short distance to the restaurant and as usual, Jaclyn and Simon were the first ones there. Betty was there too and an older man that Rachel had never seen before. Rachel sat next to Jaclyn and Adiel settled into the seat next to her. A minute later, her phone buzzed with a text message from Cameron.

“I’m so sorry. I can’t make it after all. I’m staying late to cover for one of the girls who just went home sick. Have fun and call me tomorrow!”

“Cameron can’t make it tonight. She’s stuck at work,” Rachel said.

“Oh, that’s too bad,” Jaclyn said. She then leaned forward to see Adiel better. “So, young man, how’s your show going? Will we see it anytime soon?”

Adiel laughed and Rachel noticed what Cameron had mentioned. He really was attractive. When he laughed, tiny laugh lines danced around the corners of his mouth. His hair was so dark it was almost black and it was a loose tangle of waves. The glasses gave him a more serious look, but he was a bit on the serious side so it suited him.

“The first two episodes will be on the air in less than two weeks. You can let me know what you think then.”

Jaclyn’s eyes grew wide. “Really, so soon? That’s marvelous news!”

Rachel noticed that Betty’s attention was no longer on Simon. Instead she was batting her eyes at the gentleman sitting between them, who looked vaguely familiar.

“Who is that?” she asked Jaclyn.

“Why that’s Carl of course. He works with Simon at the golf shop. He’s part-time too, semi-retired. I suggested that Simon invite him.”

“It looks like he and Betty are getting along well.”

Jaclyn looked like the cat that ate the canary. “Yes, doesn’t it?”

“What can I get you to drink?” Rachel turned to see Patty their waitress ready to take their drink order.

“Chardonnay for me please.”

“I’ll have an IPA, whatever you have on draft,” Adiel said.

“Pitcher of root beer for us,” Jaclyn chimed in.

Ben and Anna arrived a few minutes later and sat next to Adiel, followed by Bernie and husband David, Lily and Cody and Tammy and Clark.

“The pizza is really good here,” Adiel said a little while later, as he reached for his fourth slice.

Rachel reached for a third and had to agree. She and Jaclyn were sharing the best combination she’d tried yet, thin slices of fried eggplant, spinach, and feta with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

“Do you miss L.A. at all?” she asked Adiel. She wondered what it must be like to be working so far from home.

“Not as much as I thought that I would. I’m a little surprised to be honest,” he admitted.

Rachel was glad to hear it. “I’ve never been there. I’d like to go some day.”

“To live?” he asked.

“I don’t know. If not to live at least to visit. I want to experience the whole Hollywood thing.”

He smiled. “Definitely go for a visit. I can’t picture you living there, not long-term anyway. It’s not you.”

She was intrigued. “What’s not me about it?”

“You’ll understand if you go there. It’s big and loud, messy, smoggy, vibrant. It’s a city. I see you near mountains and lakes, lots of green and fresh air.”

“Riston.”

“Exactly,” he said. “But you should see L.A. Someday. And I’m sure you will.”

They played well and were in the lead going into the final question, but it was impossibly hard and no one knew the answer. There was absolute silence around the table until finally Lily shocked them all by saying, “I think my water just broke!

Bernie and Cody both sprang into action and jumped up at once while David flagged their waitress for the check. Cody threw his card down and wouldn’t take money from anyone.

“Trivia’s on me tonight. We’re about to have a baby!”

They made their way out quickly to head to the hospital and after the excitement died down their table was quiet until Jaclyn spoke up.

“Shall we place a bet on what name they go with? I hear it’s between Madeline and Savannah.”

“They’re both lovely names. I could see her choosing either one,” Rachel said.

“That’s true,” Jaclyn agreed and then yawned. “Oh my goodness. Simon, I think it's about time to go.”

They said their goodbyes and then Adiel walked Rachel back to the set building where her car was parked.

“So, you can just walk back to your cottage now. That must be nice,” she said.

“It is. I can’t complain. The cottage they put me in is great and plenty big enough.” He laughed. “It’s almost as big as my condo in L.A.”

“Well this was a fun night and exciting with Lily’s baby on the way. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Adiel leaned forward and Rachel caught her breath for a moment. But, then he reached out and plucked something from her hair. He held it up in the light. It was a small leaf that had fallen from one of the trees they’d walked under.

“Goodnight, Rachel.”