The reunion dinner was being held at a downtown hotel ballroom. To some of Madison’s friends, the idea of a University holding a reunion seemed a bit odd. They had going to gigantic state schools. She had gone to a smaller private university as was more common in the north east. They all Ubered from their house so as not to have to worry about a designated driver. That turned out to be a good plan as the alcohol was flowing freely at the party.

“Oh my goodness, Madison, you came!” screeched Jenny Clarke.

Jenny was the director of alumni relations. When they were undergrads, Jenny had been Student Activities Director and they had been friendly acquaintances.

“I tell everyone that I knew you and no one believes me!” she said and they laughed. They hugged briefly.

“Take an us-y and then you’ll have proof,” Madison said.

“Can I?” Jenny said, getting her phone out of her purse.

Madison posed for a couple of photos with her, then solo and then the whole group.

Bobby was amused at how many people they barely knew came over to say hello. Madison took it in stride. A bit later, when they were dancing, he asked her about it.

“Yeah, it’s weird. The first few times it happened I was like ‘Oh sure, you like me NOW’ but I don’t let it affect me anymore. Basically they’re paying me for the privilege,” she said with a little smile.

“Good point,” Bobby nodded.

“I haven’t reached that level of fame where I can’t have a life. Yet.” She laughed. “Though who knows, that might be changing.”

“Oh?” he asked.

“Buy me a drink and I’ll tell you about it.”

“Can I get you drunk and take advantage of you too?”

“You can do that sober,” she smiled and kissed him.

The got cocktails from the bar.

“So what’s the big news?” he asked her.

“Well, that pilot I shot? It got picked up. Fourteen episodes with an option for 2 more seasons. I’m getting over scale, which at the point I’m at in my career, is a big deal. Hey I might not even have to sell my car.”

“Was that a possibility?” Bobby asked.

“Maybe? It was a dumb purchase but I wanted it and I had just put more money in the bank than I had ever seen before. Anyway the wolf’s not at the door now.”

“Congratulations!” he said with genuine enthusiasm. “What’s the show about?”

“Oh, it’s a dystopian fantasy kind of thing about a bunch of people living in a computer simulation, sounds dumb, I know.”

“No, not at all. Sounds like something I’d watch,” Bobby disagreed with her. “I mean I’d watch it just because you’re in it, but that sounds like something I’d watch even if you weren’t. Hey, at least it’s not some weird vampire romance thing.”

“And what’s WRONG with Vampires, mister?” she asked archly.

“Necrophilia,” Bobby replied. “If you’re going to do the whole classic horror thing, werewolf all the way.”

“You’re just saying that because you’re as hairy as one,” she said. “Not that I don’t find that attractive,” she added, kissing his cheek. “So you wouldn’t want me if I were a Vampire?” she asked.

“As long as you don’t sparkle,” he replied and she laughed.

“So when do you start shooting?” he asked her.

“Three weeks. I’ll be getting my first script Monday after next.”

He was quiet for a minute.

“It’s a little bit of a shame. I was hoping we could, hang out or something,” he said.

“Hang out?” she said, arching an eyebrow.

“Well, yeah. Get to know one another again. Silly, sorry, it’s just been…”

She put her hand over his mouth.

“Stop. I was teasing you. Yes I’d like that very much. The timing sucks.”

She thought for a bit.

“Do you have any vacation time coming?” she asked.

“Ahh, maybe. What do you have in mind?”

“Well, if you can take a few days off, I thought maybe we could drive cross country together. I’ll pay for your flight home…”

“No you won’t. I’m not exactly hurting for cash. That sounds like fun but I’ll pay for my own flight home. Why don’t you come with me to my place, I’ll pack a bag and make some arrangements with work and we’ll leave from DC. It’s sorta on the way anyway.”

She brightened. “That’s great! I’d like that. How long do you think you can stay?”

“A lot of my work is done remotely. If you don’t mind my working from your place, I could stay a bit. But I don’t want to crowd you.”

“Ditto. My dad always said take a long car trip with anyone you’re really interested in. If you can survive that, it just might work, so let's say either of us can say 'go home' with no hurt feelings on either side.”

Bobby laughed. “Deal. So you’re interested in me?”

“I don’t fuck casually Bobby,” she said, mock sternly.

“What about Leo?”

She smiled slyly, “Well that was Leo. What, I was gonna say no?”

They laughed and went back to the dance floor.

They partied on into the evening and then some more at the bar once the event ended. Eventually they Ubered back to the house.

“Hey who wants to…” Gina started.

“We’re going to bed,” Madison announced. “Night all!”

“Try sleeping this time!” Derek yelled.

Madison closed the bedroom door behind her and Bobby pounced, mouth and hands everywhere.

The did get some sleep, but not for a while.