I Like Being Watched

"How about just being happy-happy? You deserve that."

"I guess. It just all feels like a whirlwind."

"It has been, but what's wrong with that? Sometimes, things just click."

"I guess," I agreed. "And he's been really nice to me. He got me a new car. With not only butt warmers, but a heated steering wheel and armrests too."

"Marry him," Perry said, not a fan of winter like I was, so she appreciated anything that kept her warmer.

"What were you doing here?" I asked, topping off her wine. "You never come here."

"I know. I just... I just got the call."

"The call for wh—oh, did you hear back from the soap?" I asked, excitement building.

"Yes! I got it. I like... got it got it. Like they want me for at least a full season. And I will be part of the main cast. I have this love triangle thing going on with two of the hottest guys on the show."

"Oh, Perry. I am so happy for you. You so deserve this," I said, putting down my glass, and wrapping my arms around her, actually feeling tears flood my eyes, knowing how hard she'd worked to get something serious going for herself.

"I had to come and tell you in person. I almost can't believe it," she admitted as I pulled back, grabbing my glass, this time to toast her.

"I can. You're phenomenal. It was only a matter of time before someone saw that, and had to have you. Cheers to this amazing new opportunity!" I said, clinking my glass to hers.

"It's kind of the perfect role for me," she admitted. "She's an over-the-top, dramatic, emotional girl who doesn't know what is good for her where love is concerned. And, well, there's this other thing..."

"What other thing?" I asked, noticing the way her cheeks went as pink as mine had been before.

"Well, since we are sharing our deepest, dirtiest secrets tonight," she said with an eyebrow wiggle at my expense, before she went back to seeming wholly uncomfortable with whatever she was about to admit to me. "You know how I said the role was for a character in a sort of love triangle?"

"Yes."

"Well, see, you like being watched. I, ah, I like... being... shared," she admitted, barely able to choke the words out.

"No way!" I said, smile huge. "Like at once?"

"Like separate sometimes, but also at once sometimes too."

"You little slut, you," I teased. "I love that for you."

"I know, right? Art imitates life in this case, I guess."

"I feel so much closer to you right now," I admitted. "And not just because you've now witnessed me making the beast with two backs," I added.

"That's what makes what I am about to say so much worse."

"What?" I asked, heart sinking.

"I have to move to L.A.," she told me, and the fact was a knife to the gut even as I tried to remind myself that she was having all her dreams come true there.

"Oh," I said, taking a deep breath, then a sip of my wine. "Well, luckily for us, I am dating a billionaire who can like... charter a plane for me to come to brunch with you anytime I want," I said, watching as some of the tension left her shoulders.

"That's true. And when I come visit, I can take a bath in that tub I've fantasized about."

"That tub is as good as you've imagined," I told her.

"I'd have to insist that the cameras be moved first, though," she said, reaching for a cookie. "Did you ever find out what the cameras were about?" she asked, shaking her head. "Or is he just into... watching?"

"I mean, he was. When I put on a show for him. But I don't think he knew he was into that sort of thing until I showed it to him. I actually have no idea what the cameras are about," I admitted, frowning a bit at that realization.

"You have to ask," she insisted.

"No, I totally do," I agreed.

"He's really kind of a treat to look at, isn't he?" she asked, shooting me a familiar smile.

"He's a whole feast to look at," I shot back. "And he handed me a credit card and told me I could make it look like Christmas threw up all over the house. He wasn't going to celebrate at all."

"That's so sad," Perry said, pressing her hand to her heart, my dear, dramatic friend.

"I know, right?" I agreed.

"Will you be spending the holiday with him now? I was feeling so bad about going home to see my family."

"I guess we will spend it together. He probably hasn't had a holiday meal in years."

"I love watching you be a little homemaker."

"I'm kind of enjoying it a lot too."

"This house could use to feel more like a home."

"I agree. It needs some warming up. Starting with the hideous art he has everywhere."