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“Tell me all about your little boy,” I say to Stella, taking the easy route of conversation. I’ll work on Nora later, when she’s in a better mood.

Stella shows me pictures of her son—and her gorgeous partner, Kate, while she’s at it—while regaling me with tales of all the amazing things a six-month-old can accomplish. It’s been so long, I seem to have forgotten what my kids were up to in their first years of existence. As far as I can remember, all they did was cry, eat, and get their diapers changed.

From the corner of my eye, I try to keep track of Nora’s reactions. She picks at her salad, not eating very much of it at all. It’s obvious she’d rather be anywhere but here. I make a mental note to try and clear the air with her—if that’s even possible—as quickly as I can.

After we’ve finished our meal, Stella says, “Let’s do a thing at my house soon. I’m emerging after having created another person. I have the extreme need to be seen as something else than just my baby’s mother. Did you experience this, Mimi?”

“Honestly, I don’t remember. I always worked, though, bar a few months after each birth. Some women don’t need to work, and no judgment on my part—every woman should do exactly as she pleases—but I needed a life outside of my family. Always have.” I fix my gaze on Stella. “But I’d love to see your house. Your partner’s an interior designer, isn’t she?” I might have missed a few tidbits, but I’ve done my homework on Stella and Nora.

Stella nods. “Yep.”

“Their house is absolutely gorgeous,” Nora says.

“So gorgeous, in fact, Nora has actually visited it more than once,” Stella quips. “How many times have you deigned to leave swanky Bel Air to come to our house, Nora?” Stella pretends to do some difficult math, counting on her fingers. “Four… five times in all the time we’ve been working together?”

“We hang out on set all the time,” Nora says. “I fail to see why we have to hang out after hours too.” The grin on her face looks genuine enough.

“If by hanging out on set you mean we’re each holed up in our own trailers, then sure.” There’s not a hint of malice in Stella’s tone, and I get the sense this is how things really are.

“We all have our own process.” This is the most I’ve heard Nora talk since we sat down to lunch. “Mine is much more inward than yours.”

Stella grins at Nora and a short silence ensues. I happily fill it.

“I’d love to visit you at home,” I repeat.

“Great. I’ll set it up. Kate will be thrilled to meet you. And to see you again, Nora.” They’re not done bantering yet. Nora doesn’t seem perturbed by her co-star’s teasing. Maybe it’s their thing and they do this all the time as a means to defuse some of the inevitable on-set tension.

“Don’t forget to invite your mother,” Nora says.

“Granted, my family are a bit much.” Stella shrugs. “But I didn’t get to pick them.”

“Maybe you and Kate can tell Mimi all about how you got together.” Nora seems very pleased with herself for making that remark.

“Oh, fuck.” Stella chuckles. “We’ve only just met. Let’s have some boundaries.”

I don’t remember reading anything about how Stella Flack met her partner when I did my research. It must be quite the story if Nora is taking such pleasure in referencing it.

What is clear to see, however, is why Stella and Nora are such a great match on screen.

“When is this party?” I ask. “Because I can’t wait.”

CHAPTER3

NORA

“Girl, please,” Juan says. “Put on something else right now. You have a room full of designer dresses and this is what you’re wearing?” He’s sitting in a chair in my bedroom with Izzy, my pug, on his lap.

“What’s wrong with this?” I look at my reflection in the mirror.

“It’s jeans and a blouse,” he says matter-of-factly, as though that sums up all the worst sins in fashion.

“It’s just dinner at Stella’s.”

“Just dinner at Stella’s?” Juan exclaims. “Nu-huh. It’s a proper party. The first one Stella’s had since she became a mama. Put in some effort. Show her you care.”

“That’s why I’m bringing you in all your fabulous glory.”

“Tsk.” He scratches Izzy behind her ear. “Do you hear that, Isabel? Your mama’s using me again.”