I somehow buzzed through work on Friday, trying not to let my happy heart become the subject of too much attention on the set. Since we had to reshoot both of Lenora’s scenes, we ended up calling back all of the cast members involved. Brock and Erin didn’t seem to mind. In fact, they seemed to be inseparable these days. And they were especially delighted to do a retake on the kissing scene. Go figure.

Afterward Rex asked to speak to me. I offered him my director’s chair, and he sat.

“You heard that Brock got an offer to perform on Dancing with the Stars, didn’t you?”

“No.” I gasped. “Is he going to do it?”

“Well, it’s next season’s show, so we’re talking next fall. By then Kat will be back on the set and everything will be back to normal between Jack and Angie.”

I sniggered. “Since when has anything been normal on the Stars Collide set, Rex?”

He laughed. “Okay, well, you know what I mean. When Kat comes back, we can probably spare Brock, though I do want to keep him in the storyline the whole time. I’d be thrilled if he decided to stay on with us for years to come.”

“I wonder if he can dance.”

“I guess we’ll see.” Rex grinned. He paused, and I could tell he had something else on his mind.

“What is it?”

“Well, I didn’t want to tell anyone, but they want Lenora to do the show too.”

“No way.”

“Yes. Apparently they’ve had quite a few senior citizens on the show in recent years, and the crowd has gone crazy for them.”

“Yeah, you should’ve seen the year Cloris Leachman danced,” I said. “And Florence Henderson. It was a lot of fun to watch. Oh, and Priscilla Presley was on the show one year too. She’s in such great shape, though. I couldn’t believe she was really in her sixties. She looks remarkably young. Then again, she was married to the king of rock and roll. I guess that’ll keep you young.”

His eyes narrowed. “You watch Dancing with the Stars, Tia?”

“Oh, well, I . . . doesn’t everyone?”

He laughed. “Well, not me. And just so you know, I haven’t told Lenora. I can’t imagine she would be up to it. But Brock will probably do it. It’ll be great for the show, and probably for his career too.”

“Right.”

“I just wanted to tell you because we’ll need to think ahead.”

“That’s me, always thinking ahead.” I saluted him.

“Oh, honey, are you auditioning for a military movie?” Lenora said from behind me.

“No, I was just—”

“Because if you are, you might want to know that you always salute with your right hand.” She gave me a wink. “Just thought you’d like to know.”

She did a funny little dance across the stage, and I looked at Rex and smiled. “Her dance skills are impeccable. You might want to reconsider.”

“That blessed woman has already caused me to reconsider nearly everything else in my life,” he said. “So why not?” He headed off to join her in the dance. I watched from a distance as they waltzed together around the set. They touched my heart with their tenderness toward one another.

The soundstage cleared, and Jason and I were left alone at last. He drew near and pulled me into his arms. That tingling sensation washed over me again.

“Missed you,” he whispered.

“I was right here.”

“I know. But I still missed you.”

Well, if that didn’t make a girl feel good, I didn’t know what would.

He leaned in to give me a kiss I wouldn’t soon forget. I got so wrapped up in the moment that I almost forgot we still had writers down the hall. Only when Athena cleared her throat did I catch on to the fact that we weren’t alone.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, and I took a giant step back from Jason, who had that deer-caught-in-the-headlights look on his face.

“I, um, well, I guess I’ll just go on back to my office.” Athena laid the script on my chair. “You can look at this, um, later.”

She left, and Jason and I both dissolved in laughter.

“Guess our secret’s out.” He wiggled his brows. “I, for one, am glad.”

“Me too.” I gave him a little kiss on the nose.

“Good. Now that that’s behind us, let’s talk about food.”

“Food?” I said. “What about it?”

“I need some. We skipped lunch.”

“Oh, I was actually headed to my mother’s place. It’s kind of a Friday night tradition for our family. She’s cooking . . .” I let my words drift off. Mama was doing her usual Friday night thing. Tamales. “Traditional Mexican fare.”

“Homemade Mexican food?” I could practically see him drooling.

“You . . . you want to come?”

He nodded and reached for my hand. “Yes, but let’s get something straight.”

“O-okay.”

“I’m not just coming for the food. I want to meet your parents. Your whole family, actually. That okay?”

My heart began that strange twisting sensation again, and I found myself caught up in his eyes. I wanted to respond but couldn’t think of anything to say. He’d met my sister and survived. Surely we could get past meeting the rest of the family. I hoped.

“Anything I need to know before I meet your parents?” he asked as we headed out to the parking lot.

“Well, I told you they separated, and now they’re back together.”

“Right. What else?”

“My mother has a Chihuahua.”

“One of those tiny little dogs that looks like a rat?”

“Please don’t say that in her presence. She got him as a gift years ago from my father.”

When he came home after several weeks of carousing with another woman, but I’ll skip that part for now.

“Anyway, she’s in love with that little dog. It’s the most annoying canine you’ll ever meet—barks like a maniac when people come in the door and doesn’t stop until you’ve been there awhile. I always like to tell people before they get to the house.”

“Okay, what else?”

“Mama loves to be complimented on her cooking.” I laughed. “Funny, I know. The mother can cook, but the daughter can’t.”

“Hey, I thought your chicken cacciatore was pretty good.”

“Ha. Like I made that myself.”

“You did. With a little help from a friend.” He kissed me again, and I was swept away.

Jason offered to drive, so I left my car on the lot. He opened the door for me—a true gentleman—and I climbed into the passenger seat.

We arrived at Mama’s house at six, and I half expected Jason to turn and hightail it back to Newport Beach as soon as he got a look at the neighborhood. But he kept his cool, even leaving his BMW parked at the curb without comment.

“So, who comes to dinner on Friday nights?” he asked as he opened the car door for me.

“Oh, everyone. All of my brothers and my sister. It’s a tradition. Mama’s been cooking all day, I can assure you. She lives for Fridays.”

“And you’re sure she won’t mind that I’m here?”

“Oh no. She loves it when we bring people over. My brother Carlos will be here with his wife and kids. And Humberto—he’s my middle brother—has a girlfriend who comes about half the time. I’m sure Beni’s invited Julio. He’s, well . . .” I decided to stop right there. No point in ruining a perfectly good Friday night.

“And your parents?” Jason looked worried. “Are they going to welcome me with open arms?”

“See for yourself.” I pointed to my mother, who stood in the doorway of the house, a broad smile on her face.

“Who is this, Tia-mia?” She clasped her hands together at her chest. “A handsome stranger from Hollywood? A big star?”

“I’m no star, trust me, Mrs. Morales.” Jason took several steps in Mama’s direction. “Just a cameraman. Part of the tech crew.”

Mama’s dog began to yap and lunged forward to tug on Jason’s pants leg. He managed to wriggle free.

“Well, if you’re part of the tech crew, then you’re a key player. That show couldn’t go on without you, now could it?” Mama scooped up the ornery pup and turned to give me a “he’s good-looking, Tia!” glance. She continued chattering, slipping into Spanish from time to time.

Jason didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he managed to hold up his end of the conversation even when her English failed.

We made our way inside, and I introduced Jason to Humberto and his girlfriend, Kate. I started to ask him how things were going at my house but decided to skip it. That was a conversation for another day. Besides, I couldn’t get past the fact that I suddenly felt like sneezing again. Odd.

Benita rushed through the room, pausing long enough to give Jason a curious glance, then headed off to the bathroom claiming she needed to touch up her eyeliner.

By five thirty, Carlos and Maria had arrived with their three kids. Gabe joined us minutes later. Mama brought a bowl of salsa into the living room, and we all dove in, devouring the chips she placed alongside the bowl.

“Jason, you try it.” Mama pushed the bowl in his direction.

He stuck in a chip—homemade, of course—and his eyes glazed over as he bit into it. “This salsa . . .” He shook his head and pointed to the bowl.

“Too spicy?” Mama’s brow wrinkled.

“No, not at all.”

“Too mild?” she asked, still looking a little nervous.

“No, it’s perfect. I’m not just saying this—it’s the best I’ve ever had. Ever. In my life. Bar none.” He took another bite, a contented look on his face.

Mama began to celebrate in fluid Spanish, likely forgetting that he probably understood every word.

“Come!” She grabbed him by the hand and pulled him from the sofa. “I’ll show you how it’s done. Then you and Tia can make it for your children.”

Lovely. Now he’d have to marry me or face the wrath of my mother and her jalapeños.

We followed on Mama’s heels into the kitchen, where she went to work chopping tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and peppers. Jason watched, even taking notes as she went along. When she squeezed the lime juice into the mixture, the kitchen came alive with the aroma.

We’d no sooner finished the salsa than the doorbell rang. I could hardly believe it when I saw Bob—writer Bob—on the other side.

“Hey, Tia.” He straightened his collar. “Do I look okay?”

“Um, sure.” I gestured for him to come inside, confusion registering.

“Beni told me to be here at six.”

“Ah.” Well, go figure. She’d invited him to dinner?

Benita walked in, took one look at Bob, and went into a panic. She grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back into the kitchen. “Oh, help!”

“What?” I grabbed another chip and took a bite, then leaned against the counter. “What’s the big deal?”

“I totally forgot Bob was coming tonight. I invited him that day I was so mad at you. I . . . well, I didn’t really mean it.”

“So what? He’s a great guy. Just spend the evening with him, then break his heart tomorrow.” I finished off the chip and shrugged.

“You don’t understand. I—” The doorbell rang again. Her eyes widened and I could read the terror in them. “That’s Julio.”

“Oops.” I laughed, suddenly delighted to see my sister in such a pickle. She deserved this. Still, the girl looked like she might be sick.

“So play it off like you’re all just good friends.” I gave her a curious look. “You are good friends, right? You like Bob? He’s a great guy, you know.”

Her expression relaxed. “What’s not to like about Bob? He’s amazing. He’s got the kindest heart. And he seems to know me even better than I know myself.” She sighed. “But Julio . . . Tia, he’s gorgeous. I’m not sure he remembers my name half the time, but with eyes like that, who cares?”

“You should care.”

Did I really just say that out loud?

“Anyway, we’ll just have a fun time. And when the evening’s over . . .” She pursed her lips. “Hmm. Julio will probably want to go out and do something after. But I think I told Bob I’d go to a movie with him. That might be a problem.” She gave me a hopeful look. “Take one of them off my hands, Tia? Bob, maybe?”

“No way. In case you haven’t noticed, I have a guy of my own here tonight.”

“Yeah.” Benita’s thinly plucked brows wiggled. “And in case I haven’t mentioned it, Jason looks really hot tonight. That blue shirt is great. He’s got amazing taste. And did you notice his car?”

I nodded. “Yes, he drove me here in that car. But just for the record, I would like him even if he drove a Ford Taurus.”

“No you wouldn’t.”

I reached for a tissue to dab at my runny nose. “Bob drives a Taurus.”

“Well, that seals it. I can’t go out with him.” She reached for a chip, dunked it in the salsa, and took a bite.

“I’m totally kidding. I have no idea what Bob drives. Just testing you.”

“Okay, I failed that test,” she said. “So sue me. You know I like nice things.” She squared her shoulders. “Okay, here I go. Out to handle two men. If it looks like I’m drowning, throw me a life preserver.”

Might be more fun to throw her a brick, under the circumstances. Watching her squirm between Bob and Julio would be entertaining, no doubt.

Except that I already had someone to keep my attention. I grabbed a can of Coke from the fridge and headed back to the living room, handing the drink to Jason with a smile.

“Now, how did you know I needed that?” he asked.

“Easy. You’re eating salsa. Coke and salsa always go together.” I released a trio of sneezes, and he offered a cheerful “God bless you.”

We settled into an easy conversation with the others, and before long, my father arrived. I rose to introduce him to Jason, who shook his hand and offered a few polite words of conversation. Moments later, we were all seated at the table, eating tamales, rice, and beans. The first few minutes went really well, particularly the part where Gabe asked about Jason’s job. As he talked about his role on the Stars Collide set, I focused on my father, who listened in silence.

My gaze occasionally shifted to Benita. In spite of the fact that she was seated between two guys of her own, she managed to flirt with Jason throughout the meal. Thank goodness he seemed oblivious. I was not. Neither was Mama. At least three times I caught her casting a warning look at my sister.

It didn’t stop her. She continued to flirt and tease all of the guys. It didn’t take much to keep Bob interested, but Julio seemed a little put off by her attentions. And Jason . . . well, he finally caught on and looked like he wanted to bolt from the room.

After dinner, I offered to help Mama in the kitchen. I needed time to cool down. Unfortunately—or fortunately—Benita decided to join us.

“Aren’t we the luckiest two girls in town?” She giggled. “Three great guys and only two of us. What a dilemma!”

I looked her way, completely stunned. “You’re hopeless.”

“I am?” Confusion registered in her eyes. “How so?”

“You already have two guys to choose from—one of them really great, I might add—and you hit on the only one who’s ever given me a second glance?”

She looked shocked at my outburst. “Tia, calm down. I wasn’t hitting on him.”

“You called him a hottie and complimented his eyes.”

“So what?” She shrugged. “That’s what I do.”

“Well, stop doing it. What are you trying to prove, anyway? That you can have any man you like?”

“Good grief, Tia. I was just playing around. Stop making such a big deal out of it.” She turned to Mama. “Mama, make her stop. She’s being ridiculous.”

“I don’t think it’s ridiculous.” My mother stopped washing the dishes long enough to look Benita’s way. “What you did in there was completely out of line.”

“Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes. “I was just messing around. I told you, it’s no big deal.”

“It is a big deal,” I argued.

Mama shook her head. “Beni, what has happened to my sweet, innocent little girl?”

Benita’s face contorted. “She grew up, Mama. And she’s ready for a little fun. Ready to turn a few heads. Nothing wrong with that.”

“Everything is wrong with that.” Where should I begin? By telling her that giving pieces of herself to a man was intrinsically wrong? That her willingness to split herself between so many people of the opposite sex was a flaw she’d gleaned from our father? That she didn’t need to go looking for the love she needed . . . that God was ready to sweep her into his arms and show her the kind of love she’d been looking for elsewhere?

“You’ve always done things your way, Tia, and I’ve done them mine.” Benita reached for her purse. “You win them over with your intelligence and directing skills. I win them over with my . . .” She shrugged, then gestured to her body. A feeling of nausea swept over me.

My father entered the kitchen, humming a song. Benita swept past him into the living room. I watched through the open kitchen door as she looked back and forth between Bob and Julio.

“Come on, both of you. Let’s get out of here.”

“But we haven’t had dessert yet,” Julio said with a pout. “Your mom made flan.”

“And I wanted some of your dad’s coffee,” Bob said. “He just went into the kitchen to make it.”

“We’ll go to Starbucks.” Benita opened the front door. “Anywhere but here. Come on.” She stormed out, and the two guys looked at each other.

Bob’s backbone remained intact. He shrugged and said to Julio, “You go on. I’m staying here.”

“Weird. I was just about to say the same thing to you.” Julio sighed and followed after Benita, calling her name.

Mama glanced at my father and sighed. “What are we going to do with that girl?” She looked Bob’s way. “I’m so sorry.”

He shrugged. “Coffee ready?”

My father gestured for Bob to join us in the kitchen. Poor Jason. We’d left him alone in the living room with my brothers and the kids. Hopefully he would forgive me. Right now I had to take care of something important.

With my hands on my hips, I turned to my mother. “Mama, she’s impossible.”

“Borrón y cuenta nueva, Tia.”

I didn’t want to let bygones be bygones. I’d tried that approach before. Right now I just wanted to put Benita in her place. As soon as I got this sneezing fit under control.

I managed to get calmed down after snuggling into the loveseat alongside Jason and drinking a cup of coffee. Afterward, Bob thanked my parents for a great time and headed off on his way. Carlos and his crew watched television until he fell asleep on the sofa, at which point Maria woke him up and offered to drive home. Humberto and Kate headed out to see a late movie. My parents disappeared into the kitchen to wash dishes, which left me alone with Jason in the living room.

“So, there you go,” I said. “You’ve met the Morales clan.”

He nodded. “I like them, Tia.”

“Sure you do.”

“No, I really do. I mean, your sister’s a piece of work, but I think she’s just . . .”

“Being herself.”

“Yeah. Anyway, besides that, I had a really good time. Your mom is great, and I like Humberto a lot. And Gabe too. He’s a great kid.”

“Yeah. He is.” I nuzzled up against Jason, ready to relax.

He leaned down and whispered in my ear, “You know how I told you that you have walls up?”

“Yeah.” I sighed.

“I’m starting to get it now. Your life here—outside of the studio—is so different from your life inside the studio.” He paused. “Out here, you’re not in charge of everything like you are on the set.”

“I know. It stinks. I’m pretty sure I could have done a better job directing the scene we just watched.”

“Better than God?”

Ugh. “No, I mean . . . I don’t know what I mean.”

“Well, I get it. I really do. You can’t control what happens in the real world like you can at the studio. And I’m sure that’s got to bother you. Am I right?”

I hated to say yes, but what else could I do? He’d hit the nail on the head.

“I think I’ve figured out why you like being in charge. It gives you a sense of security. And there’s nothing wrong with that . . . when you’re on the set. But you’re not on the set right now.”

“I wish I was.” A little sigh escaped. “Take me back now?”

“Really? You’re ready to go?”

I nodded, feeling sick about everything that had happened. After tonight, Jason would probably run as fast and as far away as he could. Not that I would blame him. No, if the shoe were on the other foot, I would’ve already used it to jog out of South Central and back to Newport Beach.