Dinner With Mark

![AI generated image of Jennifer Lawrence wearing a white sundress at a Hollywood Italian restaurant] (https://postimg.cc/hXS15mdV)

Two weeks later, the night before production was scheduled to start, Donna sat at her favorite table at her favorite Italian restaurant. Across from her was her husband Mark. She made sure to wear the white sundress that he always liked: the one that teased just enough cleavage to drive Mark wild. She sat with her legs crossed, the hem of the sundress riding a little bit further up her thigh.

It had been ten years since she was a young nobody waiting tables at a diner in Hollywood, dreaming of making it as an actress. She had been in a couple of commercials and had a recurring role on a sitcom that only lasted a couple of seasons. However, her appearance had attracted Mark's attention and he decided to cast her in one of his low-budget indie movies. Her performance captivated critics and nabbed her the first of her three Oscar wins. She began dating Mark shortly afterwards and they were married a year later. That was seven years ago.

Mark raised his glass of champagne to Donna, "Here's to your new movie Donna."

Donna raised her glass, "To my new movie."

They clinked glasses and sipped champagne. Mark had ordered the best champagne in the restaurant to celebrate. Coincidentally, it was also the most expensive.

"I must confess that when Damien pitched Fallen Angels to me, I was surprised that you would be interested in it" Mark confessed, "It didn't seem...appropriate for a star of your caliber."

Donna's features scrunched. Even though he was both her producer and her husband, it was her life and her career. "Don't get me wrong, I love doing blockbusters and romantic comedies but I want to challenge myself," she said, "I want to expand my range, do things that people don't think that I can do".

"Aren't you worried about all of the nudity and sex scenes?" he asked in a way that both made her feel loved and annoyed, "Aren't you worried about it ruining your reputation?"

"I'd be lying if I said that it didn't scare me a little. Being that exposed," she replied, "But that's part of the reason I want to do it. I want to define my own sexuality. I want people to see me as something other than America's Sweetheart".

Mark softly nodded his head. He knew that once his wife had made a decision, nothing was going to change her mind. "Just be careful around him. I'm sure you're aware of his...reputation."

Donna was fully aware of the stories about Damien and his leading ladies. She had heard the hushed whispers about him from some of the actresses who had starred in his movies. Some of them were married. She had no doubt that if their husbands had ever heard what had happened, there would be more than a few divorces.

Donna took Mark's hands into her own. The diamond in her wedding ring glistened under the restaurant light. "Don't worry about me. I can handle Damien," she reassured as the meeting in his office replayed in her mind. She remembered the heat she felt when his hands touched hers. She pushed it out of her mind and focused on her husband. Their eyes met. It looked perfect.

As Donna held her husband's hands and looked into his eyes, she felt it: a void inside herself. As good as her life was, there was something missing. As much as she loved acting, she wanted a life beyond it. She wanted be something other than just America's Sweetheart.

"There's something I want to talk to you about," she said, changing the subject, "After I'm finished this movie...". She trailed off into silence. She knew that it wouldn't be easy to bring up but she had to. "I want to start a family."

Mark's expression was neutral. "We've talked about this Donna. We're too busy for a family."

"Maybe we could scale back our productions" she suggested, "Maybe take a year off. We've certainly got the money."

Donna's face softened, "Please Mark. This is really important to me. I want something more than just work".

She saw Mark's features soften and a small smile form on his lips. He nodded his head, "Okay" he whispered, "As soon as this movie's finished, we'll start trying."

Donna's eyes clouded over and she put her hands over her mouth. Finally, after all of these years, she would get what she wanted more than anything in the world. "Thank you Mark," she cried and she pulled him in for a kiss. "I love you so much Mark".

"I love you too Donna," Mark replied.

At that moment, a young waiter dressed in a white dress shirt and black vest approached their table and placed the cheque on it. Mark pulled out his wallet and fished out his debit card. "I've got this," he assured.

As Mark paid the tab, Donna smirked. "Why don't we go home and spend one more night together before I go and do this movie," she suggested and she raised her eyebrows. Mark couldn't miss what that meant.

"Well what are we waiting for?" Mark asked, "Let's go home."