Some smalltalk, then Jessica shoots her shot

“Jessica!” The man’s voice boomed at her as he stood, coming around the table and extending his arms in the offer of a hug.

As she accepted, he enveloped her and pulled her tight in what was far more than a cordial embrace. She felt her breasts press against his toned chest, squashing against him as they exchanged brief pecks on the cheeks and she could smell the exquisite, woody scent of his cologne.

The hug lasted a tad longer than she had expected, but Jessica had been in the game long enough to simply smile and ignore the small faux-pas as she stepped back. Ever the charmer, Sean hurried to circle behind her and pull her chair back, allowing her to sit down before he returned to his seat.

“You look gorgeous as ever, Jessica,” he flattered, eliciting a smile of acknowledgement.

“Thank you, Sean, you’re not so bad yourself,” she returned the compliment before turning towards the dutifully waiting server. After brief consideration, she ordered a glass of white wine and a small garden salad and - after a brief look towards Sean - the man was on his way. “Thank you for meeting me.”

“If one of the most stunning women in the world invites me to lunch, it is my general policy to accept the invite,” Sean continued to charm. She smiled, but nonetheless she was very aware that despite meeting her for a meal, he had opted to not order any food. For a moment she wondered whether he was ready to bail at the first opportunity or whether she was just a little paranoid, but she kept her doubts to herself. “How has life been treating you? It has been a while…”

Sean smiled his white smile. “Life’s good, Jess. Lots of work, but I’ve been on a bit of a golden streak lately. How about yourself? How is the family?”

“Family is doing well. Cash took the kids to see his parents for a few days while we get a bit of construction work done around the house…” Jessica continued the polite smalltalk and eased herself into the conversation. Sean was an old colleague; they were catching up. It just so happened that she had a favor to ask him.

“That sounds great! Give them my regards.” He took a sip from his Martini. “How come you were left behind?”

“You know how it is, Sean. I am always working.”

Sean chuckled. “Yeah, always hustling, I remember…” he paused briefly as the waiter returned with Jessica’s order, then waited until he had left until he leaned forward, eyes narrowing inquisitively as a smile still played around his lips. “So, while my ego is pleased that Jessica Alba just wanted to meet up with me because we are old pals from back in the day… part of me kinda doubts that!”

There was a moment of silence and Jessica felt her pulse quicken slightly as Sean brushed the smalltalk apart and cut to the chase. Nonetheless she kept a straight face, keeping her nervosity on a leash as she leaned back in her chair. After a moment she looked Sean straight in the eyes. “I hear you are involved in Ruby Moon…”

The grin on Sean’s face told her all she needed to know. He had known all along what this was about. She sensed she wasn’t the first actress or actor who had hounded him for a favor regarding the promising project. Yet, on the other hand, he had still agreed to drive all the way out to this club to meet up with her.

“I officially deny ever having heard of any such project…”

He exaggerated his denial for playful effect, which was just as good as a confirmation. Reassured, she shifted forward in her seat, trying to keep eye contact, establish a connection.

“Of course you haven’t,” she smiled, playing along with his little game. “But, hypothetically speaking, if there was such a project and there was such a role as, say, Nancy Santos to be cast… I’d like you to know that I would be very interested in that part.”

The producer smirked, looking like he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

“I really feel like I have what it takes to bring that hypothetical role to life.” She continued to play. “From how I imagine her, Nancy would be tough, smart and pretty, fully capable to kick some ass. I feel like I can portray all those factors really well, my resume in action movies speaks for itself. I do BJJ and Krav Maga, can handle firearms, ride motorcycles… whatever needed to cover that aspect of the job.”

She watched closely for any reactions as Sean patiently listened to her little pitch, but there was nothing. That white, winning smile stayed perfectly in place as she made her case, not giving her the slightest clue on whether she was on the right track or not. Her heart pumped as she **** herself to continue. “I am also experienced in more serious movies, dramas and thrillers, not to speak of my work ethic and the name recognition I could bring to such a project.”

Finishing her statement, she swallowed hard before tilting her head in expectation of Sean’s reply. She hadn’t been this nervous in years, yet she didn’t let any of that show. Two decades in the business had turned her into a pro at least as seasoned as the man opposite to her.