The parking lot in front of the theater had been cordoned off, and tables were scattered all around. Lights were draped from pole to pole, lighting up the entire area without being a harsh spotlight. Waiters in black pants and white shirts had already started passing trays. Rarity and Archer made their way through the crowd.
“Maybe we’re the first ones here?” Rarity asked Archer as they paused at the left edge of the parking lot without finding anyone.
“You give up too easily.” He laughed and moved her so she could see the south side of the lot. There, around three tables, were their friends. “And here we go.”
“I’ve been waiting for you for hours. What happened?” Sam walked toward Rarity, handing her a glass. “You’re at least one round behind. Better get chugging.”
Rarity took the glass. “My chugging days are behind me. Today, it’s all about the sipping.”
“Smart girl,” Archer whispered in her ear. “But if you want, I can be the DW.”
She turned to him, confused. “What’s a DW?”
“Designated walker.” He grinned at her. “I promise to get you home safely.”
“Always the jokester.” Rarity sat at the table with Sam. “So what did we miss?”
“A woman whose film didn’t make the cut has been coming around to all the tables asking us to put in a protest. She said thatit’s a patriarchal decision for the awards.” Sam pointed the woman out as she lobbied another table for others to help her protest.
“I thought these awards are based on audience voting. I turned my card in on Wednesday.” Rarity glanced at the list of finalists on a sheet that had been left on each table. “And several of my favorites are on here. Which film was she part of?”
Sam turned away from the rest of the group and lowered her voice. “That really bad one about a meat market. Not a singles club, a real meat market and how we’re killing the planet by eating meat.”
“The one where they rushed the back room, which was spotless, and then complained that someone tipped the place off because there should have been baby lambs in there or something?” Rarity had seen the movie with Archer.
“Yeah, I thought it was a comedy and just in the wrong category, but I guess she feels she’s an investigative reporter trying to blow the lid off the meat producers.” Sam shrugged. “This next week, they’re doing a second screening of all the movies that got the most votes so they can do awards next Saturday. There are a few here I’d see again, and there are a few I missed. Are you and Archer going to tomorrow’s showings? Can I play third wheel? Drew’s working.”
“Of course you can.” Rarity glanced at Archer. “Are we going tomorrow?”
“I’ve got hikes scheduled so I’m off the hook. You two can do whatever you want. The store’s closed, right?” Archer sipped the wine they’d passed out. “No wonder this is free. It’s really bad.”
“You just have to drink more and then it will taste fine.” Sam stood and grabbed several glasses off the waiter’s tray. She sat down after distributing the new glasses. “So it’s girls’ day at the movies?”
“Sounds like it.” Rarity saw Jane Carey standing by the side of the building. “I’ll be right back.”
She made her way over to Jane. “You look like you hate these things.”
“Guilty as charged. I’d rather be home in my pj’s, watching a movie. But it’s all part of the gig. Besides, I need to find a new assistant job, so I’m here meeting a few of the up-and-coming guys and giving them my résumé. It’s all about the connections, right?” Jane sipped her wine. “And this is horrible. I guess it keeps people from getting drunk since you can’t drink much of it.”
Rarity smiled, thinking about Sam’s completely opposite observation of the quality of the wine. “I don’t drink a lot anyway. So, do you still want to pick up Mason’s movie? We used it for an elementary-age-level discussion on story structure, but it’s ready for someone to pick up. I don’t know who’s handling his affairs now.”
“It’s me. I’m on salary with the estate until it all gets settled. Mason’s attorney called to let me know I’d have a job for the next couple of months, at least. I’m sure he didn’t leave me anything in the will.” She nodded to a man who’d just walked into the party. “Sorry, I need to go introduce myself. It might take a few months for me to find a new placement.”
As Rarity went back to the table, she realized Jane hadn’t answered her question. She guessed she’d just keep the movie in an envelope for her at the bookstore to pick up at her leisure.
As they talked, Darby walked in with Marc Billings. They made their way over to the group of tables.
Rarity waved the couple over to their table. “You look amazing, as do you, Marc. I thought you were heading out of town for the next race.”
“I’m not needed for a couple of weeks, so I thought I’d hang around here. Darby says she’s been having some problems with an ex?” Marc had his arm protectively around Darby’s waist.
Rarity shook her head. “We don’t know if it’s an ex or someone we don’t even know about yet. Darby, you need to make sure you’re not alone.”
“I haven’t been alone since that Wednesday night,” Darby confirmed. “Marc called and asked if he could come over yesterday, so we’ve been talking.”
Rarity hoped that Darby hadn’t been alone with the ex-racer. She liked him, but until Drew found out who was doing this, strangers were a problem. “Isn’t that nice?”
Marc chuckled. “Which is mom-speak for just wait until I get you alone, kid. Rarity, I promise, I’ve been a complete gentleman, and other than a little romantic interest in this woman, I’m not a stalker.”