The first thing she did when she got back was to hop in the shower. 

Twenty four hours earlier

She turned to Michelle.  “Just a few days.  Alright?”

Michelle nodded.  “We’ll go out to a nice and then we’ll hit that Maxim party.”  Michelle kissed Dana on the cheek.  “Then you’ll go home for a week or so.”  She rubbed Dana’s shoulders, “You’ll get worry lines if you don’t relax.”

 “It’s just that the timing sucks, Michelle.  My girlfriend and I arereally together again.  I want to spend some time with her.”

“And you will, dahling.  Look, I’ll loan you the vista for a weekend.  You and your girl can spend some alone time there.”

“Are you serious?”

“I have no reason to not be.”
            “Oh my God!  That’s so…oh, she’ll be so happy.”

Michelle dug through her dresser drawer.  “I have something that should help you relax.”

“Oh, I don’t do-”

“Dana,” Michelle held up the prescription bottle, “it’s just a tranquilizer.  Mild strength.  I’ll leave you the bottle.  Take one on a full stomach if you need it.  But if you’re looking for something stronger, let me know.”

Dana met up with Michelle at the party after having an impromptu phone session with her manager.   Michelle greeted her with a kiss on the lips.  Dana checked out her date, “You look beautiful.”

Michelle grinned, “Thank you.”

“I don’t expect you to tell me I look goodI know I look like *****.”

Michelle laughed, “You’re dressed nicely, you just look a little worn out.  Can I get you a drink?”

“Something strong.”

“Good choice.  Start mingling, dahling, and I’ll find you.”

Dana found it a bit odd that Michelle seemed distant, but it didn’t bother her particularly much.  She enjoyed some of the freedom that she was allowed to have.  She made friends with the beautiful bartender who kept her drinks flowing continuously.  Granted, she tipped her very well, but the woman seemed more attentive than expected.  After all, Dana wasn’t the most touted of the celebrities at this party. 

Michelle wrapped her arm around Dana, “Having fun without me?”

Dana turned and smiled at the actress, “Not as much as with you.”

“You’re sweet.  Come with me.”  Michelle led Dana to a group of people over by a lounge couch and proceeded to introduce Dana to a few people she knew and then walking off leaving Dana holding a couple of drinks.  Dana didn’t mind.  The guys in the band seemed pretty nice and Michelle’s costar was keeping the conversation flowing.  She was having a good time and the mixed drinks only heightened that.