Prime Time

By Jacqueline Pouliot

In 2012, Riley Palmer, British singer, lands an acting role in a sensational TV series, alongside former child star, Piper Harrison. Riley is gay and plays a gay detective sent to America to help the American detectives, one of which is played by Piper Harrison.
The sparks fly and both women are attracted to each other. But, there are problems.
Originally published as a serial on a blog, now revised with additional material including different conclusion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9780244377267

Book preview

Prime Time

Prime Time

Jacqueline Pouliot

EPUB Edition

Copyright © 2017 Lulu Press

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-244-37726-7

One

Daniela Riley Palmer, known to her friends and family, as Riley, stood next to the alien with the green beard and sighed. It seemed life was spiralling down the toilet and Riley did not know what to do about it. A singer and musician, she had learned the hard lessons of the music industry with two bands.  The break-ups had been messy and pathetic. Egos at fifty paces!

Vowing never to return to music, Riley had, strangely, asked to act in a beer commercial. The commercial had been very popular and, suddenly, she was known! And that meant more work as an actor! Sadly, the gigs did not evolve into anything important. Riley felt she was destined to be an extra and nothing more than that! And that was why she was standing with Green Beard! 2012 was a terrible year!

Green Beard and Riley were standing behind the futuristically designed bar on the set of a new BBC TV science fiction drama series. Both Riley and Green Beard were extras and pretending to be bartenders in some alien bar. To Riley, it was all rubbish! She wondered who watched such rubbish!

Riley wore a skin tight black latex jump suit that was too short in the legs and arms. Still, she was a striking figure next to the alien with the green beard. An alien surprisingly dressed in a pinstripe three-piece suit.

It wasn’t just the latex that made Riley so imposing. Riley was one inch short of six feet in flat shoes with gleaming boyish, brushed back golden blonde hair. Her honey coloured skin, a legacy of a combination of Indian, Irish, German and West Indian forebears, accentuated her hair and eyes. She had bright blue eyes, a symmetrical androgynous face with full lips, high cheek bones, taut, muscular arms and a well-toned, curvy body.

The director had taken one look at her and said there was no need for a mask or special effects to make Riley look like an alien. She didn’t know whether that was an insult or a compliment. Being fiery, Riley took it as an insult and scowled at the director, barely resisting the urge to jab him in the throat. Unfortunately, he loved Riley’s scowl and wanted her to keep that expression for the scene. As she was already in a foul mood, Riley was happy to oblige.

‘They should have put me on a box,’ Green Beard whined while the crew were setting the shot. ‘You’re towering over me, you big bitch! No one will notice me.’

‘Oh, shut up!’ Riley snapped, her temper rising. ‘Go dye your beard or something! Or just fuck off! I just want to get paid.’

Finally, the brief scene was over. Riley escaped into the chilly London night, grateful that her bank account had a few more pounds in it at least. She was hurrying to the tube when her mobile rang. Surprisingly, it was Conrad Drew, Riley’s brother in law. A Canadian by birth, Conrad was married to Janine, Riley’s older sister and he was a reasonably successful television and film casting agent.

Riley had pestered him to find her acting roles after her profile had increased dramatically after appearing in the beer commercials. However, Conrad had bluntly told her he couldn’t. ‘You’re too tall, Riley. No male movie actor would want to work with a woman taller than them.’

‘So, maybe find a role with a tall male actor?’

‘They’re all short,’ Conrad had said succinctly.

‘Jesus, Conrad, they can’t all be short,’ Riley had protested.

‘Name a tall one,’ Conrad had challenged. Riley couldn’t. ‘And you’re a dyke,’ Conrad had continued. ‘Not possible for straight romantic leads.’

‘Hey, I can act straight!’

‘I’m calling that bullshit!’

Unusually, Riley had not argued any further with Conrad. She was getting to the point where she was considering working in Europe. Originally, music had been Riley's life but, after surviving the painful implosion of the two bands, she decided acting would do for a while until she became focused on music again.

She had found the extras acting gig by attending a BBC cattle call[1]. And now Conrad called her! Extremely unusual as Riley usually called him, pleading for any role at all! To receive a call from him was very strange so Riley was very suspicious. Riley frowned at her mobile and answered it. ‘Yes, Conrad?’ Riley warily answered

‘You may get a call from Nancy Todd,’ Conrad said bluntly.

‘Who is Nancy Todd when she’s at home, then?’ Riley snapped.

‘She’s a Hollywood agent. Mainly television. We met a few times when I was working in the states. It’s a miracle she remembers me.’

‘Why would she call me?’ Riley said disbelievingly.

‘Fucked if I know. I tried to talk her out of it …’

‘Gee, thanks!’ Riley said, dripping with sarcasm.

Typically, Conrad did not notice. ‘She was looking for a type and she called me. Seems the show runner of some American TV show wants a Brit and a type. The only one I could think of was you.’

‘Me? What sort of type …’

‘Don’t worry about that. I think you might be on the short list.’

‘When did you do this?’

‘A week ago.’

‘A week ago? Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘I didn’t want you pestering me all the time, Riley. Besides, I didn’t think anything would come of it. And now, her office just called me for your number. Don’t piss Nancy Todd off, Riley. She’s powerful.’

‘In London?’ Riley asked stupidly.

‘No! In Hollywood. Now, stop complaining to Janine that I don’t do anything for you!’ He hung up and Riley stared at her mobile for a minute then shrugged.

She rode the tube home, ran up the steps and into her small flat just as her mobile rang. ‘Yes?’

‘This is Nancy Todd’s office. Is that Daniela Palmer?’

Even though she hated her first name and preferred her second, she answered, ‘Yes, it is …’

‘Ms Todd will call you in five hours.’

‘Five hours? Midnight?’

‘Ah, I’m sorry? What time is there now?’

‘Seven o’clock. At night!’

‘Oh, it’s eleven in the morning here. I will see if Ms Todd can call you in an hour.’

The call ended abruptly. Riley dropped the mobile onto her bed. She made a toasted sandwich and just finished it when the mobile rang again. ‘Hello?’

‘Daniela Palmer?’ The crisp, American, authoritative voice was crisp and female.

‘Yes …’

‘This is Nancy Todd. Did Conrad Drew tell you to expect my call?’

‘He mentioned it. I have no idea why …’

‘I see. Tell me, Ms Palmer, is Conrad your agent?’

‘No. He’s my brother in law.’

‘Do you have an agent?’

‘No.’

‘Why not?’

‘I have mainly focussed on music and TV commercials. Music is a smaller world, no agents required …’

‘You will need an agent, Ms Palmer. I will represent you,’ Nancy Todd said in a voice that indicated no discussion was required.

‘Oh … you … will?’

‘Conrad sent me your very brief portfolio. How tall are you?’

‘Five foot eight,’ Riley lied.

‘You seemed taller in the photos,’ Ms Todd said suspiciously. ‘You are under consideration for a guest appearance on Secret Detectives.’

‘What is that?’

‘It’s the hottest series at the moment. It is a ground breaking series in many ways. Season 2 will end with a two episode finale. Tony Rudd is auditioning for a specific role to appear in those episodes. I can reveal, Ms Palmer, if the reaction to the guest character is good, the role may be permanent for season 3.’ Riley had not heard of the series. That wasn’t surprising as Riley did not own a television set. Still, it was work and in America! ‘I need you to confirm something for me, Ms Palmer.’

‘Well, okay …’

‘Are you gay?’

The question was a shock and Riley briefly thought about lying but, in the end, she couldn’t be bothered. ‘Yes,’ she said wearily.’

‘You do not have a boyfriend?’

‘Is this a joke?’ Riley asked. ‘No, I do not have a boyfriend …’

‘Do you have a girlfriend?’

‘Not at the moment.’ Riley did not want to detail her recent abrupt break-up with Wendy. ‘Look, what does it matter …’

‘It matters a great deal, Ms Palmer. We have to move quickly. Tony Rudd wants to you to audition.’

‘Audition … where?’

‘In L.A., of course,’ Nancy Todd said. ‘Do you have an email address?’

‘Ah … yes … of course …’ Riley was completely stunned.

‘It would be helpful to have that address. So we can send you the E-ticket?’

‘Ah … right …’ Riley recited the email address.

‘Good. You should get an email with the booking in an hour. Hopefully, you’ll fly to Los Angeles tomorrow.’

‘Tomorrow?’

‘I assume you have a passport? Do you have a visa?’

‘I went to New York at Christmas …’

‘Good. Any other problems, Ms Palmer?’

‘Ah … no, no problem …’ Los Angeles? I’m going to America for an audition?

‘A car will pick you up at L.A. airport. There are others auditioning, Ms Palmer, but the fact Tony Rudd is happy to fly you in for the audition speaks volumes. I will see you in L.A.’ The call ended and, completely stunned, Riley stared blankly at her mobile, her mind racing.

If Riley expected to fly first class, she was disappointed. Crammed into the cheap seats, she also had a two-hour layover in New York, so, she arrived in L.A. tired and grumpy. Carrying her overnight bag, she stumbled through the usual arrival mayhem until she finally saw a black man holding an electronic tablet with her name on it. He was dressed in a black suit and wore aviator sunglasses. Riley guessed he was about five or more years older than her. He was also taller. ‘That’s me,’ she grunted, pointing at her name.

‘Your plane was late,’ he said disapprovingly.

‘I didn’t fly the bloody thing,’ Riley snapped, glaring up at the black man mountain. ‘Do you have a car or do we continue this delightful conversation about my inability to fly a fucking plane?’

He grinned and swiftly took her bag. ‘I’m Jamal. I think you’re going to go far, girl. You’re acting like a star already!’ Riley followed Jamal to his car and relaxed in the back as Jamal steered the car through the traffic. ‘Been in L.A. before?’ he asked as he drove.

‘No. Bloody hell, is it always so bright?’

‘Land of sunshine and oranges,’ Jamal beamed.

Riley scrambled in her handbag for her sunglasses. ‘How simply marvellous!’ Riley said sarcastically. ‘Are we going to a hotel?’

‘Nope. The audition.’

‘What?’

‘The audition. Which you are already late for,’ he said meaningfully.

Riley almost exploded into her famous temper but, somehow, she managed to contain it. ‘After a marathon trip in cattle class, I am to go straight into an audition?’ Riley said icily.

‘According to Ms Todd, they just want to look at you. They may not even want you after that.’

‘How comforting,’ Riley muttered. She was wearing black jeans, black and red sneakers, white t-shirt, long blue and white linen scarf. She carried a short black leather jacket. I probably smell and look like a punk rocker! This is not going to go well! Retreating into gloomy silence, Riley watched the L.A. scenery slide by with disinterest.

Finally, the car stopped at a building on the film lot and Jamal shook Riley awake. ‘You’re here,’ he said.

‘Already? I thought it took ages to get anywhere in L.A.?’

‘You were asleep. You missed the sights. You’d better go in. I’ll be here when you’re finished to either take you back to the airport or the hotel.’

‘Charming,’ Riley bitterly repeated.

Quickly, she sprayed some perfume and checked her face and hair in the rear-view mirror. Jamal grinned in amusement as Riley leaned over the front seat to see in the mirror. Riley decided to trust Jamal and left her bag in the car, taking only the leather jacket and the scarf.

She was directed up the stairs and found an empty waiting room. Riley heard raised voices behind the double doors. Suddenly, one of the doors opened and a young woman in business dress and glasses blinked in surprise at Riley. ‘You Palmer? Please say you’re Palmer!’ she implored in a very broad American accent. She was young. Riley wondered if there were going to be tears.

‘Yes. I’m Palmer,’ Riley said.

‘Thank the Lord!’ She swung the door open and shouted over the raised voices, ‘Daniela Palmer is here!’

The conversation dropped instantly. ‘Well, send her in …’

Riley pushed the door open and strode in. ‘No need,’ she said. ‘I’m here.’

There were four people seated at a table, one woman and three men. One of the men wore a baseball cap and sat a little away from the other three people. The man seated in the centre was overweight and he scowled at Riley. ‘You’re late …’

‘Hey!’ Riley snapped, temper rising. ‘For once and for all, I did not fly the fucking plane! I’m afraid I didn’t have the chance to ask the pilot to speed up! It's a long way from cattle class to the pointy end!'

The man in the cap smiled and the others blinked at her, eyes wide, clearly not used to auditioning actors snapping at them in bad temper. ‘Well …’ the overweight man said. ‘At least you’re here, Daniela …’

‘No,’ Riley snapped.

He looked at her with confusion. ‘What …’

‘Not Daniela! Riley. I prefer Riley Palmer!’

‘Well, sure … okay. I have a few questions. Have you appeared in films or …’

‘No,’ Riley grunted. ‘Just supporting roles in repertory theatre, a few commercials and extra in some BBC shows. Who are you?’

‘I’m Eddy Munro …’

‘I don’t know who you are,’ Riley snapped. ‘Next question!’

That brought another smirk to the man in the cap. Munro was clearly flustered while the woman was looking Riley up and down in an appraising way. ‘Are you gay?’ Munro asked, almost apologetically.

‘If you are asking if I am a lesbian, the answer is yes.’

‘Are you sure?’ Munro asked smugly.

That simple question was the straw that broke Riley! Tired with a fiery temper bubbling under her exterior, she suddenly became icy cold and stalked to the table.  Hands on the table, she loomed over Munro who was leaning back in shock.  ‘Are you gay?’ Riley asked silkily.

‘Ah … no …’ Munro said, leaning backwards.

‘So the idea of going to bed with a bloke, sucking his dick, doesn’t appeal to you?’

The watching woman chuckled, the other men smiled hesitantly but not Munro who gasped, ‘No! Of course not!’

‘And neither do I!’ Riley said, clearly announcing each word. She stood up, looked around the table. ‘I am tired and just a little grumpy. If you’re finished with me, I can get out of your way.’ Riley turned and marched to the door.

The man in the cap called, ‘Please wait, Ms Palmer.’

Riley slowly turned around and he smiled at her. ‘I’m Tony Rudd. Penny?’

‘Yeah, Tony?’ Penny was the woman at the table who had been appraising Riley.

‘Got any ideas how to dress her?’

‘I sure do, Tony. Do you mind taking the jacket off, honey?’ Penny asked.

‘Seeing you asked nicely,’ Riley said. She removed her jacket and Penny stared at Riley’s strong arms. ‘Oh yeah, Tony,’ she breathed. ‘I’ve got ideas! Lots of them! Some of them I can even use in wardrobe!’ She chuckled softly, eyes fixed on Riley.’

‘Good. Can I call you Riley, Ms Palmer?’

‘Well, okay ….’

‘Good. Riley, I would like to shoot you tomorrow in full costume, to get an idea how you would look on the screen. We can make it tomorrow afternoon. That way you can get some chance to sleep and get over any jet lag.’

‘Okay,’ Riley said slowly. She wasn’t going back?

‘Good,’ Tony said. He rose from the table and offered his hand. ‘I think you’ll look fine, but we have to check, okay?’

‘Of course, Mister Rudd …’

‘Nah, call me Tony.’ He gave a cheerful wave and walked out of the room.  The other men followed him.

Penny moved closer, a broad smile on her face. I’m the designer,’ she said. ‘I need to get some measurements. Any preferences for costumes?’

‘Anything but dresses and skirts.’

Penny laughed at that. ‘I don’t think that will be a problem!’ Riley stood still for Penny as she took measurements. Everyone else had gone and Riley’s mind reeled with the possibility she might actually get the job.

Jamal was sitting in the front seat of the car with the door open. Riley heard rap music coming from the car stereo. Jamal looked up and grinned at her. ‘I would have bet a hundred bucks they would’ve kicked your ass out in ten seconds. Airport or hotel?’

‘Surprisingly, Jamal, it’s the hotel.’

He opened the back door for her and Riley gratefully slid in. Jamal shut the door and moved into the driver’s seat as his phone beeped. ‘Well, okay,’ he said reading the text. ‘You did something right, girl,’ he said, reading the text. ‘I’m to pick you up from the hotel at one tomorrow afternoon.’

As the car drove off, Riley leaned forward. ‘Jamal, do you know anything about this TV show?’

‘Which one?’

‘Secret Detectives or something.’

‘I’ve heard a bit, never seen it. Know some of the gossip about it.’

‘Where could I find out about it?’

‘Sure you want to do that?’

‘Why not?’

‘Well, it looks like you got a shot at something by not knowing a damn thing about it! Why blow a perfect record?’ Jamal laughed.

Riley grudgingly agreed. Yes, why bother? All I want is a soft bed where I can sleep and sleep! She stumbled into the hotel and was shown to her room. Remembering to tip the porter, she locked the door and pulled the curtains and blinds shut. Then, she stripped her clothes off and crawled into the bed. It was heaven! With a deep sigh, Riley closed her eyes and fell instantly asleep.

Academy Award Nominee, Piper Harrison was unhappy! Emma Barry, her red haired assistant, hovered around her, doing whatever she could in an effort to calm the star down. Lately, Piper Harrison was becoming renowned for her temper. Unknown to the suffering Emma, Piper often silently wondered why she let things get to her so easily. It was an inaudible rhetorical question as Piper knew the reason, knew it well!

Piper was of average height, curvy with a beautiful face framed with long blonde hair. Her eyes were bright and her white teeth perfect. It had been a gamble for Piper to commit to three series of the innovative show, Secret Detectives. If the TV show had died, her reputation would have taken a beating.  However, the gamble had paid off in fame and higher earnings. It was also a huge change from her usual romantic comedies, which had become her staple after her first appearance in a cult indie film. That indie film appearance had earned her an Oscar nomination and a higher profile.

‘We are taping the final of this season in two days and we still don’t have a script. Call Tony again, Emma.’

‘I ... I’ve already called him, Piper,’ Emma said defensively. ‘He said not to worry, the script for episode twelve will be ready for the read through on Thursday …’

‘And we tape on Saturday! That gives me less than twenty-four hours to get an understanding of the entire screenplay and what Diane is going through.’

Diane Nelson was Piper’s character in Secret Detectives and the main lead opposite actor Jimmy Ryan’s character, Beau Reardon.  Season 1 had teased the growing audience with the over hyped sexual tension between Piper’s character and Jimmy’s. Columnists and bloggers had wondered will they or won’t they as the characters, when not saving the world from terrorists, corporate domination and global serial killers, came dangerously close to kissing! However, even as the finale of Season 1 grew closer, the audience interest in the sexual tension had waned.

Diane had been wounded in the cliff hanger finale of series 1. Everyone guessed she would survive the shooting but, again, the gossip was wild with notions the character would be blind or crippled in Season 2.

Tony Rudd had suggested a lingering injury, but Piper refused. She had a slight limp in Episode 1 of Series 2 and that limp had vanished by Episode 3.

‘This series has made you famous, Piper,’ Emma said, trying to placate Piper.

‘I was already famous!’ Piper scowled. ‘I was nominated for an Academy Award!’ The nomination had been for Supporting Actor six years previously, but Piper still managed to bring the nomination into every interview. There were times when Piper dejectedly wondered if that nomination was the only good thing in her life. Of course, she never said that to anyone. She had to keep up appearances, keep her armour tightly wrapped around her.

‘Of course,’ Emma said hurriedly. ‘Of course, you were but … well … this has almost a billion viewers worldwide.’

‘A billion? I don’t believe that! Some publicity hack dreamed that up.’

‘Well, almost a billion …’

‘That’s because it’s on the internet! It’s not real TV! Not a movie!’

‘It’s huge, though, Piper …’

‘I know that! I would just like to look at my lines before we do a read through! Have you heard anything?’

‘Ah … not really …’

‘Come on, Emma, I know you talk to that dyke Penny. What does she say?’

‘I don’t think you should call her a dyke, Piper…’ Emma said hesitantly, adjusting her glasses.

‘Why not? Dyke is an affectionate term, isn’t it?'

'Within the gay community, Piper, and you are not a part of that community, are you?'

'No, I suppose I'm not,' Piper mumbled, looking away. 'What is she like?' It was a strange question.

Emma looked at Piper quizzically. 'Penny? She's nice. She’s a friend. She’s got a partner …’

‘Partner? A butch muscle girl or something? Maybe a bodybuilder? Or a tennis player …’

‘Stop it, Piper,’ Emma said wearily, thinking Piper was just being bitchy. However, she missed the dreamy expression on Piper’s face. That expression survived for only a few seconds, but it had been there! ‘Penny and Rosie have been together seven years.’

‘Seven years? How do you know that?’

‘She invited me to her anniversary party …’

‘Oh! You didn’t go, did you?’

‘Of course I went. Penny and Rosie are nice and it was fun.’

‘A party with just women …’

‘There were men there, Piper,’ Emma said with a sigh. ‘Peter went with me.' Peter was Emma's current boyfriend. 'Are you all right? You look strange.’

‘Me? Ah … I’m fine. Just thinking about what a lesbian party would look like …’

‘Hmmm. Well, okay. Anyway, Penny did tell me something about the finale…’

‘She did? I knew it! What? Come on, what did she tell you?’

‘Well, it’s a two part episode and will be spread over episodes twelve and thirteen …’

‘I knew that!' Piper said dismissively. ‘That’s common knowledge.’

‘Well, she also said Mister Rudd is looking for an actor for a guest role for the finale. They’re having auditions tomorrow.’

‘Oh, is that all,’ Piper said, sagging back in her chair. ‘So what?’

‘She understands it will be an unusual guest and storyline …’

‘It can’t be an animal or a child,’ Piper said darkly. ‘I have a clause in my contract which stops me with working with kids or animals!’

Which was, Emma thought, a little ironic as Piper Harrison had been a child star on a hit TV series. ‘I know, Piper. I don’t know why, though. You like children …’

‘Who said I liked children?’

‘I’ve seen you with children …’

‘Any clues as to who the guest is going to be?’ Piper demanded, swiftly changing the subject.

‘None.’

‘Are you sure? I wouldn’t like it to be a huge star that will distract the audience from me.’

‘I don’t know who it is. Now, you are going out to dinner with Jimmy tonight.’

‘What for?’ Piper said listlessly.

‘I know you can't stand him but it's to tease the media, to gain some publicity. You know, to push the tease are Piper and Jimmy dating?’

‘Why would I date Jimmy? Jesus, it’s bad enough I have to work with him ! No one believes Diane would be interested in Beau!’ Jimmy’s character was Beau Reardon.

‘The media don’t know that, Piper,’ Emma said patiently.

‘They could just look. There is zero sexual tension!’

‘Is that because you’re not attracted to him?’

‘Who could be attracted?’

‘Jimmy was voted into the top twelve of the sexiest men alive …’

‘Was he?’ Piper said with a complete lack of interest. ‘I suppose he was number twelve?’

‘Yes,’ Emma said with a giggle.

‘Do you find him attractive?’ Piper asked softly.

‘Well, I suppose. He has that rugged charm. I think all women find him attractive in some way. You can deny it but I know, secretly, you think he’s hunky. Anyway, the date has been made so what do you want to wear?’

‘I don’t have a clue. Pick something.’

Emma sighed, knowing no matter what she selected, it wouldn’t be the right outfit. Although she had worked for Piper for almost a year, she sometimes wondered why she bothered. Piper was, in Emma’s opinion, obsessive about her work Granted, there were flashes of a nice person, but those glimpses were becoming quite rare. If only she would get a real boyfriend, Emma thought, a bloke that would make her happy, help her relax.

In the time Emma had worked as Piper’s assistant, she could not recall Piper involved in one serious romantic affair. Initially, she had put it down to the grief after Piper’s mother died but, lately, she wasn’t even sure about that. Maybe she just needs to get laid!

---

[1] Open auditions. Anyone can audition.

Two

Riley crawled out of her hotel bed after almost twelve straight hours of sleep. The only thing that prised her from her snug resting place was the prospect of food!

After a long shower, Riley dressed in jeans and white long sleeve shirt over a white sports bra. She had, she saw, slept late as it was ten o’clock. She hoped that it was ten in the morning and called room service. She ordered breakfast and pulled the curtains back, wincing at the bright sunshine. She pulled her tablet from her bag, logged into the hotel Wi-Fi and began searching for information on Secret Detectives.

Secret Detectives is a popular cable television and internet drama series that has attracted a worldwide audience in excess of one billion viewers!

A billion! Riley gulped at that and re-read it, thinking she had made a mistake. She hadn’t.

Show runner Tony Rudd has led the way in the style of drama programs by releasing the first series in its entirety and then releasing each episode of Series 2 immediately after it was completed. According to industry sources, this risky format allows the show to change plot lines in response to audience reaction.

Academy Award Nominee Piper Harrison stars as Diane Nelson, the fragile American detective while Jimmy Ryan plays Beau Reardon, the other American detective …

There was a knock on the door and Riley quickly let the waiter in with her breakfast. It smelled wonderful and, remembering where she was, tipped the waiter. Riley hated tipping. She was never sure if it was the right amount or not. However, the waiter seemed happy with the cash and left.

Riley read a little more about the show as she ate until she became bored. The