Rosie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her spine straight, her hands bunched in the folds of her poppy red skirt.

"Thanks for bringing snacks, Rosie." Martin shouted over his shoulder from the driver's seat. "I always forget about snacks." He was in a better mood than normal, his tone light and carefree. Rosie beamed, and reached forward and squeezed Martin's shoulder quickly

"She brought cookies and chips. Salt and sugar. That'll go straight to your ass." Ariana replied from the passenger's seat, not bothering to turn around and look at Rosie. Rosie scoffed softly, and swallowed hard, ignoring Ariana's jab.

"I never can say no to a good biscuit." Tom quipped, leaning forward from the seat next to Rosie and snagging a cookie from the container. Ariana looked back then, winking at Tom and shrugging.

"Biscuit! That's adorable." She purred, giving Tom a once over before turning back around.

When Rosie had told Martin that Tom was back in town for a holiday, and was wondering if he could tag along to a few Stage Right events, this wasn't exactly what she had had in mind. Sure, she'd been thinking adventure. An easy way to include Tom in her plans for the weekend. But being crammed into Martin's Corolla like some sort of dysfunctional family on a weekend road trip, was not exactly what she'd envisioned. But Martin had insisted. And he'd been absolutely thrilled at the idea of Tom coming along. He hadn't even asked questions. He was too excited about showing Tom off to his theater director pals.

"We're so glad you're joining us, Tom. It's a real treat!" Martin said, his voice giddy. Rosie fought off a laugh, as she wasn't quite sure she'd ever heard Martin so happy. It rivaled the time he'd told her that Ariana was giving them more money.

"Thanks for having me. I've never been to theater camp before." Tom said, a broad smile on his face. Rosie glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. She'd barely been able to look at him all morning. He'd shown up at her house, bright and early, coffees in hand and a smile on his handsome face. He had a simple black overnight bag with him, slung over his shoulder and was wearing a similar outfit from the night before, only a white tshirt instead of blue. He'd looked fantastic.

"Not quite theater camp, sweetie." Ariana said with a sly grin, her red lips curling. Rosie raised an eyebrow at Ariana's pet name for Tom, but she didn't say anything.

"It's a retreat for theater directors and leaders. You'll find it absolutely charming, just like I do." Ariana added as she pulled a big pair of black sunglasses from her bag, and slipped them onto her slender face. The inferred insult there. That the little retreat was no big deal. Not to big time actors and important people like her and Tom.

"Theater programs like Stage Right are what keep the art of acting alive. Make it accessible and resources available to everyone." Martin said, shooting a sharp glance at Ariana. Martin and Rosie were used to Ariana's backhanded compliments and thinly veiled jabs. Tom shifted slightly next to Rosie, and Rosie instantly regretted inviting him. This weekend would inevitably scare him away.

Ariana smiled, no teeth, and nodded.

"Of course." She took a deep breath.

"I've got to agree with Martin there, Ariana." Tom piped up from the back seat.

Ariana turned around then, her sunglasses tipping down her straight, pert nose. Her dark eyes peeking over the tops, her lashes long and spider like. Rosie blankly wondered if they were real, or fake like most of the rest of Ariana.

"We're so glad to have you here. It's been awhile since I've got to talk shop with anyone." Ariana said, pursing her lips. Rosie straightened slightly, not sure what she'd gotten herself into.

Ariana obviously wanted to get in Tom's pants. There was no way around that. Rosie had been around long enough to recognize the "look". The "come hither" look that she, herself, had never actually managed to pull off. But Ariana was the type of woman who had it down to an art. A science. And while Rosie wasn't the sort to instantly pit herself against other women, there was something about Ariana that had always sat with her the wrong way.

"Glad to be here." Tom said, his voice jovial and unaffected. Rosie bit into her lower lip, shifting slightly. Ariana winked at Tom and then flipped back around in the seat to face forward. A moment later, Rosie felt Tom's hand brush the side of her thigh, and then cover her hand, which was bunched tensely in her skirt. She glanced at him then, looking at him for the first time since they'd gotten into the car twenty minutes ago.

He smiled at her. Warmly. The wrinkles at the sides of his eyes creasing, his eyes bright and blue.

"So, Tom." Martin started talking again, which made Tom move his hand back to his own lap. They hadn't spoken about what they were going to tell other people about them. It seemed to be an unspoken agreement that they would keep things quiet, just for the time being.

"Yes, Martin?" Tom took a breath.

"I called the hotel last night. Right after Rosie called me about you being back in town. Rosie, Ariana and I are staying in the Safari tents. I was able to book them right next to each other. Unfortunately they're all booked up, but I was able to get you a room at the hotel on the property." Martin said.

"That's great. Thank you." Tom nodded.

"Ariana, you're staying in a tent?" Rosie asked, surprised that Ariana had decided not to stay in the hotel.

"Yes. I saw the pictures. They're gorgeous. It's like a little tent cabin with the beds and the fur rugs, and I think they even have fireplaces. Absolutely charming. And romantic. I'm sorry you'll miss out, Tom." Ariana cooed. Rosie nodded stiffly.

"Maybe you can show me yours." Tom leaned over, and whispered softly to Rosie, his breath warm against her ear. The closeness of him made her feel a rush of heat across her chest and up her neck. Her eyes widened at him, and she had to stifle a giggle that was equal parts amusement and embarrassment.

"What was that, Tom?" Ariana turned, reaching forward and turning down the music Martin had playing. Tom gave her a quick, flashy grin and shook his head.

"Nothing to worry about, Ariana." He said easily, as Rosie pressed a cool hand to her cheek.

"We have a full day today, guys." Martin said, oblivious to the microcosms of awkwardness and jealousy that were slowly simmering in the car. Rosie glanced at Tom, giving him a slow, measured blink.

"What's the agenda?" Rosie asked, desperate to get her mind off of the man sitting next to her. His knee bumped hers gently, and she was keenly aware of how long, and strong his thigh was next to hers.

"We have a bit of down time when get to there. Around noon there's registration and a welcoming get together for everyone. Then Rosie, you have a music director's workshop from 2-5pm. Ariana and I have a leadership conference during that time--" Martin rattled off, having memorized the entire agenda, apparently. Leave it to Martin to be totally and completely prepared.

"Tom, you can come with us to the leadership conference." Ariana stated, as if there were no question about which session he would go to. Rosie swallowed, pressing her lips together. It really wasn't her place to say otherwise. Tom was technically here on Stage Right's dime (though he'd offered to pay his own way), and therefore, he was somewhat obligated to do what Ariana wanted.

"Actually, I thought I'd go to the music workshop with Rosie, if that's alright. A workshop would be more my style. I'd love to work with some of the other artists. If that's okay with you guys." Tom spoke up, his voice still light and easy. Rosie froze, turning her head slightly to look at him. He gave her a steady look, and then looked back toward the front of the car, smiling. Ariana didn't answer, obviously a bit surprised he'd contradicted her.

"Sure, Tom! You go where you'd like!" Martin said jovially, without so much as waiting for Ariana's response. Rosie smiled to herself, reminding herself to thank Martin later for something he didn't even realize he was doing.

"Do you think people will recognize you?" Rosie asked suddenly, turning toward Tom. She'd barely thought about the fact that he was a celebrity. And one that would be a big hit at a retreat like this-- what with his theater background. Tom pursed his lips for a second, and then crossed his eyes at her, lightening the mood and making her grin. She smiled at him, fighting the urge to reach over and kiss him.

"Oh! I have a foolproof plan for that." He reached down and began rifling through his bag at his feet. A moment later, he pulled out a blue baseball hat, and tugged it down over his hair.

"Wa-la! Foolproof." He smiled widely, and Rosie laughed.

"You're unrecognizable." She teased, pretending to be impressed. Tom chuckled and reached up, pulled the hat off and then sat it on Rosie's head. She giggled and reached up, tugging at the sides.

"Not a bad look for you." He murmured to her, his tone low and almost secretive. Rosie narrowed her eyes at him playfully before reaching up and taking the hat off.

"Tomorrow we'd like you to come to the closing remarks with us, Tom." Ariana's steady voice cut through the easy flirting that had been taking place in the back seat. Rosie tossed the hat at Tom, who caught it with one big hand, spinning it on a finger.

"Oh? Absolutely." Tom agreed.

"People will want to pick your brain." Ariana said happily. "I want to pick your brain, actually!" She added, obviously dying to have a moment to have a private conversation with him. Rosie swore she could practically hear how hungry Ariana was to be the center of attention. To be the one to bring a "big star" like Tom the the little theater retreat.

"Tom's not working, Ariana. He's just here for fun." Rosie cut in, unable to stop herself. It was true though. He was on vacation. Not here to be pushed around and prodded by Ariana and her lust to be in the spotlight. The last thing Rosie wanted was for Tom to feel like he was being forced to work, just to be a "nice guy."

"It's alright, I don't mind answering a few questions." Tom said gently, and then he gave Rosie a thankful smile.

"I'll talk to the event organizer, and see if we can get you a spot on the itinerary. Maybe just a half hour session? Walt and Lexi are going to lose their minds when they hear who I'm bringing!" Ariana said, suddenly picking up her phone and starting to tap and type away.

Rosie sighed softly, her foot tapping lightly on the floor. Tom shifted again next to her. Rosie looked at him, mouthed the words 'I'm sorry!', and frowned.

"Well, ah." Martin sounded slightly annoyed but at a loss for words. This happened often to him when Ariana was around. He changed the subject quickly. "After the sessions today, there's dinner. And then everyone's on their own for the night. Tomorrow is just the group session, some speakers and the closing remarks. We should be back to Cedarville by three or four." He said, giving Rosie and Tom a thumbs up.

"Sounds great." Rosie said softly, her mind drifting to the fact that Ariana was most likely setting up a makeshift "Inside the Actor's Studio" for Tom, despite the fact that he wanted to stay low key and anonymous that weekend.

"We'll be there in half an hour!" Martin announced, sounding exciting and victorious for having gotten them so far already.

"Whoopee." Rosie murmured under her breath, looking out the window as trees and mountain skyline rushed by.

****

Rosie looked around her tent, her mouth open in awe. Sure, it was just a tent, she supposed. It had canvas walls. A pointed ceiling. But that was about where the similarities ended. She could stand fully upright in the room. The floor was a rustic wooden platform, covered in various fake fur and oriental rugs. There was a queen sized bed on a rustic hewn wood bed frame in the middle of the room, a warm and bohemian looking quilt lying on top. There was a potbellied stove in the corner that was already heating the whole space, filling it with the scent of firewood, smoke and clean mountain air. Off to the side, there was a bathroom. Though small, it was a real bathroom complete with a toilet, small sink, and tiny shower. It was a beautiful space, light leaking in through the oatmeal colored canvas. A breeze filtering in through the wide open side that housed the tent flaps.

"Knock knock." Rosie turned at the sound of Tom's voice. He was at the "door" to the tent, which was really just the flaps of the one side, pulled up and tucked to the side. At night, she could close the flaps and secure them with snaps and a zipper.

"Hi!" She smiled, gesturing him inside. Morning light spilled in the open front of the tent, filling the room with warm, glowing light.

"Now this...is a tent." Tom grinned, looking around the space.

"It's pretty amazing, isn't it? I was expected a sleeping bag on the ground and a leaky ceiling." She walking around, running her hands over the soft quilt on the bed and watching Tom as he also took in the room. With him there now, the room felt a bit smaller. Although he didn't have to stoop, his head nearly touched some parts of the sloped ceiling. His lean, muscular body filling the space. She was always keenly aware of how close or far away he was from her.

"How's your room?" She asked. Tom was set up in a hotel room not far from the "glamping sites". A lot of the retreat attendees who hadn't been able to get a glamping tent, or hadn't wanted to spend the money, were also staying in the hotel.

"Pretty standard. No fireplace." He turned and smiled at Rosie, and she felt it, like a fluttering of wings in her stomach. A new feeling. Something she hadn't felt since she was a teenager perhaps. Something she'd never felt with Aaron.

"I'm sorry about Ariana. She's...relentless." Rosie walked forward then, and took Tom's hand, hesitantly at first, in hers. He squeezed and then lifted her hand, moving her gently into a twirl. Rosie's bright red skirt fluttered around her in a ripple of light fabric.

Rosie laughed, spinning gently as Tom guided her. He spun her around, and then pulled her back into his front, his arm wrapped around her.

"Don't worry about Ariana, I'm not. She's harmless. I'm not here for her." He whispered into her ear, and Rosie grinned, leaning back against him. She liked how solid he was. How tall, and steady. She felt safe with him.

"Thank you for coming. You didn't have to. But I...I wanted to spend time with you. And I don't think I could have waited until the weekend was over." She said, feeling brave now that they were alone and because she didn't have to quite look him in the eye at that exact moment. Tom held her a bit closer, and then leaned down, his lips brushing by her cheek and then down the side of her neck. Rosie closed her eyes, moving her head to the side slightly, giving him better access.

"Impatient, are you?" He whispered, his voice vibrating against her skin. Rosie wrapped her hands around the arm that was around her waist. She could feel his muscle, the sinew of his arm. His fingers pressed into her side, and he swayed with her, slowly. She felt her stomach flutter, nerves inside of her that were fierce in a way she hadn't expected.

"Yes." She managed.

They were both quiet, as Tom leaned forward more and Rosie turned her head towards him, finding his lips before she could let the nerves in her stomach take over. His kiss was sweet, easy, and Rosie wanted more.

She turned in his arms, and their kiss deepened. She felt Tom breathe her in, hold her closer as their tongues slid against one another. She moaned softly, her hands grabbing against his shirt and chest. Tom slid his hands down the small of her back, and then lower. He hummed against her as he grabbed her ass through the flimsy material of her skirt, pulling her against him. Rosie melted, wondering if there was any possible way she could have her way with this man before they had to go to the silly registration.

She didn't care if they were moving fast. She didn't care that maybe they'd only technically been on one date, and that had sort of happened by complete chance.

She wanted him. And she couldn't think of one thing in the world that was going to stop her.

"Oh my god, can you believe they cast her for that part?" Ariana's voice rang out through the tent, and Rosie and Tom broke apart as if they were caught with their hands in the cookie jar. Rosie flipped around, toward the front of the tent, just realizing now that the whole front of the room was wide open. Anyone could have seen them.

She reached up, brushing her fingers against her kiss swollen lips.

No one was there, but Ariana's voice continued to ring shrilly through the air.

"And then, she had the gall to say it was because she deserved the part!" She said. Rosie frowned at Tom and he raised an eyebrow at her. They stood, frozen in the middle of the room, listening.

"God, what a twat. I can't stand her." Ariana appeared then, marching by the opening of the room, without so much as a glance inside. She was on her phone, talking and walking, oblivious to much else.

Tom and Rosie waited, heard her walk next door, listened to her move around in her tent, just a yard or so away from Rosie's.

"This tent bullshit is actually kind of nice. There's even a fireplace with real wood." Ariana's voice filtered through, and Tom groaned softly. Rosie shook her head, and then plopped down on the end of the bed, the mood ruined.

"One con of staying in a tent. Thin walls." Tom said in a hushed voice, as he crossed his arms over his chest, trying to find humor in the situation.

"Am I going to have to listen to that all night?" Rosie rolled her eyes, and then couldn't help but laugh. Tom grinned at her, raising a hand to his forehead as Ariana continued to prattle on to whoever she had trapped on the phone.

"Come on, let's go for a walk." Tom offered, holding out a hand to Rosie. She smiled and then took his hand.