Steve Imry spoke up. "Jake, I'm glad you introduced yourself by your script name. That's what we're going to do from now on. I've instituted this policy before, and it works well. It makes for a more cohesive cast."

Jake smiled before he turned to go to the table, and he winked at Jane and Shelley. It was clearly a joke aimed at the pompous director.

The third person had said nothing. She hadn't even taken her eyes from her script.

Jake sat down across the table from her and said to Jane and Shelley, "The sphinx sitting at the far end of the table is, according to our esteemed director, Angeline Smith. The showgirl tramp my big brother is bringing home to meet the parents."

The young woman finally looked up and spoke. "He means my character is a showgirl tramp. My real name is Joani. With an i at the end."

She was voluptuous and wore a red, clingy top that looked like the top half of a bathing suit specifically designed to show off her impressive cleavage. Her hair was so long and so glossy that Jane supposed it was a wig. Her makeup was a tad on the garish side.

Joani-with-an-i went back to reading her script and Shelley and Jane exchanged a glance. Each knew what the other was thinking.

Everyone was immediately distracted by the entrance of an elderly couple. They stood posed as if they owned the theater' and all those who were present. They were obviously waiting for the proper accolades.

"I'm so looking forward to working with you,Gloria and John," the director gushed. "Please make yourselves comfortable. Sit anywhere you'd like. Would either of you like a glass of white wine? I have a bottle chilled."

"Good man," John Bunting croaked. He sat down next to Joani and looked down her cleavage with a leer.

Jane had seen this couple, Gloria and John Bunting, that morning on a local television news show. They both seemed to think they were true stars. The interviewer had obviously never heard of them, and had asked them chirpily what movies they'd been in.