The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Penny sighed bitterly and took a few steps back. "I guess I was just too naive. All I want now is to expedite my exit from this industry. Once this film wraps up, I'll do as my mother advised me to and get an accounting degree. I'm not going to delude myself into thinking about a career in the entertainment industry."

Monica was rather surprised to see that Penny's usual optimism had been replaced completely by pessimism. She held Penny's arm and led her to a secluded spot.

Once they were alone, Monica asked cautiously, "Okay, we're alone now. There's no one around. Now tell me the truth. Did you discover something?"

Penny trembled and glanced at Monica with a panicked expression. "No!" she denied vehemently. "What are you talking about? I... I didn't discover anything!"

Monica narrowed her eyes. She did not expect to have pinpointed the source of Penny's jitteriness, having asked the question offhandedly. "But if that's the case, why are you being so defensive? You don't seem like yourself today, and you've been spacing out for some reason too. We're friends, aren't we? You don't have to keep everything to yourself when you're with me."

that they were friends during

trust you, and I'm willing to tell you anything, but we're both newcomers to this industry. A lot of things are more complex than we imagine. You understand that,

the information was made known to

Penny exchanged silent glances, and Monica finally

I won't pressure you. If you do decide to tell me one day, please don't hesitate to talk to me about it. Don't carry all the burden alone. I'm your friend. I

was a woman of her word. Monica's offer to share the burden was a genuine one. Penny was incredibly

"Okay!"

smiled and hooked her arm-a sign

shortly after they