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The leads nod in agreement, saying “of course,” and, “never happened.”

After an awkward pause, Julia breaks character and slaps Oscar’s shoulder with the back of her hand. “But if therewasa bet going on, thensomeonewould owe me twenty dollars!”

Oscar sighs, but smiles at his co-star in good-natured fun.

Still confused, I ask, “Were we that obvious?”

Oscar points between the two of us. “The tension between you two has been sizzling all week.”

“It’s been getting me all worked up, too, like walking into a cloud of pheromones.” Julia fans herself dramatically.

Yueyi chuckles. “I was worried I’d walk in on you two hiding on set somewhere.”

“Well, that’s a missed opportunity,” Mariah states, and everyone laughs.

“I get the feeling we’ll be back on set together before we know it,” I reply, looking up at my love and imagining all that the future holds for us, knowing there are so many more adventures to be had.

“We could use a skilled artist like you on our next set,” Yueyi says. “We usually stick to locals, but if you two are bunking together it’s really no extra cost.”

Mariah acts like she’s about to consider it, but Jimmie shuts it down. “She’s off to LA. She’s landed a job for an indie horror project. I made sure to put a good word in.” He gives Mariah a wink, and she squeezes me happily.

“You ready to get out of here?” Mariah whispers.

There’s nothing I want more. “Where to?”

“I was thinking...” She releases me, tucking her arm into mine. “My place tonight, yours tomorrow?”

I squeal, clenching my fists and doing a little jump. “Really!”

Mariah laughs, eyes twinkling. Then she pulls me in for one more kiss.

Interstitial

Int. Brewed Awakening Café (Cont’d)

James and Annie sit at the table, holding hands between them.

JAMES

I’m so happy I didn’t scare you away, like

I’ve done with everyone else.

ANNIE

Even the ghost of your wife couldn’t scare

me away. I sensed something special in you.

JAMES

You were the first person in three years

who even made me look up. I never thought I’d be able to love the wife I’ve lost while opening my heart to someone new. But you make me believe I can.

ANNIE

You don’t have to rush. Grief takes time.