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“Yes!” I bounce in my seat. “Revenge!”

She rolls her eyes, lips pursed against a smile.

I hold out my hand to hers. “Deal?”

Mariah regards my hand for a second, then shrugs, taking it in hers for a shake.

I grin, squeezing her hand. “Looks like Matt’s made his way onto the naughty list.”

Interstitial

Int. Brewed Awakening Café - Day

Annie enters the café, slow and hesitant.

James sees her and sighs.

JAMES

What do you want?

ANNIE

I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, but I was

walking by and I overheard the conversation

you were having with those people. I can’t

help but think this is my fault.

JAMES

You’d be right.

ANNIE

I may have been a catalyst, but your

barista told me that this was going to

happen eventually.

JAMES

Who?

ANNIE

I don’t want to get anyone in trouble—

including you. Let me help you. We can

redecorate together, I’ll even try to

bake some cookies that aren’t store-bought, even though I haven’t baked anything

since I was a kid.