Page 52 of Give Me a Reason

Anne nodded at her friend, only half listening.

She’d been doing everything halfheartedly since the trip to Bosque Verde last weekend.

But she did her best to bring herself back to the present—to the bustling Hollywood café sprinkled with people dressed like runway models, as well as people who made slouchy sweats look beautiful.

“Everything Andrew Cha touches turns to gold,” Meredith said, leaning in like she was spilling industry secrets.

But the director’s Midas touch was a well-known fact unless you owned real estate under a rock.

“I mean, he turned a story about a little tortoise in a bow tie into a critically acclaimed film. Just think about it. This Jane Austen adaptation with a diverse cast will be the perfect segue into Hollywood for you.”

“Are you sure they’re looking to cast BIPOC actors in leading roles?” Anne sipped her flat white and hummed at the creamy, foamy deliciousness. It was her favorite way to consume caffeine. “A ‘diverse’ adaptation with all white leads doesn’t appeal to me.”

“This isn’t one of those films. I promise .” Meredith looked over her shoulder toward the entrance. “Just hear the man out, okay? You can ask him everything you want to know, then you can make your decision.”

“I’m surprised you were able to get such a fancy-pants director to meet with me,” Anne teased.

“Geez, thank you for thinking so highly of my prowess as an agent.” Meredith rolled her eyes.

“But actually, Andrew’s people reached out to me , so I can’t take credit for this meeting.

I don’t even know how they knew I represented you.

I only sent out a few feelers to producers I enjoyed working with in the past since we’re being selective.

But Andrew Cha is a good egg. I know he and his people will treat you right if you decide to work with them. ”

“Thank you.” Anne smiled. “I appreciate you looking out for me.”

Meredith shook away her tough-agent posturing and grinned back. “You’ve always been there for me. I’m glad for this chance to pay you back for some of that.”

“Aww, you’re going to make me cry.” Anne squeezed her friend’s hand, then froze because someone she recognized walked into the café.

It was the breadstick guy. He wore a pair of artfully distressed jeans and a plain white T-shirt—not too tight but fitted enough to subtly show off all his assets—that must’ve cost a hundred dollars. His expertly styled black hair flopped onto his forehead, giving him a boyish charm.

When his eyes met hers, his handsome face split into a warm grin, not at all surprised to see her. She could only blink at him. Did he remember her from the winery?

Meredith followed Anne’s line of sight and gasped lightly. Then she arranged her face into a professional smile and rose to her feet in one graceful movement. “Andrew. Over here.”

The ridiculously good-looking man walked toward them, and Anne rose to her feet as well, feeling a little dazed. “ You’re Andrew Cha?”

“It seems I am.” He nodded at Meredith, whose eyes were bouncing back and forth between them, then he turned back to Anne. “And you’re Anne Lee.”

He didn’t phrase it as a question, but she nodded anyway and blurted, “Did you know who I was when we met in Bosque Verde?”

“No, I didn’t.” His eyes were sincere. “Of course I have long known of your work, but I didn’t realize the Anne Lee I admired and the lovely woman at the winery were one and the same.”

Anne raised her hand to smooth her hair, pleased and flustered.

Andrew Cha admired her? And not only did he remember her from the winery, he’d thought she was lovely.

She’d been wearing a casual shirt and jeans without a stitch of makeup that day.

Maybe she should take his compliments with a grain of salt.

“I didn’t make the connection that you were, well, you because it was so out of context,” he said with endearing sheepishness.

“I hope you don’t blame me too much. I never dreamed that I’d run into a famous Korean actress at a winery in Bosque Verde.

If I’d known, I would’ve worked up the nerve to actually speak to you instead of foolishly asking for a breadstick. ”

“Asking for a breadstick is never foolish.” Anne couldn’t help but smile.

“This isn’t your first time meeting? What a small world,” Meredith said, smoothly inserting herself into the conversation. “Please have a seat, Andrew. We can all have a chat.”

“Yes, of course.” Andrew took a seat next to Anne. “It’s delightful to see you as always, Meredith.”

“Likewise. It’s been a minute, hasn’t it?” Meredith arched an eyebrow. “You’ve been impossible to pin down these last few months.”

“You know how things get in this business.” Andrew shrugged with casual grace. “But I regret we couldn’t catch up sooner.”

“Did you want to order a drink first?” Anne asked, pursing her lips. Business was all good and well, but they should let the man catch his breath.

“I shouldn’t touch any more coffee today.” He leaned in close and whispered, “I’m already jittery sitting next to you. I can’t throw caffeine into the mix unless I want to feel like a live wire.”

“Well, we can’t have that.” Anne took a sip of her drink to hide her smile at his blatant flirting.

“Do you want to let Anne know what you’re looking for in your Pride and Prejudice adaptation?” Meredith maneuvered the conversation in the right direction.

“ Our adaptation of Pride and Prejudice . I intend to collaborate extensively with the lead actors and bring our vision of Elizabeth and Darcy to life together.” Andrew looked between Meredith and Anne.

“But I believe it’s crucial for us to recognize Pride and Prejudice as not only a critique of societal biases and human shortcomings but also a blueprint for the modern enemies-to-lovers romance. ”

“A modern romance?” Meredith huffed an incredulous laugh. “But it’s Jane Austen. Her work has such depth.”

“And modern romances don’t?” Andrew arched an indignant eyebrow, and red splotches blossomed on Meredith’s cheeks. Anne opened her mouth to intervene before things got awkwarder.

“Sorry, Meredith.” Andrew held up both hands with an apologetic grimace. “I promise it’s not you. I get worked up when I start talking about romance novels and society’s skewed perception of the genre.”

“Too many people relish being bullies when there’s an easy target,” Anne said with a quiet sigh. “And the romance genre is publishing’s easiest target.”

“Well said, Anne.” Andrew stared at her with blatant admiration, making her blush.

“ Pride and Prejudice is a romance at heart. And I want to pay homage to the genre by delving deeply into Elizabeth and Darcy’s emotional journey toward each other.

From the world’s worst first impression to the glimpses of how right they are for each other—despite their many wrong turns— then to their discovery and acceptance of the all-consuming brilliance of love. ”

Anne partially melted in her seat even though the cynical side of her noticed he was laying it on pretty thick.

“Say no more. I am thoroughly convinced.” Meredith laughed lightly. “And how would Anne fit into your vision?”

“Anne is my vision,” Andrew murmured quietly.

When Meredith blinked in surprise and Anne fidgeted in her seat, he shook his head with a chuckle.

“I mean she would fit into my vision perfectly. I’ve watched her performances, and I believe she can fully embody the vitality, cynicism, and intelligence of our Elizabeth.

Of course she would have to audition, but it would really be a formality at this point. ”

Anne knew she missed acting, but she hadn’t realized how much.

Her heart fluttered at the thought of working again, and she would be lying if she said she wasn’t flattered.

Andrew Cha was a Hollywood hotshot. Having him respect and admire her work made her feel validated as an actor. It felt good. It felt really good.

She had never been out from the shadow of her family ever since her mom died, and she’d almost allowed herself to fall right back into the same pattern.

She had to do more than become a little selfish and take up some space.

She had to start living for herself and step out into the light at long last.

Working on a Jane Austen adaptation was a dream she hadn’t even dared to dream.

If she chose to do this, Anne wouldn’t be doing it for anyone but herself.

She would finally be able to separate her love of acting from her resentment toward her family.

This choice required no sacrifice—just joy.

And it was past time she claimed her joy.

“How far along are you in production?” Meredith asked, pulling Anne out of her thoughts.

“We’re pretty much set on location and casting. We’re only missing the perfect Elizabeth Bennet.” Andrew grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Let’s just say I’ve been a little particular about casting our female lead.”

“Let’s suppose you have the perfect Elizabeth.” Meredith returned his smile with a professional one of her own. “How long until shooting starts?”

“Once an offer is made and accepted,” he said with a courtly nod at Anne, “shooting can start as early as next month.”

Anne gasped. “Next month?”

“That is rather soon.” Meredith squeezed her hand under the table. “Anne has enough experience to hit the ground running, but it does mean we have to decide quickly.”

“I don’t mean to rush you,” Andrew said suavely, “but we are eager to bring this project to life.”

Meredith engaged Andrew in more shoptalk while Anne sat with her thoughts.

The conversation moved on to the state of the movie industry and dipped lightly into Hollywood gossip.

Andrew couldn’t keep his eyes off Anne the entire time.

He obviously admired her as more than an actor.

She couldn’t deny she appreciated this aspect of his admiration as well.