Page 80 of Give Me a Reason

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

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. Ipromise.” Meredith looked over her shoulder toward the entrance. “Just hear the man out, okay? You can ask him everything you want to know,thenyou 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 tome, 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’reAndrew 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 anywayand 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 knownofyour 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 Chaadmiredher? 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,youbecause 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 closeand 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 yourPride and Prejudiceadaptation?” Meredith maneuvered the conversation in the right direction.

“Ouradaptation ofPride and Prejudice. I intend to collaborate extensively with the lead actors and bringourvision of Elizabeth and Darcy to life together.” Andrew looked between Meredith and Anne. “But I believe it’s crucial for us to recognizePride and Prejudiceas not only a critique of societal biases and human shortcomings but also a blueprint for the modern enemies-to-lovers romance.”

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

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