Evie sat in a beanbag in the corner of Poppy’s Books and Coffee, her laptop open and a half-drunk latte in front of her. It felt nice to get out of her study.

Having finished editing the latest updates of Henrietta’s Gift, Evie had intended to do some uni work, but on her way out, she had received a frantic text from Hugo pleading for her to have a crack at the next three scenes. Liam was on his back about it, and he had no time today in between meetings. Evie was more than happy to do so—she knew the first draft back to front—but she was worried about finishing off her essay on film theory by the assessment deadline.

Rather than finding all the uni theory and essays a drag this time around, she’d begun to enjoy discovering the history of film. She’d realised the insights she was gaining about how to develop and write a screenplay had proved indispensable when working on the Henrietta adaption. With the disappointment of the short film competition behind her, she’d found herself quietly mulling over her screenplay. And while she hadn’t had time to put the proverbial pen to paper, Evie had convinced herself that focusing on uni and working with Hugo on his screenplay was better than any internship.

She leaned back on her beanbag and considered the phrasing of the scene she’d just written for Henrietta. She took a sip of coffee, and was surveying the shelves and shelves of books, when a flash of blonde caught her attention. She followed the movement to the door, and as she heard the tinkle of the bell, she spotted her.

Chloe.

Without thinking, Evie pulled out her headphones and abandoned her laptop, hurriedly asking the barista to keep an eye on her things as she raced out the door. By the time she reached the street, Chloe was turning the nearest corner. Evie yelled out, begging her to stop. Picking up the pace, she sprinted after her.

‘Why have you been following me?’ called Evie, panting.

Chloe stopped and looked at her, and Evie was once again struck by her intoxicating beauty.

‘I’m sorry, Evie, Poppy’s is my favourite café. I didn’t mean to run into you there,’ she said, a look of concern shadowing her features. ‘I promise you, it was just a coincidence.’

‘I don’t believe you,’ Evie said, ‘you’ve been stalking me! How else would you know my name?’

Chloe took a step back, saying, ‘Of course I know your name. Hugo’s mentioned you in several interviews.’

Evie felt ridiculous. She needed to get her shit together, to think rationally—to act rationally! ‘Okay, I’m sorry,’ she said, taking a deep breath and turning to go.