John shook his head. He was tired of everyone acting like being a jerk was something truly unique to Hollywood, as if there weren’t assholes everywhere and in every industry.

“You need to learn who to trust in this business.”

“I’m starting to.”

“You’ve done well.” Tom paused. “You might have what it takes.”

John gave a breathless laugh. Did Tom think he would fall for this? Did everyone think he was a complete moron? John had always known he couldn’t trust Tom, but now he knew just how little.

“You’ve got a week,” John reminded the other man.

“What about my ex-wife?” Tom’s voice was cold. “Turns out we do have something in common.”

“If you think I’m going to talk to you about her, you have got to be fucking joking.”

“Business is business, right?”

John could envision the way the other man must be schooling his features. He’d been right that day in Tom’s office. No one was that calm when talking about their ex-wife. All that paper straightening and finger tapping had given him away.

“It’s almost put together. I need a little more time. I’ve got studios competing on how much they can put in, and I’ve got two actors who would be perfect for the lead. Trust me. All I need is another week.”

John wondered what it cost Tom to ask him for more time. The good news was he didn’t care. The option worked both ways. John only gave up his rights for the limited and specified amount of time. Nothing required him to give Melton an extension. John liked the sound of desperation in the other man’s voice.

“No.”

“You know I’m the only person who can make this movie a success.”

“If one more person says that line, I swear to God.”

“It’s true.”

John refused to say as much and give Melton the satisfaction, but the asshole was right. What everyone had said all along was true. The chances of John making this movie were a million to one to begin with. It was time to let it go. He wasn’t going to work with Tom, and as soon as the option expired, he would explain everything to Anna.

“I’m not giving you the extension.”

“I have a lot on the line with this script.” Tom’s tone shifted from coolly diplomatic to something darker. “I’ve made a lot of promises, and I’m a man of my word.”

“Not interested.”

“You don’t want to make an enemy of me.”

“This isn’t a mafia movie. Can you tone it down a little?”

“I’m serious,” Tom said, his voice hard. “I’m a friend you need.”

“We aren’t friends.”

Tom sighed. “Look, I thought it would be funny to send you to Rome.”

“Why did you send me here?” John asked, curiosity getting the better of him.