John waited. He knew she’d come a long way to admit this much, but he wasn’t quite ready to let her off the hook.

“I was a massive bitch.”

“You were,” John said.

“I know there are only so many times I can apologize to you, so I’m hoping this is the last big one.” Anna clutched the popcorn bucket like it was a life preserver, and she couldn’t begin to cover the anguish on her face. He stopped himself from reaching for her.

“That was an interesting article this morning.” John paused. “I like that you made it clear there were more details to be revealed.”

“I’ve watched a lot of movies,” Anna said, her voice rushed. “You learn a couple of things.”

“So, you can add bringing down powerful agents to your list of talents.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

John laughed. Wherever he’d anticipated their relationship going, he hadn’t pictured Anna’s shy smile at her first successful blackmail attempt.

“I didn’t wrap it or anything, but I got you this.” She pulled a stack of papers from her leather bag.

John stared in shock at the pile of papers in his lap. What in the...? He stared at the contract, the small typed print swimming before his eyes. “This is my option.”

“Yup.”

“This is the deal they were going to announce this afternoon.”

“The production company is being dissolved as we speak.”

“You got me my movie back?”

“I’m the reason you got wrapped up in this mess, and I know how hard you worked on it.” Anna shoved the popcorn into the empty seat beside her and put her head in her hands. “I’m so sorry you got caught up in our fight. I had no idea, honestly... I never would have guessed how far he would go.”

“Hey, Anna, look at me,” John said. “Come on, look at me.” Tentatively, he put his hand on her back. “It’s okay. I’m the one that made the deal.”

“But—”

“No, I... I don’t deserve this.” He stared at the paper as if to give himself something to do so he didn’t blurt out something completely ridiculous about being in love with her. Not because she’d gotten it back for him, but because she knew what it meant to him.

“You do deserve it,” Anna insisted. “It’s good. I’m not just saying this. I would never lie about this. You have a lot of talent.”

“Thanks,” John said, at a loss for how to say exactly what that meant to him. “I mean, I respect your opinion.”

Anna sat up straighter, and she wiped her eyes.

John knew she was pretty bad at this, but it turned out that he had something to learn too. She looked like she was about to shake his hand and leave. It was time for him to explain. Finally.

#