More than once during the past three days, Anna had thought about returning to the bar to apologize for her behavior. What am I hoping for? To drink beer and talk about movies again? Recapturing the magic of that afternoon felt impossible, but the problem was, it sounded great. He might kiss her again, run his hands up her back, or pin her to a wall. All of it sounded great.

She had enough trouble being taken seriously as a director. The tabloids had hunted for a smoking gun during the divorce, poring over her and Tom’s personal histories, reprinting every red-carpet photo and repeating their astonishment at the couple’s marriage in the first place. They hadn’t found anything salacious on Anna, but the entertainment press had combed through her social media and hounded her mother and her mother’s wife, Gloria, for an interview. They had suggested every lurid possibility for the divorce. Anna had sworn never to be a target of the press again. What would they do if she dated a younger man?

She couldn’t pursue a fling with him, not even for his biceps and his kisses. She needed a job. She needed to make a credit card payment.

Jenny made eye contact with Anna through the mirror. “You should talk to him again.”

“It’s not like it would work. He’s just starting his career.” Anna knew her friend meant well, but she wasn’t ready for a pep talk. “For now, can we discuss something else other than my horrific lack of a social life?”

Jenny sighed but let Anna drop the subject. “Let’s figure out what you’re going to wear tonight.”

“The only person I need to see tonight is Frank Amato.” The producer at Rialto Brothers had recently acquired an option on a bestselling novel that Anna’s vision and sensibility would be perfect for. “Not a dress. I try not to remind producers I’m a woman when I need a job.”

“None of that matters, because you owe me.”

The conviction in Jenny’s voice scared Anna. They owed each other so much at this point. Anna had no idea what Jenny might be referring to. Almost twenty years of friendship meant there was a lot Jenny could call on. The smile on her face suggested she had a good one.

“Vancouver, last night, dive bar.”

The shoot in Vancouver had been the infamous production where Reed and Jenny had met. It had been filled with the usual ups and downs, but Anna and Jenny had pulled through like they always did. The wrap party was especially memorable. Oh no.

“I won the bet, and you haven’t paid me back.”

“Are you sure you want to use it?” Anna banged her head against the headboard. “Just to get me into a dress?”

“I’ve been holding on to it for something special.” Jenny grinned.

Chapter Five