After the discussion, it was already 11 pm. Thea went to contact Anna as Cody told her.
Anna agreed to have dinner with her instantly. Thea didn’t expect her to agree so soon.
Thea was pretty glad that things seemed to work.
After telling Cody the piece of information, Thea went to find Jessica and told her the great news, informing her of the location and the time of the dinner as well.
Jessica was grateful. She sent Thea a lot of gifts and brought meals for the whole crew.
On the day of meeting up. Thea finished all her scenes and got dressed in a proper evening dress, and went to the restaurant they agreed to meet up. Cody went with her.
After they got in the car, however, the driver suddenly made a massive U-turn and changed direction. Thea went a bit nervous as she asked Cody, “What’s wrong? Is everything alright?”
“Paparazzi,” Cody answered shortly, “It’s okay. We can get rid of them.”
Thea was surprised, “How did they know, though? I mean my assistant didn’t even know about the meal before the last minute I told her. How did they know where to wait for us?”
The smile on Cody’s face was cold, “It’s actually not that hard to guess, is it? If your assistant didn’t know, then it must be the person you’re gonna meet.”
Thea realized what Cody was hinting at immediately, “But why would Anna ever do that? I mean Jessica… or Anna… Ugh!” Thea started to have a headache, covering her head with her hands and feeling annoyed.
Cody laughed and pulled her to his side, “It really doesn’t matter. None of those two is decent, anyway. Don’t bother yourself with them. I will handle it.”
If Cody didn’t care about them, why did he get himself involved in this anyway? It must be because of her.
Staring at his handsome face, Thea leaned forward and rested her head on his shoulder, “You’re the best.”
Cody’s hand faltered as a smile slowly crept on his face, “I’m not the best. But I will always be my best when I’m with you.”
Thea giggled and left a kiss on his cheek. Cody wanted to kiss her, but the driver was still around. He decided to save it for later.
The car took another route and made it to the restaurant at the end.
Thea and Cody got out of the car.
“There can’t be any paparazzi waiting anymore, right?” Thea looked around worriedly.
Cody put a hand on her back, escorting her into the hotel, “It would be too obvious if she asked the paparazzi to wait here as well. Whoever it is, she won’t be that stupid.”
They went to their suite.
Jessica had already been there waiting. She looked so grateful as she saw Thea and Cody, “You guys are here! Oh my gosh… I can’t even tell you guys how grateful I am.”
Cody raised a hand and cut her off, “It’s okay. We are all here today to make things clear.”
Jessica nodded, “Of course.”
Anna made it to the suite as well a couple of minutes later. She had cut her hair short after so many years, and she was wearing a black suit, looking all elite and professional.
Anna seemed to be thrilled to meet Thea again, “Gosh. It’s been a while, Thea. You became even prettier. I watched your shows, and you’re really amazing.”
Anna didn’t need to get into this industry to get rich. Her family was rich already. And she seemed like she was also doing great. They exchanged a couple of more words. Anna didn’t even give Jessica a glance the whole time. Thea could tell the tension between these two was straining.
“Enough about me.” Thea smiled as she took her seat, trying to lead the topic to Jessica, “I heard you’re running your own company and making a lot of money. You’re such a successful female, Anna. We will probably need your support in the future. Oh wait, do you know that Jessica is gonna get married, Anna? She’s so lucky.”
Anna nodded and took a sip from her wine, “Yeah. It’s not as fancy as it sounds, though, running your own company. Sometimes I wish I would be idle enough to establish my family. But what can I say? It’s just fate. I will probably have to run my business for the rest of my life.”
Thea could tell that Anna was purposely ignoring Jessica this time. It was so awkward, but she and Jessica could only pretend everything was okay.
Thea didn’t want to beat around the bush. So, after a couple of clinks and toasts, she said, “I guess both of you guys have already known about the purpose of today’s meal. Jessica’s here to apologize, Anna. Since you’ve shown up, I take it as you would like to accept her apology, Anna. Would you forgive her after this meal?” Thea asked.
Anna didn’t say anything, her long nails drumming the table.
Jessica dropped her gaze.
The silence in the room was long and unbearable.
Cody took up his glass, “Thea takes you two as her close friends in this circle, ladies. If you would like to forget the past and become friends again, let’s make a toast to a new start.”
Anna wouldn’t even give Jessica a look if it were not for Cody Bradley. She didn’t want to appear to be rude since Cody and Thea were the hosts. But she still hated Jessica.
Jessica, however, stood up from her chair, holding her glass of wine, “Anna, I’m really sorry for what happened four years ago. I sincerely apologize to you. I hope you will forgive me.”
And then, she gulped down her glass of wine.
Thea wanted to stop her. But it was already too late.
She thought about the rumor that Jessica had gotten pregnant.
If it was true, she didn’t want the baby to get hurt.
Anna stood up from her seat as well, holding up her glass, “I accepted your apology for Cody and Thea’s sake.”
And then, she finished her wine as well.
Jessica looked grateful, “Thank you, Anna. I’m glad we’re cool now.”
Anna shrugged and sat down, “You shouldn’t thank me. Just thank Thea for what she did for us.”
Thea smiled, “You guys don’t have to thank me. I’m glad that you two are friends again. Let’s forget the unpleasant past and enjoy the meal.”
Thea knew Anna only said that because she and Cody were still around. It wouldn’t end so soon.
Anna became even more shrewd than she was years ago. And Thea really didn’t know if Jessica could truly get away with what she did to Anna.