Chapter 5 - A New Investment
Three months later, the independent film The Empty Hallway—directed by Luca Moretti—officially picked up two major nominations at the regional independent film festival awards.
My life had mostly returned to its quiet, predictable routine. I was back at my desk job in public administration, reviewing municipal zoning permits and drinking entirely too much office coffee, occasionally glancing at the framed, autographed movie poster that Luca Moretti had personally mailed to my apartment with a card reading: To the woman who forced a stubborn CEO into seat G12. Thank you for saving our family script.
On a crisp Friday evening in late autumn, I was walking down Walnut Street after picking up groceries when a familiar, sleek black sedan pulled up silently beside the curb.
The tinted window rolled down smoothly, revealing Vincent Moretti behind the wheel. He wasn't wearing his heavy charcoal coat today; he wore a simple dark sweater, and his expression was remarkably relaxed.
“Ms. Bennett,” he greeted, resting his arm on the open window frame.
“Mr. Moretti,” I replied, clutching my grocery bags against my chest. “If you’re here to buy my groceries, the rate has gone up significantly due to inflation.”
He chuckled, shifting the car into park. “Actually, I was wondering if you might be interested in a much safer investment.”
“I’m listening.”
“Luca’s next film project is currently in pre-production,” Vincent said, stepping out of the car and walking over to take one of my heavy grocery bags with effortless ease. “And according to our family advisory board, we are in urgent need of an independent script consultant who isn't afraid to tell me when my ideas are terrible.”
I raised an eyebrow, falling into step beside him as we walked down the sidewalk toward my apartment building. “And what does a consulting gig like that pay?”
“Well above standard municipal zoning wages,” Vincent smiled, the afternoon sun catching the city skyline behind us. “Plus unlimited popcorn and guaranteed seating in row G.”
May you like
I looked over at him, realizing that sometimes the strangest disruptions in your daily routine turn out to be the exact plot twists you never knew you needed.
“All right, Mr. Moretti,” I said, handing him my building key with a grin. “Let’s see if your taste in investments has finally improved.”
