Chapter 41

Maria figured if she tried to turn him down again, Lucas Brooks might just sulk for the rest of his life. So, she took the coffee and forced a smile. "Seriously, I’ve forgiven you." Lucas’s eyes lit up like Christmas lights. "Really? Awesome!" Any other girl might’ve swooned right there. But Maria could only think—ugh, this guy is way too much. Not greasy in the literal sense, but that vibe he gave off was seriously cringe. "Ms. Lewis, calling you that just feels so formal. Can I call you Maria instead?" She was just about to answer when someone suddenly stepped up beside her. "You’re an actor. Just focus on your job. Don’t waste your time overthinking," James cut in coldly. Then he looked at Maria and said, "Did you forget you’ve got work this afternoon?" Maria blinked, snapping out of her daze. "Oh—right. Let’s go." She passed the drink to Grace and followed James, breathing a quiet sigh of relief—thank god he showed up when he did. Still, she couldn’t help thinking that James’s tone