Meant for Me by Faith Sullivan Page B

They’re not even putting up much of a fight. Why did I bother to fly all the way out here? I could’ve done this on Skype. What a bunch of pussies.
    “If Warren and Dave aren’t producing the script, then no one is,” Ivy declares emphatically. “End of discussion.”
    “Huh, that’s funny. It sounds like someone’s trying to claim ownership of your script, Will. Or maybe I’m just hearing things.” I laugh bitterly as Will’s face drops. “What? Didn’t you tell her?”
    “Tell me what?” Ivy parrots as she clutches her stomach under the table.
    “That he’s the one who owns the worldwide distribution rights. He registered a copyright in his name with an intellectual property lawyer and everything. It’s his to do with as he pleases.” I smile triumphantly, ready to crush her once and for all.
    “Will, what is she talking about? The script isn’t even completed yet. We have a whole other draft to do. That’s why I’m here.” Ivy stops to take a deep breath as she grips the side of the table. “How could you shut me out of something that’s still a work in progress?”
    “Because that’s how creative endeavors are protected,” Dave enlightens her, grimacing at how they’ve been played. “Will owns the idea. No matter what form the finished project takes. I’m afraid he’s beat you to the punch.”
    “But they’re my words. He can’t just steal them like that!” Ivy’s green eyes widen as she begins to realize that Will’s only sense of loyalty is to himself.
    “Technically, he can. If he listed your efforts as a work-for-hire contribution, then the law considers you compensated,” Dave continues, his voice laced with pity. “You’ve been duped.”
    “Ivy, don’t listen to them! I never intended to sell you out,” Will exclaims, hitting the table with his fist, making the silverware jump.
    “For a guy who’s in no position to bargain, you must really like the sound of your own voice.” I level Will with a glare as he shifts uncomfortably in his seat. “I was intending to make you a decent offer, Will. But if you keep on telling lies, I’m going to change my mind. You don’t want to push me. I’m going to have the script either way. You might as well profit from its sale.”
    “Will, are you really going to let her buy you out like that? You’ve known me your whole life and you’re going to betray me like this over money?” Ivy asks, her voice quivering.
    “Ivy, I don’t have a choice. You don’t understand. Without this, I have nothing. Nothing!” Will screams, attracting the attention of everyone in the restaurant.
    “I can’t believe I trusted you. You promised Eric that you would honor Cassidy’s memory by letting me write the script.” Ivy’s voice rises as she calls Will out in front of the entire room.
    “Oh, you’re still going to write it. Just the way I want you to.” I revel in the expression of hatred that seeps across her face. I can push Ivy’s buttons so easily. I’m going to enjoy having her under my thumb again, holding her up to the fire until she burns.
    “You don’t own me,” Ivy cries in a deadly undertone. “You never will.”
    “I’d think again if I were you,” I mutter, narrowing my eyes. “You had no problem slandering me in your first go-around. Now that the tables are turned, how do you think Eric’s going to feel about his baby momma dragging the memory of his precious Cassidy through the muck?”
    “I won’t write it, and there’s no way you can make me,” Ivy seethes, her face turning pale.
    “Technically, no. But do you really want to make life difficult for all those around you?” I steeple my fingers, waiting for her to crack. “Let’s start with Eric, shall we? I’d have no problem getting the bank to call in his loan. He was such a credit risk anyway. The bank manager told me he only approved Eric’s application after he saw us together at the gala and he assumed we were dating. Now he’s not sure