was like and about the expectations he had regarding the job she now held.
As he spoke, Cassie learned a little more about the day-to-day activities in Rhett’s life. She believed she could handle everything he mentioned with ease. Surprisingly, she also found that he had a wicked sense of humor.
“You should do a comedy,” she told him after she caught her breath from laughing. “Everyone would be blown away by how funny you are. You’re always so serious on screen, glaring at the bad guys and playing it cool and silent.”
A dark look flitted across Rhett’s face. It was gone in an instant and, for a moment, she questioned whether she’d really seen it or not.
“That might be a nice change of pace.” He picked up another roll and tore a piece off.
“No, seriously. You should pursue it. Tell Irv to send you something light and fun. It would be a terrific change for you.”
He gave her a sour look. “I’m afraid your idol Irv has me pigeon-holed. I’ve been trying to get him to help me branch out for over a year. A guy can only shoot up so many cars and terrorists before he goes stark-raving mad.”
His words surprised her. “You’re serious.” Cassie leaned forward. “You want to try something new but Irv sees his golden goose laying a stinker of an egg instead.”
Rhett nodded. “That about sums it up. I’m his cash cow. He wants to stick with tried and true material. Let’s face it—I’m the poster boy for action/adventure films.”
“Then you either get what you want, or we look for new representation, Corrigan.”
Her words seem to take him aback. “Whoa, Cassie. I can’t go issuing threats to Irv. He’s been my agent since I hit Hollywood. He got me my first break in Killjoy. I can’t walk out now.”
Cassie looked at him steadily. “Why not? Sure, Irv’s been good to you, blah-blah-blah. But he represents you—and takes a generous percentage of what you earn. If you aren’t happy, you are free to look elsewhere for representation.” She paused, wanting her words to sink in. “An agent guides a career, Corrigan. He can help make one. But remember, the agent always works for you. Never against you or your wishes.”
Cassie watched Rhett chew thoughtfully on his roll. She’d already opened this can of worms and decided to pursue it further.
“Not everyone keeps the same agent for an entire career. Pretend you’re Stephen King, Master of Horror, and you’re aching to branch out and try something new. Let’s take a wild stab and say romance.”
Rhett laughed. “Yeah, right.”
“No, hear me out. Mr. King’s agent wouldn’t want him to jump to a vastly different genre, not when he’s making a killing with what he’s doing, including books and movies and mini-series. But old Stevie is bored and wants to challenge himself. He finds himself a different agent that’s willing to rep him the way he desires. One who believes in him and think he can write the next best damned romance novel since Nora Roberts. Stephen King has enough money to last a thousand lifetimes. That’s not the point. He needs the creative challenge.”
Rhett nodded in understanding. “I used to model for Ralph Lauren.”
“Yes, Abs Man, every woman in America knows that. You had one agent to rep that work—runway, print ads, billboards. When you wanted to cross over to film, you found someone else to help you reach your goals in a different line of work, someone experienced in that field. You broke in, paid your dues, and made a name for yourself.”
Cassie threw down the gauntlet. “Why not try a different move again—another genre? What have you got to lose?”
Rhett gave her a soul-searching look. “You really think so?”
She laughed. “Honey, anyone who can keep a straight face while they blow away bad guys amidst all those green screens can do anything. I mean it. Anything.” She leaned back in her chair. “Life’s too short not to follow your dreams, Corrigan. Just think about it.”
Rhett eyed her thoughtfully. “I will.”
They finished their meal, with Cassie refusing to try dessert.
“Pasta packs it on me. I’ll be on a diet of protein bars and water the rest of the week. Maybe next time I’ll start with dessert first and see if I have room left over for a meal.”
He signaled for their check. It impressed Cassie that he was a generous tipper. Not outlandishly gaudy, like stars who left six hundred dollars on a sixty dollar tab, but much