now so, why this script?”
He grew thoughtful. “I’m a set decorator’s brat. Brought up on sets from the time I can remember. I had a lot of imagination as a kid, playing on a sci-fi set one week and then a Western the next.”
Sandy stood and began pacing. “My favorite director was Mac Landry. He did mostly action movies and I always enjoyed watching him work. He took time for a chunky kid like me, just two film buffs talking about the industry. He spoke to me as if I were as important as any paid person on his set. He gave me all kinds of advice. Mac made me believe in myself.”
“Rhett speaks very fondly of Mac.”
Sandy nodded. “I worked as a production assistant on a film Rhett did with Mac. I watched and learned. Rhett was the consummate professional. The two of them jawed a little back and forth over the script and his character but Mac always had the knack of knowing when Rhett was right. Rhett never put on airs. He stuck to his guns. Mac went with Rhett’s suggestions when they made sense.
“I liked that about Mac and I liked Rhett. I could see he had so much potential and I thought he was wasting it by continually playing action figures. When I read this script, I saw Rhett written all over it.”
Sandy paused in front of Cassie. “I know he can do this. Of course, I want a few script changes. Very minor ones. For two first-time screenwriters, it’s strong on all fronts. I want this as my next project.”
He blushed again like a teenager in love. “I have this fantasy that I’m the one who taps Rhett Corrigan’s deep talent pool and shows the world what he’s capable of.”
The director took a seat, his arms falling along the back of the sofa. “I’m guessing you’ve met with several directors and no one wants to touch this project because it’s so far off Rhett’s image. I should play hard to get but I’m telling you that I’ll do anything to work with Rhett Corrigan on this.”
A sense of peace rolled through Cassie and she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips. Sandy would be the one to change the direction of Rhett’s career. “I’ve liked everything you’ve said, Sandy. I believe we’ll work together well.” She eyed him for a moment. “Let’s see if you’re really the film buff you claim to be. Go three for three and we’ll open a bottle of champagne to celebrate your hiring.”
Sandy laughed. “Try to stump me. I’m the king of movie trivia.”
“Okay, I have three questions.”
“Shoot.”
“What three films swept the Oscars in all five major categories. What Nicholson’s first film role for Roger Corman was. And what cult film did Roger Ebert write.”
Relief flooded Sandy’s cherub face. “This is a piece of cake. The movies are It Happened One Night, One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Silence of the Lambs.”
She sat up expectantly. “Go on.”
“Nicholson made a big impression in Little Shop of Horrors. And Ebert, among his screenplays, authored Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.”
Sandy brought his knuckles together and cracked them expertly. “Sure you don’t have anything harder to throw at me?”
Cassie laughed. “Rhett and Breck are going to love you. You hit the trifecta.” She pulled her cell from her pocket and hit a button before bringing it to her ear.
“Hey, it’s me. Where are you two? You need to get home and meet Sandy Sanderson, our new director.”
She winked at the young man parked on the couch. “Yes, he got all three questions right. No hesitation. And you actually know him. He worked on Mac Landry’s set.”
Cassie listened a moment. “Okay. We’ll see you in ten. Love you.”
She looked at Sandy. “I hope it won’t cause any problems but Rhett and I are involved. Engaged, actually.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t bother me any. Make sure Rhett shows up on time knowing his lines and we’ll be the best of buds.” The director suddenly turned and looked out the window. “Who’s that?”
Cassie glanced and saw Jolene pass by, arms swinging briskly. “Jolene Farrell. She’s Breck’s girlfriend. Maybe you’ve seen her in one of the local comedy clubs before.”
Sandy smiled. “Never been to one but I know she’s exactly right for Katelyn.”
Cassie thought a moment. “You’re right. It never hit me before but Jo would be perfect!”
She sprang to her feet. “I’ll be right back.” She dashed out of the room and threw open the