with me. She’ll have a big say in casting. Although right now, you probably have five strikes against you.”
“I am sorry about that The Wild Child comment.”
Monty put a hand on Dash’s shoulder. “I know you are, Son. It’s just that she left that behind a long time ago. There’s a lot more to Syd. Give her a chance.”
“I will. If she’s willing to give me one,” he said stubbornly.
“Let me go smooth the waters. Wait in here.” Monty pointed to a room so Dash went in and casually wandered around.
Framed photographs sat on every surface. He recognized Monica Revere, one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of her day. Dash realized how much Sydney favored her mother.
Except the daughter was even more beautiful. Even with the mousy hair.
He saw Sydney in her peach ballet tutu. Her neon pink swimsuit. Romping with a dog with a look of joy on her face. Several shots showed her with what he assumed must be her older brother. He didn’t remember anything about a brother and wondered if he also worked in the business.
Dash put his hands in his pockets and moved to the window. The backyard landscaping was lush, full of California fuchsia, Shaw’s agave, and Bush monkeyflowers. A large rectangular pool was the focus of the yard. Scattered lawn furniture in small pockets surrounded it. He wondered what brought Sydney Revere back to Hollywood after more than a decade of being away. It was interesting that she would be working on her father’s film.
It made Dash want the role even more than he had before. Because something deep inside told him that Sydney Revere was a woman he wanted to know.
“Dash? Want to come to the kitchen? We’re going to eat pizza and talk shop if that’s okay with you.”
“Sure.” He didn’t want to ask what magic the legendary director had worked in order for the three of them to be in the same room.
He followed Monty to a large, sunny room with copper pots hanging from the ceiling. A huge Cherrywood table stood in front of a bay window.
Sydney Revere sat at the table, a blank look on her lovely features.
“Can I get you something to drink? A beer, maybe?” Monty asked him.
“Water’s good for me,” Dash said easily. No one knew it, but he didn’t drink anymore.
Not after that night.
He went to the table and pulled out a chair on Sydney’s left. He sat and offered her his hand.
“We haven’t been formally introduced. I’m Dash DeLauria.”
She took his hand and perfunctorily shook it. “I’m Sydney Br—” She stopped and took a deep breath. “I’m Sydney Revere. I’ll be storyboarding my dad’s new film.” She studied him for a moment. “What part are you up for? Why do you want it?”
Dash decided nothing but honesty would work with this woman.
“I bounced around Hollywood for a few years. Did some comedies. Moved into action films, which is more to my taste. Your dad is one of the best action directors in Hollywood. He’s got a proven track record. His movies have fast plotlines and top production quality. He hires great writers and Sadie Sistern has edited almost every one to perfection. I’m looking to move to a better type of film. Your dad is in my top three list of directors I’d like to work with.”
She gave him an appraising glance. “Bonus points for knowing about Sadie, even if you could’ve found her name on Wikipedia. What did you mean by ‘edited almost every one to perfection’? Which one wasn’t perfect?”
“Sadie’s the best. I meant that she missed out working with Monty on his first two films. She didn’t come on board until Look Back. She’s edited every movie he’s done since then.”
Sydney nodded. Dash felt as if he’d passed some kind of secret test.
“I usually don’t go to movies,” she shared. “That’s why I didn’t know you. What are you known for?”
“Being difficult,” he admitted. “I may be a slob in real life but I’m a perfectionist where my work is concerned. I’ve had a tendency to argue with directors who were too willing to cut and print and move on. I want my best to be what goes into a film. I owe that to the public who plunks down their hard-earned bucks to see it.” He grinned. “And for making the tabloids. The paparazzi seem to follow me everywhere. That’s what I’m known for. Unless you meant movie titles, that is.”
Monty set down bottled waters for the