Hollywood Flirt - Alexa Aston Page 0,40
lazy smile. “We are now.”
A thrill shot through her. Then frustration followed it. She had to make things right. She refused to be the cause of the worst career mistake of his life.
Monty Revere took a seat and studied the pair. Then he said, “I met Monica when I was thirty-three. She’d been cast in a small but important role in the third movie I was directing. She was twenty-two and the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen. All day, I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. Even from across the set, if we looked at each other, sparks ignited and almost lit the soundstage on fire.”
He took a quarter from his pocket and began rolling it across his knuckles. Sydney had seen him do this ever since she was a child. She never asked him why he did it. He never volunteered the reason he did.
“After the first day of shooting, Monica came to me and told me that she couldn’t be in my movie. That I’d have to re-cast her role. When I asked her why, she said that she wanted to make it in Hollywood on her own merit. She didn’t want people saying she’d gotten the part just because she was Mrs. Monty Revere.”
Sydney sat up. She’d never heard this story before.
“I couldn’t speak. All I could do was grin at her. When I finally found my voice, I told her she was crazy. That this role was pivotal in the movie. It would be her breakout moment and make her career.”
He smiled wistfully. “My baby told me she already felt like a star because of the way I looked at her.” He tossed the quarter in the air and caught it. “I still think she made a mistake. She would’ve been damned good in the part. By the time it came out a year later, we were already married. Birch was on the way. She found roles on her own. She became a star on her terms. With no help from me.”
He slipped the coin back in his pocket. “Monica didn’t regret anything. I did, though.” He paused and looked at Dash. “Your audition was the best I’ve ever seen. You have more raw, untapped talent than I imagined. If you sacrifice this part over some crazy notion, it could make you bitter in the long run. That could poison whatever you think you might have with Sydney. Take the part, Son. Date my daughter if she agrees but be sure you treat her well. If fate wants you two to be together, it’ll last. If not and you wind up with a broken heart, at least you’ll be on solid ground professionally and won’t blame Sydney for pushing you away from the role you were meant to play.”
Dash looked at her. “It all hinges on one question. Do you believe that I’m interested in you for you?”
Sydney’s heard the anguish in his voice. She didn’t want him to throw away this huge opportunity because she thought he’d played her. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe in him. Her head still might have some trust issues but her heart told her his motives were pure.
“Yes.” Then she added, “I’m interested in you, too.”
No matter what happened between them from this point on, Sydney would always remember the intensity in Dash’s eyes at this moment. It took her breath away. He squeezed her hand in reassurance. A warm glow filled her.
Dash faced her dad. “Then I’ve reconsidered, Mr. Revere. I’d be happy to take on the challenge of Paul Hannigan.”
“Good.” Monty cleared his throat. “I know I’m overstepping here, Sydney, but I’m still your father and I’m going to say my piece.”
She wondered where this was going.
Her father’s gaze bored into Dash. “This is my daughter, Mr. DeLauria. She is an incredibly special woman. You will be a gentleman and treat her well in every circumstance. You will be kind to her. Listen to her. You will be on time for any plans you make with her.
“Most of all, plan to laugh with her. Laughter is a bond that brings a couple together. If you can laugh in each other’s company, you’ll be able to take on the world together.”
Sydney saw Dash nodding in agreement. “I can do that—and more. I plan to make Sydney very happy.” He turned and gave her a crooked smile that caused her heart to skip a beat.
She couldn’t help but think how different things might have been