Hollywood Flirt - Alexa Aston Page 0,66

to be more to this sudden decision than she was admitting. He planned to discover exactly what was driving this unexpected turn in their relationship.

“When does this not seeing each other start?” he asked.

Sydney’s eyes gleamed with mischief. For a moment, he had the old Syd back.

“How about . . . tomorrow?”

“That means we’ve got all night.” Dash’s mouth came down on hers. If he couldn’t change her mind, he’d make the most of the time they had left.

“Babe, I’m going to give you a night you’ll never forget.”

CHAPTER 21

Two months later . . .

Dash couldn’t believe how smooth the shoot had been so far. Three weeks into filming, and No Regrets was easily his favorite experience. Monty Revere’s direction made it easy for him. Dash had met with Cassie Corrigan before rehearsals started and she gave him several insights into the character of Paul that anchored him.

As far as emotions went, when Paul needed to be calm or show a blank slate to his unknown enemies, Dash envisioned how empty his life had been without Sydney in it the past few months. Fear? He’d pretend to himself that Sydney wouldn’t let him back into her life once filming was completed. Anger? He drummed it up thinking how much he hated working with Marlyn November. The actress had only arrived on set yesterday since hers was a small but pivotal role. Dash could tell problems were brewing and the scenes with Marlyn would be challenging for everyone involved.

He glanced at a busy Sydney, who really seemed in her element. She took her responsibilities as first AD seriously and her organization had really kept the production stress-free and ahead of schedule. As first AD, Sydney truly ran the set, giving the specific cues for each take and ensuring that the cast and crew present were all aware of their roles, minute by minute. Because of the calm she brought, Dash believed Monty was getting the most from his actors, many times securing what he desired in one take. The director would cut the scene and consult with Sydney, who more often than not said, “Happy with the take,” allowing the next set-up to occur.

Dash had been on sets where he dreaded hearing, “Going again” or “That’s a take two—or twelve”. So far, he was relaxed and happy with the dailies that he’d seen.

Of course, the mood had changed yesterday when Marlyn appeared. Dash had to admit that the hair and makeup people had done an outstanding job. It was hard to tell Marlyn was under there because all he saw was Rachel. He was grateful Marlyn knew her lines. The two scenes they’d filmed yesterday crackled with tension and passion. Still, Dash didn’t see or feel the fragility that Rachel should possess. So far, Monty hadn’t been able to draw it out of Marlyn. Dash thought that aspect was a vital piece to the film. He hoped Marlyn would dig deep and find it.

“Call the roll,” Sydney shouted. She quickly assessed who was there and clarified for a lighting director what needed to be done. After that, Dash knew the next words that would come out of her mouth.

“Waiting on talent,” she barked out since Marlyn had yet to appear and was probably still in her trailer.

Dash moved toward Cassie, who showed up at the set sporadically to see how things progressed. She had watched all of the dailies, though, and had praised Dash’s performance. He knew in his bones he was doing the best work of his career—and he wasn’t about to let Marlyn November change that.

“Is it Marlyn?” Cassie murmured to him under her breath.

“What do you think?” Dash glanced over and saw that Monty Revere’s anger was visible, thanks to his heightened color. The director waved him over.

“These are no longer the days of Marilyn Monroe when an actress can shut down a set while she sulks in her trailer,” Monty told Dash. “Do you know her? It’s not as if she’s an A-lister—although I wouldn’t put up with tardiness from one of them either.”

“Yeah. I know her some. She’s bad news even if she’s immensely talented. I told Regina but it didn’t seem to make a difference.”

“I understand why Marlyn was cast,” the director said. “You two are dynamite together. This, however, is the last time Miss November keeps me waiting.”

At that moment, Marlyn breezed onto the set looking confident and carefree. Monty waved the actress over. Dash retreated to a corner. The director took her aside