solution. I’m glad you stepped up.”
“I didn’t,” she admitted. “Ron showed up in the ER, ready to replace you once he heard you’d be out of commission for several weeks. It was Dash who threw out the idea of me taking over the shoot. Cassie seconded it.”
“Good for Dash DeLauria.”
She smiled. “He was adamant. Threaten to break his contract and walk off the production. Ron was still waffling until Dash gave back his entire salary for a couple of percentage points.”
Her father grew thoughtful. “He did, did he? Smart guy.”
“I hope you’re okay with this.”
“Okay? It’s better than okay.” He squeezed her hand. “You’ll do great, Syd.” He frowned. “My only advice? Watch Marlyn November. She’s a handful.”
“You spoke to her today. I hope that’ll take.”
“She’ll test you,” he warned.
Sydney straightened her shoulders. “We’ll see about that.” She saw his eyes starting to droop. “Why don’t you get some rest? I need to check in with Jayla. Get tomorrow’s call sheet emailed out. I’ll be back in a little while and spend the night here with you.”
“Okay,” he mumbled, drifting off to sleep, a smile on his face.
◆◆◆
Dash arrived at the studio early and met with the Sampson Studios lawyers and his agent in tow. Pamela thought he was insane to return his salary in exchange for Sydney being named the new director of No Regrets but Dash had total faith in her ability. Between Sydney guiding the production up to this point and what he’d seen from the dailies, he believed the film would be a hit. The points he signed for would more than make up for his lost wages. Still, he guaranteed Pamela as his agent and manager what she would’ve received if he’d been paid his straight salary. In effect, Dash was paying her from his own pocket now that he was relinquishing what the studio owed him.
He did wonder how everyone else would react today when they learned of Ron’s surprise choice to replace Monty. The call sheet in his email had specified for everyone in the cast and crew to check in at the beginning of the day for a brief meeting before it laid out the scenes that would be shot today. Dash hadn’t asked when he left the hospital if Sydney had prepared a speech or not. He hoped both cast and crew would be understanding and welcoming—even Marlyn. This film was a terrific opportunity for her if she didn’t cause waves.
Dash saw Cassie and made his way over to her. She handed him a large cup filled with coffee.
“I figured you spent most of the night at the hospital and could use this.”
He took a long swig and felt the jolt of caffeine course through him. “I did. This hits the spot. Thank you.”
“If there’s anything Rhett or I can do for you and Sydney, let us know.” She paused. “Oh, Sydney looks good. If I’d been up half the night with a sick parent, I would not be close to pulled together as she is.”
Dash turned and saw Sydney had arrived wearing her film uniform of black pants and white shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to her elbow. She’d dressed the same way since the beginning of the film. The long, auburn hair that he loved running his fingers through was pulled off her face into a low ponytail. Her green eyes skimmed the room and met his. Keeping a straight face, he gave her a wink.
“Thank you to everyone who came in so early, even if you’re not involved in any scenes today. I thought it was important for all of us to be together.” She looked over the crowded soundstage. “Dad had a heart attack and had single bypass surgery yesterday afternoon. He’s doing well and his prognosis is positive. Of course, he’s being a little feisty with the nurses and is eager to get home.”
Scattered chuckles filled the room.
“More than anything, Monty Revere is invested in No Regrets. He believes in this screenplay and its cast and crew. He would love to be here to finish it out but that’s not going to be possible.”
A shuffling and muffled whispers started. Sydney let them die down before she continued speaking.
“Ron Sampson has agreed to let me step in as the director for this film. I know that may come as a shock to many of you. I don’t have the resume to be named to take on something of this magnitude—but what I do have is passion