Hollywood Flirt - Alexa Aston Page 0,87
take a nap soon,” Monty Revere said. “It’s nice not to be in that sterile hospital room anymore. I like wearing my own pajamas to bed and not that open-backed hospital gown.” He inhaled deeply. “This just smells like home. I never realized home had a smell until after my heart attack.”
“When you’re ready, I’ll have Jayla set up yesterday’s dailies for you to view.”
Her father patted Sydney’s hand. “You’re doing great, Kid. Monica would be so proud of you. Ron called yesterday. He’s really satisfied with the dailies and the way you run a set.”
“It’s nice to hear Ron’s happy. By the way, Sadie’s coming over tonight to talk about what we want from the film as she cuts it. She’s already got the opening credits completed and has a rough cut of four or five scenes she’ll show us.”
“I don’t mind seeing her but it’s what you want, Syd. You’re the director on the film. The cut should reflect your voice—not mine.”
Sydney shook her head. “It’s ours. We’re sharing credit.”
“No,” Monty said emphatically. “I want it all to go to you.” He gave her a fond look. “You have a future in this business, honey. Lone credit on the film will go a long way to landing your next gig.”
“I hope I do, Dad. I feel as if this is what I’m meant to do.”
He grew serious. “I knew Dash would be good after seeing his audition. Cassie’s screenplay is also letting him shine but you’re getting great stuff from him. Better than I think I could have. This movie will be the turning point for him—and you.” He gave her a hopeful look. “Maybe you’ll make the change in careers together from now on?”
Sydney shrugged. “We’ll see.”
“I won’t wait forever for grandkids, Syd. You and Dash would make some pretty darn cute babies, in my opinion.”
Her cheeks heated. “Okay, on that note, I’m out of here.”
She found Jayla. “That rehab session really tired him,” she told the assistant. “Make him rest. I don’t envy you that job.”
“Don’t worry. I plan to. We all want Monty around for a long time. In fact, Mom’s in the kitchen making her super-secret special soup. Remember, the one that can cure anything?”
Sydney laughed. “Hopefully, Dad will put back on a few pounds eating Diamond’s cooking. He hated the bland food in the hospital.” She glanced at the treasure trove of flowers and cards that had continued to arrive since Monty’s heart attack and caught sight of two stuffed teddy bears. She picked one up. “Herc would love these.”
“Why don’t you take them over to him?” Jayla said. “Monty has no use for them.”
“I think I will.” Sydney gathered the other up and decided to run them over now before she went to the studio.
It was hard to ignore the team following her the few blocks to Dash’s house. Sydney spotted two different cars subtly trading places as they tailed her. Bruce had told her not to acknowledge the security guards in any way so she focused on the road ahead.
Brenda answered the door. “Hi, Sydney. Come on in.” As they came through the entryway to the great room, Brenda said, “Thanks for the heads up about the security firm. They contacted me this morning. I left two of them in my apartment, checking for bugs and examining that little black bug we discovered.”
“Dash arranged it, via Rhett. It’s a group Rhett’s used for the last year.”
“I’m glad professionals are on the job. You don’t know how my heart almost stopped when I opened the door and saw those roses sitting on the porch. I’m so sorry. Did you have a good birthday, at least?”
“I did,” Sydney assured her friend. “Having Dad alive and home has been the best gift.” She held up the stuffed animals. “These two came with a couple of the floral arrangements he received. Dad doesn’t need these. I thought Herc would enjoy them, especially the one dressed as a football player.”
“He’ll love them,” Brenda said. “He and Tim are kicking around a soccer ball in the backyard.”
“How is Tim?” Sydney asked innocently.
“Don’t act so casually.” Brenda paused. “Let’s just say that Tim . . . is spectacular,” and she grinned from ear to ear.
“I like hearing that,” Sydney told her. “You deserve someone decent in your life. The fact that Tim’s also smart and really attractive doesn’t hurt.”
“He’s the best man I’ve ever dated,” Brenda admitted. “I promise to do everything in my power to keep him