in Mexico. This time, she left right before Thanksgiving.”
“And you let her? You keep hiring her and her family back even though she leaves you high and dry?”
He nodded sheepishly. “What can I say? She takes good care of me. They all do. I always say I’ll fire her but then I take her back every time.”
“So what do you do during the in-between times?”
Rhett shrugged. “I get by. Order out a bunch. Breck stops for pizza a couple of nights a week. I’m not too messy so things don’t get too bad.”
Cassie cringed. “I can see it now, a new headline on the TMZ site—Sexy Star Showers Amidst Fungi. They’ll have you dead from black mold, Rhett. I know these tabloids.”
“What do you suggest I do? And remember, Maria makes the best damned enchiladas west of the Mississippi. I refuse to give those up. If Maria stays, they all will stay.”
“First of all, I wouldn’t rehire any of them again. But seeing the look on your face, that’s not an option. So we’ll pinch-hit for now. I’m a Texas gal so if it’s Mexican you like, I can do it all—fajitas, chili, nacho casserole.”
“My mouth’s already salivating.” Rhett glanced down at his sheep dog. “Even Shep’s up for whatever you can make.”
“Hush. I can grill, too, from hamburgers to salmon to chicken. I make some mean mashed potatoes and can even do a few easy desserts. So you won’t starve.”
“You’re my assistant. I can’t ask you to cook, too.”
Cassie held up a hand. “Hey, who says an assistant can’t cook? I assist you. Period. Whatever it takes to keep the Rhett Corrigan machine moving, I’ll do it.” She sized him up. “What do you like to eat?”
“Everything,” Rhett admitted. “I love seafood and steak. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. I am partial to whole grains. And pasta. God, I love pasta.”
“What about Randi?”
“Randi? She doesn’t eat anything except salads. She nibbles or pushes things around on her plate. It used to be just Diet Coke and cigarettes, but I won’t let her smoke here.”
“She probably sneaks some in,” Cassie pointed out. “I caught a whiff of tobacco on her.”
“You’re probably right. Don’t worry about picking up anything for her.”
“Okay. I’ll stock up your refrigerator and pantry. What does Breck like?”
“Breck would eat rocks if you put ketchup on them.”
“I’ll cook until Consuelo and her crew return.”
“I feel bad about you doing that.”
Cassie grinned. “Don’t. You’re just going to pay me even more for my time and trouble. I do draw the line at trimming hedges and swishing toilets. Do I have your go-ahead to hire someone to do that?”
“Sure.”
“Then I’ll make a few calls, take some bids, and get back to you.”
“You don’t have to. You’ve got the authority. Make the decision.” He thought a moment. “I’ll get the credit card Carreen used for my expenses when I visit her. Buy whatever you think is reasonable. Privacy is number one, though. Whoever comes in needs to be discreet and sign an NDA.” Rhett thought a moment. “I’ll need you to sign a non-disclosure agreement, too.”
Cassie nodded. “I figured as much. The rest sounds good to me. Since I’m cooking, what hours do you expect me to work? I hear you’re an early bird.”
“Hours? Carreen made her own. You do the same. I’ll make oatmeal or cereal with fruit for breakfast.” He grinned. “I even know how to scramble up an egg-white omelet if I get bored. Seriously, I don’t need you here when I roll out of bed in the mornings. I know some days will be light, so you aren’t expected to be here all day. When I’m shooting, those can be really long days, so I hope it’ll balance out in the end for you.”
“Do I go on location with you? We really haven’t talked about any specifics,” Cassie pointed out.
“Carreen came sometimes. It depends. Can we play that by ear? I don’t have another movie lined up yet.”
“Sure. I’m going to need your cell number. Landline. E-mail address. Carreen’s computer password so I can access files. Could I have a key to the house? I’d like to come and go without having to be let it. You know, by the imaginary housekeeper who takes such good care of you.”
Rhett let the sarcasm pass. “I’ll set you up with all of that and give you a cell phone to use. Since yours seemed to be having problems.” He saw annoyance flash across her face.
“Who’s your website