by Alexa Aston
Dash knew Marlyn continued toying with her new director, deliberately misunderstanding the instructions Sydney gave so she could prolong kissing Dash. Finally, they moved on, now behind schedule.
Marlyn sashayed off the set. Dash sensed the tension melt from the crew as she exited. The next set-up occurred and one more after that before Sydney called for the lunch break.
“Would you like to eat in my trailer?” he asked hopefully.
“No, thanks. I have a few notes to go over with Cassie before we shoot the upcoming scenes.”
“I’m sorry—”
“You have nothing to be sorry about, Dash, because you’re giving me everything you’ve got.” Sydney turned and walked away. Cassie fell into step with her.
An hour later, Marlyn was late. Everything was ready to go but the actress was nowhere in sight.
“Bernie, please retrieve Miss November for me.”
The plump intern’s eyes grew large behind his glasses. Conflict was the last thing the college student wanted. Bernie disappeared and returned minutes later without Marlyn.
“She said she’s on her way.”
Ten minutes later, Marlyn waltzed in, a triumphant look upon her face. Dash could feel hostility oozing from the crew.
Marlyn went to take her place but Sydney called her over.
“What now?” Marlyn asked, not bothering to keep the aggravation from her voice. “I know what you’ll want in this scene.”
“It doesn’t matter if you know what I want. You’re off the shoot,” Sydney said coolly.
“You’re firing me?” Marlyn shouted. “You . . . you can’t do that!”
“I just did. I’m the director, sweetheart. Security?” Sydney called out. “Please escort Miss November to her trailer and make sure she has all her things.” Sydney turned back to Marlyn. “Your lot pass will be revoked so don’t embarrass yourself by trying to return tomorrow.”
“I’ll sue you, bitch! For breach of contract,” Marlyn said, venom dripping from her words. “You and this studio. You’re already deep in dog shit with your daddy almost dying. Firing me will only multiply your problems and put you way behind budget.”
“That’s not your concern. I’d keep quiet and off Twitter, Marlyn. Any interview you do or any social media firestorm you ignite will turn ugly for you. If you ever want to work in this town again, take the high road and keep your mouth shut.”
Marlyn raised her hand to slap Sydney but Sydney’s quick reflexes stopped her. She grabbed Marlyn’s wrist and twisted her around, forcing her arm against her back. Marlyn squealed like a stuck pig.
By that time, two security guards appeared. A large, beefy one said, “We’ll take it from here, Miss Revere.” They each latched on to one of Marlyn’s arms and led her off the set. The actress screamed obscenities and threats the entire way as everyone stood silently watching.
Then for the second time that day, applause exploded.
CHAPTER 23
Elation and fear rushed through Sydney at the same time as she listened to the crew’s ovation. Firing Marlyn was her first big move as a director and would probably give Ron Sampson a conniption fit. It would improve the spirits of everyone involved in the production but it frightened her at having to replace the actress.
She held a hand up and circled her wrist, motioning those present to come closer. “Gather around, everyone.” She paused as they waited for her next words. Sydney wanted to project confidence and give reassurance.
“We’re shutting down for the rest of the day. What’s done is done.”
Big Jim, a giant of a man at 6’8” and yet as gentle as a lamb, stepped forward. “I’ve worked on Monty’s films since before you were born, Sydney. I want to say you did the right thing. It had to be tough but we’ll do whatever it takes to keep things running smoothly for you.” The cameraman gave her a swift bear hug. “You’ve got balls, darling. You’re definitely your old man’s kid.” Big Jim moved back to join the others.
Sydney scanned the crowd and saw by the looks on the faces of the crew that she did have support from this tightknit group.
“Thank you. I appreciate hearing that more than you could ever know. I want to assure everyone we’re in good shape. We’ll have to replace footage that Marlyn shot two days ago and a little from yesterday before Dad’s heart attack. Then everything that was filmed today. All of that can be made up in a day and a half or two at most. We were already three days ahead of schedule so I know we can get those few scenes reshot and still be on track. It’ll take some juggling but I have complete faith in everyone here.
“Let’s break for the day. If Britt, Jayla, and Bernie could stay behind, we can hash out details for what needs to be done. Thanks again, everybody. I appreciate your support.”
The crew began shutting down their equipment. Several came up and gave Sydney an encouraging word. Within five minutes, only the key players remained—along with Dash.
Sydney turned to the second unit director. “Britt, how is the car chase scene design coming? And the fight scenes choreography?”
“I’m ready to shoot the chase tomorrow if that’s what you need. It’ll give you time to replace Marlyn. I can film tomorrow and Friday. The days were already built into late next week so we should come out even, time-wise, by flipping them.”
“Good. Make a note, Bernie,” Sydney instructed the intern, who started typing on his iPad. “You’ll be sending out the email informing everyone involved in the production of the changes that we discuss here.” She looked back to Britt. “And the fights?”
“Still need to coordinate with Dash and stunt doubles on those. Dash will need to get the choreography down.”
She looked to Dash. “How long do you think it’ll take you to learn it?”
“Probably three hours but I’d like a couple of days of practice to be comfortable enough to make it realistic. That’s what’s worked for me in the past on previous films.”
“Then let’s reserve next weekend for that and start filming those scenes a week from Monday.”
“Obviously, we need our new Rachel ASAP,” Jayla added. “That will determine the rest of next week’s schedule.”
“I’ll be working on that as soon as we end here. Assume we’ll have her by Monday. Bernie, pencil in the scenes Marlyn shot this week for Monday and Tuesday. Then we’ll go from there.”
Bernie stuck around after Britt and Jayla left in order to clarify what to push forward. Once the intern had down everything to Sydney’s specifications, he said he’d ready the email to send out to the cast and crew.
That left only Dash with her. Sydney said, “I’m planning to contact Keely Kennedy now. If she’s willing, we’ll need to go at it hard this weekend.”
He slipped his hands behind her back and drew her near. “I’ve never been more proud of you, babe.”
His lips brushed lightly against hers. Sydney relished the feel of his mouth on hers and the warmth of his hands as they stroked her back. She only wished they had time to give in to the kiss.
Reluctantly, she broke it. “We’re still on a break. Now more than ever.”
“I understand how much pressure you’re under. Believe me, I want you and this film to succeed. Just know I’ll be at your beck and call when it wraps.” Dash gave her a swift kiss to re-seal their deal.
Her lips still tingling, Sydney said, “I’d appreciate it if you met with Keely and me.”
“You bet. If she’s free, we can spend the next few days and the entire weekend rehearsing.”
Sydney called Regina. “Text me Keely Kennedy’s contact info.”
“I heard what happened,” the casting director told her. “I just got off the phone with Big Jim.”
Sydney knew the news would get out but didn’t realize how fast.
“Don’t worry, Sydney. The crew has closed ranks. The media won’t hear about this from any of them. Jim and I are seeing each other. That’s the only reason he let me know so I’d be in the loop. I’d alrea
dy pulled Keely’s file and was about to reach out to you.”
“Good. Let’s keep it that way. I’ll have to let Ron Sampson know sooner rather than later but I’d prefer he hear about Marlyn from me and not TMZ.”
She hung up. Seconds later, her phone chimed with Keely’s number. Sydney punched in the actress’ number and prayed she would miraculously be available.
“Hello?”
“Keely? It’s Sydney Revere. We met at the auditions for No Regrets.”
“Hi, Sydney. Of course, I remember you. What can I do for you?”
“I need to see you about a project. When can you meet?”
Keely laughed. “You’ve got impeccable timing. I’m walking out of a voiceover job that wrapped today. As a typical actress, I don’t have my next job lined up yet. I can meet anytime.”
“How about now? It’s important.”
“Sure. Where would you like to meet?” Sydney heard the eagerness in the actress’ voice.
“Let’s meet at my dad’s house where you auditioned. Do you need the address?”
“No, I remember where it is. I’m about forty-five minutes away from there.”
“That’s fine. See you soon. And thanks, Keely. I know this is short notice.” She hung up.
“I guess we’ll rendezvous at Monty’s?” Dash asked.
Sydney nodded. “I’ll see you there.”
She returned to her car and called Jayla as she pulled out of the studio lot. “I need a clean copy of the script. Keely’s coming to Dad’s house in less than an hour.”
“I’ll run a copy now and swing by with it. That’s great news, Sydney.”
“She doesn’t know why we’re meeting so keep your fingers crossed.”
Sydney disconnected the call and phoned Cassie. “Hey, where are you?”
“In the car. I was headed to the hospital to check on Monty.”
“Meet me at Dad’s house instead. Keely Kennedy is on her way there because I fired Marlyn November. If things pan out, we can both stop by to see Dad and share the good news with him.”
“Reversing direction now,” Cassie said. “See you shortly. And Sydney? Awesome move.”
She made every light on the way home and took that as a good sign. Dash pulled into the driveway behind her.
As they entered the house, she said, “It’s not a Diamond day but I’m sure she left some treats.” They reached the kitchen, where Dash found a Tupperware container of fresh brownies.
“I’ll put these out and grab some bottled waters,” he said. “Food’s always a good icebreaker.”
The doorbell sounded. Sydney rested a hand against her stomach, trying to calm the multitude of butterflies as she went to the door and greeted Keely.
“Come to the kitchen,” Sydney told the actress.
“I heard about your dad. I’m so sorry. Will he be all right?”
“He’s doing really well. Thank you for asking.”
Dash gave a wave as they stepped into the kitchen. “Nice to see you again, Keely. Come have a seat. I have a brownie with your name on it.”
Keely sat and accepted the brownie but her eyes went back and forth between Dash and Sydney, her brow furrowed in concentration.
“I won’t leave you in suspense. I’m here to offer you a job,” Sydney shared. “I’ve replaced dad as the director on No Regrets.”
Keely’s eyes widened in surprise. “Congratulations.” She hesitated. “But . . . what’s this got to do with me?”
Cassie arrived and greeted everyone. She snagged a brownie and took a seat at the table and looked expectantly at Sydney.
“I’m making a change in casting. Marlyn’s out. I want you to play Rachel instead.”
“That would be my dream job!” Keely exclaimed. “Of course, I want to play Rachel.” She glanced at Dash.
“You were my choice all along, Keely. I think you have loads of talent. Your audition was really good. With Sydney’s direction, I think you’ll nail the part.”
“Everyone here believes in you, Keely,” Cassie seconded.
Jayla came into the kitchen and handed the script to Sydney, who passed it to Keely.
Keely smoothed a hand over the cover lovingly, as if she couldn’t believe what was happening.
“I need you to read through the entire thing right now,” Sydney said. “We’ve got to move extremely fast. I want you to get the overall feel of the film. Rachel doesn’t have many scenes but all of hers are crucial to the plot. Once you’ve read it, Cassie will be available so you can ask her any questions about Rachel’s character and background story. Things that didn’t make it into the script that might help give you some insight into the character. Cassie met with Dash about Paul and she’s happy to do the same with you.”
“I am overwhelmed,” Keely admitted. “I’ve longed for this kind of opportunity. Now that it’s here, I’m scared to death.”
“You’ll have a lot of support,” Sydney assured here. “Not just from everyone gathered here but the rest of the cast and crew. Please say yes, Keely.”
Keely grinned. “It’s a no-brainer. I’m in.”
“Great! If you’ll give me your agent’s contact info, Jayla can fax over the contract. Right now, Cassie can give you an overview of the screenplay, then I’d like you to read the script here while she and I run to the hospital to check on Dad. After we return, you can pick our brains and let us share how we see Rachel being portrayed.”
“Sounds good to me,” Keely said. “I’m really quick when it comes to memorizing my lines, by the way.”
“Even better,” Sydney said. “If you can learn them in the next two days, that would be ideal.”
“We can rehearse together this weekend,” Dash added. “That way, Sydney can shoot our scenes starting on Monday. Will that work for you?”
“Absolutely,” Keely assured them. “I’m yours, 24-7.”
“Cassie, why don’t you two head to Dad’s office and discuss the overview, then Keely can read the screenplay. Feel free to make any notes on the script. It’s your copy now. By the time you’ve read the entire thing, we’ll be back from the hospital and go from there.”
CHAPTER 24
Dash opened his eyes. Today was his birthday—and Sydney’s. They were both thirty.
His life had changed so much since this time last year. His solid career in Hollywood had taken a positive turn. No Regrets would show he was more than a one-dimensional action star. Pamela Otto had already fielded several new scripts, based upon early word leaking out that Dash was filming his breakout movie. He’d told the agent to read everything that came in and make notes on why she liked or didn’t like each script but he wouldn’t look at any of them until filming ended. He didn’t want any distractions at this point. His eyes were focused on the work at hand.
More than anything, his attitude about women had changed. When his mother abandoned their family because she couldn’t deal with Herc’s disability, it had bred a deep-seated mistrust regarding all women. Dash hadn’t wanted or needed a woman in his life—until Sydney.
Despite maintaining their distance during the movie’s production, he was more in love with her than he could have ever thought possible. Working with her had been a dream. Sydney maintained an easy camaraderie on set. Her thoughtful suggestions each day made subtle differences in every scene filmed. Ron Sampson had visited the soundstage after Marlyn’s firing. The studio head arrived with a nervous tic but after watching Sydney’s thorough, laid-back direction and seeing how the cast and crew responded, Ron departed with a satisfied look and hadn’t returned.
Sydney had blossomed since taking over the reins from Monty. Dash had known she was smart and talented but directing brought out an entirely new side of her that he respected and admired. Even in her plain set attire and no makeup, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Though No Regrets had easily become his favorite filming experience, he couldn’t wait for it to be over so they could pick up where they left off. Dash was certain
the movie would do well, giving Sydney the opportunity for a whole new career. She would prove herself to the Hollywood community and make her mark with this film—and no one would think she’d gotten where she was because of her relationship with Dash or her famous father.
He got out of bed and opened the small box containing her birthday gift. Inside was a pair of earrings that he knew would look spectacular on her. The box wasn’t even wrapped. He wanted to pass it to her when no one was looking. Dash didn’t want to upset the boundaries that she’d created but he wanted her to know he was thinking of her all the same.
Throwing on workout clothes, he puttered to the kitchen. It surprised him to see the light was already on. While he’d been in rehearsals, he’d kept his usual training schedule with Leo. It tickled Dash that more often than not, he’d find Brenda already in the kitchen having a cup of coffee with Tim each morning. Watching their blossoming romance gave Dash a good feeling. Brenda was a topnotch assistant and one of the most caring people he’d met. She and Tim made an ideal couple.
Once filming began, he’d cut back training to two days a week and those were very early sessions. Dash hadn’t seen Tim or Brenda any of those mornings since Leo was showing up at four-thirty. It made him wonder who was up now.
As he approached the kitchen, he heard Brenda’s voice.
“I just got here. Nothing was outside. Yes, I know. I promise. I’ll keep an eye out. If he’s going to any day, it would be today. Okay. Talk to you later.”
Puzzled by her end of the conversation, Dash entered the kitchen. “Morning.”
Brenda squealed. “You scared me. I had no idea you were up. Oh, that’s right. It’s a Leo day.”
He opened the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water. “You’re here awfully early.”
She shrugged, fidgeting with the bottom of her blouse. “I couldn’t sleep. I have nights like that. Thought I’d come in and get some work done.”
Dash still wondered who she’d been talking to so early but he kept silent.
“Morning, everyone. Happy birthday, Dash. The big three-oh.”