Hollywood Player: Hollywood Name Game Book 3

by Alexa Aston

  The studio head gave her an apologetic look. “Sorry, Sydney. As much as I’d like to turn the reins over to you, I can’t do it.”

  Before she could assure Ron that she understood, Dash said, “Then I’ll walk.”

  Ron’s jaw dropped. “You’ll what? No, you won’t, Dash. If you try, I’ll sue the pants off you. I’ll make sure you never work in this town again.”

  Dash stood his ground. “You’ve seen the dailies, Ron. What do you think? How fast could you replace me—and then re-shoot everything up to this point? That would cost you a buttload of money and that’s not even counting what court costs you’d rack up suing me. This is my role, Ron. I was born to play Paul. If you want to keep me in the part and keep costs down, then you’ll hire Sydney.”

  She saw Ron considering the proposal. Then Dash sweetened the deal.

  “I’ll forego my salary if you’ll make Sydney the director. Give me a couple of more points on the back end. That’s all I ask.”

  “Dash! I can’t let you do that,” she protested.

  He gave her a stubborn look. “It’s not up to you. It’s my call now. And Ron’s.”

  Ron turned to her. “Call me crazy, Sydney, but at this point, Dash makes the most sense. Are you up for it?”

  Sydney locked her knees, afraid she’d collapse like a rag doll at any moment. Her pounding heart made her feel as if she were the next candidate for a heart attack. She glanced to Dash. He nodded encouragingly.

  “I’d be happy to take over on No Regrets.”

  Sydney only hoped she wouldn’t have any regrets when tomorrow came.

  CHAPTER 22

  Sydney prepared herself to enter the hospital room. Dr. Barbosa had just left the waiting room. Her report was encouraging but Sydney’s head still reeled from taking on the helm of the film as she tried to deal with her father’s heart condition.

  Cassie said, “I’m glad Monty came through surgery so well. I know you want to spend time alone with him now.” Her friend hugged her tightly. “You know I’m in your corner. You can pull this off, Sydney. I’ll be there every day of filming if that’s what you need.”

  “Thank you. I’ll text you later to let you know. I’ll see you soon.”

  Cassie left. Sydney turned to Dash. “Would you like to go in with me to see Dad?”

  “I’ll wait here. You go ahead.”

  “Do you think he’ll be mad about me taking over his movie?”

  “Do you think that?”

  She wrung her hands nervously. “I don’t know.”

  “Go see him. He may not even want to talk about the movie.”

  Sydney snorted. “Yeah, right.” She hesitated. “Will you be here for a while?”

  Dash cupped her elbows and leaned in to kiss her forehead tenderly. “I’m not going anywhere, babe. Take your time.”

  “Okay.” She left the intensive care waiting room and walked down the hall to where her father would be for the next couple of days. After a few deep breaths, Sydney pushed open the door.

  It was a single bed room. She was glad for the privacy it would give him. The steady beep of a machine welcomed her as she entered and crossed to the bed. Monty Revere seemed smaller than he usually did. He was pale but alert.

  Sydney slipped her hands around one of his. “How are you?”

  “How do you think?” he rasped. “At least they took out the breathing tube. I hated that. Otherwise, it feels like a Mack truck ran over me.” He sighed. “My chest hurts some but my damned leg is what’s killing me.”

  “That’s where they took the blood vessel from,” Sydney explained. “Dr. Barbosa attached one end of it to your aorta and the other end to an artery below the blockage that you had. She said the graft will create a new path for blood to travel to your heart. It was single bypass surgery. Not great, but not nearly as bad as it could’ve been.”

  “How long do I have to stay in this prison?” he complained.

  “In the IC unit for two days, then you’ll be transferred to a regular hospital room for a few days. After that, you’ll come home with trips for rehab worked into your schedule.”

  “I remember the doc told me I couldn’t drive for a couple of months.”

  “I can take you wherever you need to go. Or Jayla can.” Sydney paused. “Dr. Barbosa said once you go through the twelve weeks of rehab, you’ll feel even better than before. That this surgery has added years to your life.”

  “Not if I’m worrying about No Regrets,” he snapped. Sydney wrote off his impatience to the fact that he’d just had major surgery performed—and was probably still scared. “I’m sure by now Ron Sampson already got himself a new director.”

  Bracing herself, she said, “Dad, the new director is me.”

  His jaw dropped. Then a huge smile spread across his face. “That’s my girl. What a perfect 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 pulle
d 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 for this project. I created elaborate storyboards for the film and know this story the way I know my own. I’ve been involved in every aspect from casting to scheduling to budgeting and selecting locations for exteriors. I grew up on movie sets so I’ve absorbed a lot over the years.

  “Many of you have worked with my dad on previous films and you’re already a well-oiled machine. I’ll be leaning on your experience with him and your shared vision in order to complete this project. Our screenwriter, Cassie Corrigan, is willing to guide me as far as characters and motivations go. I hope that you’ll accept me in this new role. Support me when I ask for your help. Share your opinions when I ask for them. And work with me to make No Regrets a movie we’ll all be proud of, including Monty Revere.”

  Sydney took a deep breath. “This will be a collaborative effort on all our parts and will prevent shutting down production indefinitely. I want it to be business as usual. I’m asking each of you to give me everything you’ve got. We’re family . . . and family sticks together through thick and thin.”

  Applause erupted. Dash saw that those gathered had smiles on their faces. They would be able to do the job they were hired for with no break in salary. Monty’s film crews were known for being especially tight. Dash believed the people here were professionals who would work together to ensure that filming met with success.

  He was also proud of the poise and confidence Sydney had shown as she spoke to the assembled cast and crew. If anyone could tackle this job and bring in a great movie on time and under budget, it would be the woman he loved.

  “All right.” Sydney’s cheeks were flushed as the applause died down. “Thank you all for coming. Please refer to today’s call sheet. Let’s get ready for our first scene. Dash and Marlyn, please head to makeup and wardrobe.”

  Dash wasn’t looking forward to the first scene of the day. It was several pages of dialogue between him and Marlyn that ended with some pretty intimate moves at the end of the scene. He wished it could be any scene other than this for Sydney’s first outing as a director.

  Marlyn fell into step beside him. “I see your ex-girlfriend wormed her way to the top pretty quickly.”

  He stopped and gave Marlyn a penetrating look. “Sydney couldn’t have predicted her father would have a heart attack. And for the record, I’m the one who suggested to Ron that she take over the shoot. No one is more familiar with this screenplay and production than Sydney.”

  Marlyn wrinkled her nose. “I think she’s bitten off more than she can chew. At least I know what my character’s about and what to do today.” She gave Dash a look that told him she was ready to devour him in a single bite.

  As Paul, he would push back. That’s what Dash would do—let his character handle the situation. Paul wouldn’t put up with any bullshit from Rachel. Neither would Dash.

  He hoped Sydney was strong enough to do the same.

  When he was ready, he went back to the soundstage. Sydney was discussing something with one of the sound technicians. He waited until their conversation finished before he approached her.

  “You did really well,” Dash told her. “You were positive and confident.”

  “People like having a paycheck. Practically everyone on the crew has worked with Dad on multiple films. From a technical standpoint, things will run smoothly. It’s the cast who’ve been brought together for the first time that might cause me a few blips. Not you. You’ve been amazing as Paul.” Her brow creased in a frown.

  “You’re thinking about Marlyn.”

  A determined light came into Sydney’s eyes. “I’m ready for Marlyn. If it’s a contest of wills, she’s already lost.”

  “God, I wish I could kiss you,” he whispered.

  She pursed her lips. “Maybe later.”

  Now she was talking.

  Marlyn arrived and everyone took their places. Sydney functioned as both first AD and the director, calling out instructions.

  Finally, she said, “Quiet, please.” After several beats she added, “Action.”

  They got a third of the way through the scene before Sydney called, “Cut.” Marlyn gave a drawn out, dramatic sigh. Sydney waved the actress over.

  “Marlyn, you’re coming on too strong. You need to pull back. Think less is more.”

  “I’m trying to show my passion. You’ve got to understand that Rachel is a very passionate woman.”

  “You can sizzle with passion at the end of the scene. Right now, I need Rachel more insecure. Defenseless. Unprotected. It’s a very raw moment for her, having to come to Paul and trust him when she doesn’t really know much about him.”

  “Shouldn’t I show her attraction to him? Even with her doubt?”

  “No. I want Rachel totally stripped down emotionally so that when she does bond physically with Paul, the chemistry will light up the screen. Their connection will give her confidence in the scenes to come.”

  “What if I—”

  “Play it like I’ve told you.”

  Marlyn’s mouth set in stone. She gave Sydney a long look and retreated to the center of the soundstage.

  Though Sydney had spoken softly, Dash heard her instructions to Marlyn. He couldn’t have agreed more.

  They went again and Marlyn tried it Sydney’s way for the first page of dialogue before veering off in the direction she wanted. Sydney called cut again. This time, she walked over to Marlyn.

  “Are you having a hard time remembering what I told you?”

  “No. I just think—”

  “You’re not paid to think,” Sydney said succinctly. “You’re paid to take my direction. If you can’t do that, I’ll find someone who can.”

  Marlyn’s eyes flashed in anger. Dash knew how volatile her temper was and waited for the fireworks to erupt.

  Instead, the actress surprised him. “Okay. Your way.”

  This time, Marlyn spoke her dialogue with perfection, giving Sydney exactly what she’d asked for. As they reached the end of their long conversation, Dash figured out why Marlyn had done a one-eighty and was suddenly so cooperative.

  The first love scene was coming up, where Paul latched on to Rachel. As he tried to shake some sense into her, the couple would kiss. Instinctively, Dash knew Marlyn wanted to make out with him in front of Sydney in order to watch her squirm as the crew watched. The thought angered him. He shook Marlyn harder than he needed to. As he did, he could read the satisfaction in her eyes.

  Dash kissed her. He tried to have Paul kiss Rachel but he was too aware that he was kissing his ex-lover in front of his current one. Well, not exactly current, but Sydney’s earlier words gave him hope that would change again very soon. Marlyn became aggressive, way more than a vulnerable Rachel should’ve responded. He heard, “Cut.”

  Sydney came toward them. “The dialogue was exactly what I wanted from both of you. Great job. Let’s talk about this love scene in a little more detail.”

  “Ooh, I could talk about it
all day,” Marlyn purred. “Dash is such a great partner—in or out of bed.”

  Sydney let the remark slide.

  “I do want desire, Marlyn. Eagerness on Rachel’s part. She’s been adrift at sea, with no one to support her or believe in her. Now, she’s found Paul. The spark between them is not just hunger growing. It’s her knowing Paul believes her about the conspiracy. It’s a coming together of mind and body.”

  Sydney gave that time to sink in. “Because of that, don’t let her go ramming her tongue down his throat first thing. Let Rachel discover the trust and the passion as they start to kiss. Let it build slowly and then rage like a fire out of control.”

  “Like this?” Marlyn asked innocently. She grabbed Dash’s shirt and kissed him, slowly at first and then more aggressively. He went along with it but it left him seething inside.

  Marlyn broke the kiss and looked to Sydney. “Is that what you’re talking about, Sydney? If it isn’t, I can try again. I want to get this right for you.”

  Sydney’s calm demeanor was something to admire. If Dash had been in her place, he would’ve knocked the shit out of Marlyn. Instead, she said, “You’re getting the idea. Threading your fingers through his hair was a good move. Wait another five seconds before you do that. Let Rachel slowly dip a toe into the pool. Then her foot. Then start wading in. Don’t jump too fast.”

  “Got it.” Marlyn licked her lips. She gave Dash a sensual look. “Follow my lead, baby.”

  Sydney returned to stand near the camera. Dash prayed they’d get this done in the next take. The taste and smell of Marlyn had invaded him. All he wanted to do was brush his teeth and jump into the shower to wash away every trace of her.

  It took eleven takes before Sydney was satisfied.