It’s quiet on the line for a few seconds while I play that back, irritated with myself for wanting to ask her what else she likes about me because that doesn’t matter. It can’t. Even separated by thousands of miles, tension coils between us—a rubber band that if pulled too hard, will pop. I’m honest enough with myself to acknowledge it, but doing anything aboutit? No damn way. Hell, I should have let Evan or Graham handle this, though that would have drawn their curiosity.
“Uh, thanks,” I say abruptly. “So look for the details and travel arrangements from Graham in the next day or so. Verity has reworked the script. We’ll send over what you guys will read for the screen test, though it won’t be much.”
“I can’t wait to read Verity’s changes.”
“It’ll keep evolving, I’m sure, but it’s getting there. We want to get a little with you and Trey to see how you vibe. Graham will send the scene over.” This has got to be the most pleasant, stilted conversation I’ve ever had, but I need to end it. “I gotta go.”
“Oh, sure. Of course. I’ll be on the lookout for the script. I guess I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah. See you soon. Take care, Neevah.”
And then I do what I should have done five minutes ago.
I let her go.
SEVENTEEN
Dessi Blue
INTERIOR – SAVOY BALLROOM – NIGHT
Two shot – Dessi and Tilda. They are in the employee’s coatroom, preparing for their shift as hostesses at the Savoy. Both wear loose 1930s-era dresses. They hang up their coats. Tilda starts to walk out, but Dessi catches her arm and snatches the slouchy hat from her head.
DESSI
You gonna dance with that hat on?
She hangs the hat on a nearby hook, looks around, checking for any witnesses, and pulls Tilda into her arms.
DESSI
And you forgot my kiss.
She cups Tilda’s face and kisses her, rubbing her back intimately.
TILDA (WHISPERING AND PULLING AWAY)
You crazy! You gonna get us fired, Bama.
DESSI
Buchanan don’t care ’bout two girls kissing.
TILDA (WHISPERING)
I’ll kiss you when we get home. I need to find a man to kiss tonight so we can make rent.
DESSI
Don’t say that, Till. Don’t do that. I told you we’ll figure it out. You don’t have to—
TILDA
Look, I been on my own since I was fourteen and I been knowing what’s what since then. Don’t make me no never mind if I gotta give a little something up to get a little something back.
DESSI
What about a rent party? Folks from the third floor raised all their rent in one night last month.
