“Not back then. You can’t remember how he used to read you bedtime stories, then sing you to sleep.”
“Well, he ain’t that pa now.” LJ dusted off his jeans and stepped around Tuesday. “I need to get a few parts for these skates.” He paused at the door. “Idowant to be an aviator, Ma. Some of the fellows at the air base say I got a knack for it.”
“Then go fly, my boy. Go fly.”
22
MATT
David Letterman: “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the star ofFlight Deck, Matt Knight.”
On a rainy April day in New York, movie star Matt Knight stepped around the giant fake column, into the lights and applause, and bowed to Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band, and to the audience members who were on their feet, applauding and whistling.
Letterman: “You got more applause than I did.”
Matt: “I thought that’s why you had me on the show?”
Letterman laughed.Matt adjusted his tie.
Letterman: “It’s good to see you, man.”
Matt: “It’s good to be here. Thank you for asking me to fill in for your preferred guest, Emilio Estevez.”
Matt sensed the audience leaning into their banter as Dave tried to explain how Emilio couldn’t make it due to filming delays. There was a collective, feminine sigh, which Matt reacted to and got a laugh. Brat Packer Emiliowasa hot ticket these days.
Matt: “Sure, rub it in. He’s working and I got fired.”
Letterman: “Come on, you got fired. But who cares,Flight Deckis still killing it at the box office. Are you cashing all your checks? Buying a yacht? A small European country?”
Matt: [chuckling] “I’m taking time off, visiting family.” No need to spoil the shtick by confessing he’d been rehired for the Cindy Canon movie.
Letterman: “And where is that? San Tropez? You’re so tan!”
Matt: “A small town in North Florida. My grandmother owns an iconic skating rink there. I’m on a quest to save it from ‘progress.’ Some of the locals want to tear it down and put up a parking lot.”
Letterman: “We’d heard you grew up roller skating. It’s still somewhat of a craze but I thoughtXanadukilled the sport. [Laughter mingled with boos.] So, how do you plan on saving this rink?”
Matt: “The old-fashioned way, aMr. Smith Goes to Washingtonsort of thing. We’regetting up a petition for the locals to sign so we can put it to a vote.”
Letterman: “You’re not using your star power, getting some of your buddies to come to town? I mean, I might be willing—”
Matt: “No, man, this is for the hometown folks. I’m just a regular Joe there.”
That got a light sigh and applause, and Matt soaked it up. From the moment he’d walked on set, the showman in him yawned and stretched awake. He sensed the crowd clinging to him, and he needed it. He was eager to please. Bring on the wow factor.
Letterman: “So you’re having fun in your hometown. So, what, what else are you doing?”
Hint: Entertain us, Matt.
Matt: “Well, it’s a lot of work saving a hundred-year-old rink built by a prince.”
Letterman: “A prince. What kind of town is this? Host to a prince and the great Matt Knight.”
Matt: “Don’t forget Harlow Hayes. She recently moved to Sea Blue Beach and is working at the Starlight, helping my grandmother and me.”
The mention of Harlow sparked Dave and the audience.
Letterman: “Harlow Hayes?TheHarlow Hayes? What’s her reaction to Xander Cole and Davina breaking up again? I just heard about it today.”
