“Is it not popular in Kentucky?”
“We prefer our Hot Browns and Burgoo.” I devoured six more pieces before asking, “Do you get a lot of famous people coming to your club?”
“Other than you?”
“I’m not famous.”
“And do you want to be?”
That made me pause. “I want to play roles that people will remember. It’s not about fame.”
He whispered, “Not even a little bit?”
I hid a smile. “Maybe a little. Is that bad?”
“To seek fame? No, as long as it isn’t your only goal. And yes, famous people visit my club, though it wasn’t my intent when I bought the place in the late ‘80s. I enjoy talking to people, and owning a club seemed like a good way to go about it.”
I stopped myself from asking if he usually took his guests out here with a picnic basket.
“You could’ve been an actor,” I said. “You have the looks.” I realized it might come across as flirting, so I hurried to add, “I meant that I could picture you in a movie, and you have a way with words.”
“Thank you, but I’d rather leave the acting to you.” He smiled. “Is there a special lady in your life?”
“Hmm.” My words jumbled in my mouth. I was well practiced in answering that question, but something about him made me more self-conscious. “I’m single,” I said, a bit too stiffly. “I want to focus on my career.”
“I understand.”
Feeling pleasantly full, I lay back with my hands behind my head and my eyes to the stars. Next to me, Eliot did the same.
“It’s beautiful,” I said. “I love it here.”
“I’m glad. And to think, this isn’t even the main attraction of the evening.”
I turned my head to see his profile. The golden light from the lantern made his features more profound—a skillfully crafted sculpture. I stopped myself from saying he was beautiful. “What’s the main attraction?”
His mouth stretched into a smile, making a dimple appear at the center of his cheek. “You’ll find out soon.”
“A hint, then.”
“Nope.”
“Oh, all right.” I returned to watch the endless sky. The soft ocean wind made my curls dance on my forehead. I didn’t want to spoil the moment by bringing up my problems, but I couldn’t ignore why I’d called him in the first place. “Do you think I’m being spoiled by not finding a part-time job?”
He thought before answering. “Do you consider yourself a spoiled man?”
“No, but maybe I’m letting my ego take over.”
“You don’t strike me as the type. I suggest you wait a few more weeks to focus on auditioning and acting classes. If you feel there’s no choice, I’ll make some calls and find you a job in the city.”
I felt relieved to have a logical plan to follow. “Thank you. I’ll mention you in my first Oscar speech.”
“You do that. But until then, I’d like a favor.” Maybe for the first time, I heard hesitation in his voice.
“Name it.”
He tilted his head to meet my eyes. “Would you act for me? Perform some lines?”
“Which type of lines?”
