She loved watching Dick try to hide his jealousy.He hated seeing her getting cozy with this movie star, but he also wanted to suck up to that same movie star.Jo hadn’t counted on this little perk when she’d created her plan.It was a nice bonus.
The warmth of Quinn’s body next to hers was a pleasant extra, too.She had an idea she’d enjoy working with him.He had lots to learn about being a Hollywood cowboy, and teaching him promised to be fun.
“Then I guess I’ll be going,” Dick said with obvious reluctance.He started toward the entry hall but paused.“Listen, I know people probably ask you this all the time, but seeing as how we’re neighbors, in a manner of speaking, I was wondering if there’d be a part in this movie for me?I ride and rope real good.”
Quinn took his time giving Dick the once-over.Jo caught Emmy Lou’s glance and had to turn away and bite her lip to keep from laughing.
Finally Quinn nodded.“There might be,” he said.
“Hey, that would be great.I really?—”
“If...”Quinn said, and paused dramatically.
“If?”
“If you lose some of that flab.You’re soft in the middle, Dick.Can’t have that.I suggest lifting weights, an exercise bike, maybe a little jogging.”
“Jogging?An exercise bike?Cowboys don’t jog, and they sure as hell don’t ride no exercise bike!”
Quinn shrugged.“Up to you.I’m just throwing out suggestions as to how you can become more acceptable for the role.You can do it or not.”
Dick sighed.“Hell, I’ll do it.I just hope none of my men see me.I’ll be the laughingstock of the county.When will you start shooting?”
“When it’s time.”
“Huh?”
Jo choked back a burst of laughter.
“It’s all about light, Dick,” Quinn continued.“I have to wait until we have the perfect light.I’ll know it when I see it.Might take months, might be in two weeks.Better buy that exercise bike and start jogging.”
“Yeah.Guess so.Well, see you around, Brian.
“See you, Dick.Oh, and about your vegetable garden.Do you think, under the circumstances, that you could?—”
“Hey, I don’t really give a damn about the garden.I’m a meat and potatoes man, myself.”
Quinn lifted an eyebrow.“And it shows.I’d suggest you switch to broccoli and carrots if you want to lose that spare tire.”
Dick reddened.“I guess the cook can plant another garden.It was probably too early, anyway.No problem.Forget it, Jo.”
“Don’t worry, I will.”Jo managed to contain herself until Dick closed the front door and headed toward his truck.Then she collapsed into a chair and clutched her stomach while she laughed until the tears came.
Emmy Lou joined her, stopping every now and then to pound on the table with glee.
Finally, Jo glanced at Quinn, her voice choked with laughter.“You’ve just given me the best laugh I’ve had in months.Thank you.”
He smiled.“You’re welcome.”
“If I ever get depressed, I’ll just think of Dick pedaling away on that exercise bike to get rid of his spare tire.And forcing down broccoli.”
Emmy Lou took off her glasses and wiped her eyes.“Or jogging in his boots.I’m sure that boy doesn’t own a pair of running shoes.”She chuckled.“Good thing Dick doesn’t know any more about making movies than Quinn, here.Monthly rushes.I almost lost it.”She shook her head.“Here’s my first bit of advice, Quinn.Don’t ad-lib.Before you go to bed I’ll get you some of my back issues ofPremieremagazine to study.”
“I think your best bet is to keep me mostly out of sight.I can do mysterious.”
“That’s no fun!”Jo said.Then she gazed at him.“I really do appreciate this, you know.I realize you didn’t want to do it.”
“I still don’t, but I couldn’t resist going a couple of rounds with your ex.Don’t take this personally, but if he’s any indication, you have lousy taste in men.”
