“They’re impressed with what we’re doing here,” Danny continued.
“Blown away, more like,” Arthur offered.
“Who’s the guy telling this?”
“You are, mate. Megan and I are just filling in the blanks.”
“They’re going to give my new film a limited theatrical release,” Danny went on.
Megan said, “Enough to make the project open to possible film awards.”
“So I went ahead and played them another rough cut, this of the video we shot of your and Connor’s music,” Danny revealed.
Arthur said, “Against my strident objections. I hate music rough cuts worse than a rash on my unmentionables.”
“They want me to ask if we can film you and Connor playing in Miami,” Danny said. “Put together a documentary. Amazon wants to release it along with the film.”
Ian shrugged. “That’s not for me to say.”
“Ahem,” Megan said. “May the lawyer have a word?”
“Whenever does a barrister ask permission?” Arthur tapped the side of his empty glass. “Oi, barkeep.”
Marcela plied the bottle. “Somebody ought to teach you manners, old man.”
“Not worth the trouble,” Sylvie said.
Megan said, “Danny asked if I’d help with that. So I phoned Kiki Kerkorian. Just in case you might be willing to let this happen.”
“Megan put her on speaker,” Danny said, smiling. “Kiki didn’t actually do handsprings. But she came close.”
“The Miami Music Festival, an Amazon Prime special,” Arthur said. “Starring Ian Hart and Connor Larkin. What’s not to love?”
Danny added, “Recorded and mixed and edited by none other than the winner of three Oscars, Arthur Rowe.”
Arthur accepted his refilled glass, toasted Marcela. “Oh. Him.”
Danny said, “So now’s the moment when we ask if you might be willing to let this happen.”
All eyes were on Ian now. All save Connor’s. The actor stared at his wife’s hand, the one anchoring him to earth. Not sad, not really. Just the same, the man’s expression brought a lump to Ian’s throat.
He managed, “I would be honored.”
As they broke up, Danny drew Ian to one side. “Megan tells me you’re short of money.”
He hated having to admit, “Very.”
Danny handed him a check. “Full payment for your initial segments.”
The simple act should not have moved him as it did. “Thank you so much.”
“Your attorney has the new contract ready for signatures. This one covers the documentary, a possible album, and residuals. There’s a signing bonus, which should ease your way through the next few months.” Danny’s smile was more a grimace. “Just ignore the tearstains I left in the margins.”
