“Ezra tells me they’ve put you in a comedy film.”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I’m looking forward to it. It’s nice to see our stars stretch themselves. And Ezra is uncannily good at their job.”
Monty didn’t know what Ezra Allen’s magical power was. As far as he could tell, no one really knew, except perhaps the woman standing next to him. There were a million rumors though. Monty had always favored the one that Ezra’s magic told them what would make a movie good. From what Kay said, he wondered if he had guessed correctly.
Monty’s stomach had gone sour at the topic of his casting and Ezra’s decision, but he pasted on a smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Powell.”
He’d always wondered what her magic was, too. After his first meeting with her, he’d decided inspiring awe was the most likely possibility, and nothing in his time since then had changed his mind.
She gave him a motherly smile. Then, when she turned her head, her smile spread into one of surprised delight. “Why, there he is now!”
“Who?”
“Jesse Morgan. You can introduce me.”
It was not a request, but a command. Reluctantly, Monty allowed himself to be led forward toward the other man, who was standing on the edge of the dance floor. Monty barely remembered the details of his visit to the Pink Peacock, so he took in the sight of Jesse Morgan with fresh eyes. He was just as attractive as Monty remembered, with a clean-shaven face, his hair free of pomade, and his outfit well-fitted but unassuming. The clothes were the most noticeable change, so different from the well-worn outfit he had been sporting in the speakeasy. Everything looked crisp and clean and new.
“Mr. Morgan,” Monty greeted.
Just as Monty had done when he saw Kay, Morgan immediately straightened his posture at the sight of them. “Mr. Kincaid,” he said, his tone cautious.
“This is Mrs. Kay Powell, one of the heads of Powell Productions.”
Morgan’s eyes widened slightly but he held out his hand politely. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
She shook it and then leaned forward to give him air kisses on both of his cheeks, as well. “It’s so lovely to have you join our studio, Mr. Morgan. I trust Cal has been taking good care of you?”
The other man blushed slightly. “Yes, ma’am.”
“I saw your feature this morning. It was very good.”
The blush deepened. “Thank you, ma’am.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing your picture. I’ll leave you both to enjoy the party.” She unhooked her hold on Monty’s arm and gave them a small wave before wandering off.
Monty stood awkwardly next to Morgan, unsure if he should leave him alone again. But then Morgan spoke. “This party is something else.”
Monty hummed in agreement. “A far cry from the bar where we met.”
“You can say that again.”
Monty chuckled, relieved by the easy topic. His magic, which he’d been keeping a tight rein on throughout his encounter with Kay, loosened a bit as he relaxed. “How are you taking to life as a movie star?”
“I like the work. The lifestyle sure is different though.”
Remembering that he still had a drink in his hand, Monty took a long sip. “I can only imagine. What was it you did before?”
Morgan shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “I worked for the U.S. Postal Service. You?”
“I worked in a department store selling shaving cream.” Monty wrinkled his nose. “Hated it.” The thought of having to return to that life if his contract wasn’t renewed made him feel sick. He downed the rest of his drink and set the empty glass on a nearby table.
He turned back to Morgan to find the man watching him with a thoughtful expression. “I’m sorry you were pulled from the picture. That must have been disappointing.”
“Yeah,” Monty replied on an exhale. “It was. Still is, if I’m honest.”
“The dancing’s my favorite part of this gig. I’d be pretty upset too.”
