When he helped clear away the dirty dishes—Cal helped too, surprisingly enough—he noted with interest how gratified Hilliard was.
“I’m sorry we took advantage of your generous invitation,” Cal said as they carefully set the dishes in the sink.
“Huh?” Monty asked, not quite paying attention.
“I know you’re not pleased to have us here. I would have declined but Mr. Morgan was so excited about dinner, and you know Hilliard makes the best food, and?—”
“I’m not upset about you being here.”
Cal cocked his head. “Aren’t you? You certainly seemed it.”
“No, I’m just…preoccupied, that’s all.”
Cal sighed and leaned his hip against the counter. “Well, that’s good to know, at least.”
Monty took a more careful look at the man in front of him. Cal Campbell looked exhausted. He realized he’d rarely seen the star without the polish and charm he was so famous for.
“How are you doing?” he asked, surprised by his own genuine tone.
Cal blinked for a moment in response. “I’m okay. Tired. But otherwise, I’m pretty good.”
“How’s the musical life treating you?”
He gave a huff of laughter. “As well as can be expected, I guess. Although I don’t know how well it will treat me when I’ve completely ruined the entire genre.”
Monty rolled his eyes as he turned to the sink and switched the faucet on. “As I said before, you can do everything.”
“Yes, that’s what makes me so annoying. Right?”
“Yep. I’m sure you’re doing better than you think.”
“That’s what Morgan keeps telling me. But with the number of retakes I’m always having to do for Director King, I’m not so sure.”
“They’re a picky one. I have to admit that I kind of miss that. I’ve got Director Chen and she keeps running with the first take. I’m used to more of a warm-up.”
Cal reached around Monty for a tea towel and began drying the dishes. “That’s a good sign though. If she’s going with your first takes, that means you got it right the first time.”
“That’s what Hilliard keeps telling me.”
“How are you liking filming with him?”
Monty grinned. “It’s great. He’s incredible.”
“He is.”
“I think he should be gunning for a leading role, but he keeps telling me he likes the character parts.”
Cal seemed to consider this. “I’d like to see a Hilliard Burke-led picture. He could definitely carry it off.”
“See? That’s what I mean. Maybe you can convince him because I sure can’t.”
“Well, if I still have a career after this catastrophe of a film then?—”
“Hey, hey, hey,” Monty said. “Don’t be like that. What’s giving you so much trouble? The singing? You know they’ll just hire someone else if they don’t like your voice, right?”
“The dancing. You said it yourself at the Pink Peacock. I can’t dance. I’ve learned in the past couple of weeks how very true that is.”
Monty blew a raspberry. “I remember quite distinctly that you did your own fencing in that swashbuckler picture.”
