But going with Hilliard felt different somehow. Monty knew there would be no grins for the benefit of the cameras, no proprietary touching. But now with the interview buzzing in his brain as they drove to the theater, Monty wondered if that’s what people would expect from them. He glanced at Hilliard, who was dressed in an off-white dinner jacket and black pants. His burgundy cumberbund matched the bowtie and pocket square. Even his calf-skin driving gloves looked as if they’d been chosen as part of the ensemble.
Hilliard caught him staring and raised his eyebrow questioningly.
Monty smiled and reached over to tweak the bowtie unnecessarily. “You look great.”
A slight blush rose to Hilliard’s cheeks. “Thank you, doll. Although I don’t think anyone will be too worried about how I look when you step onto the carpet.”
Monty tsked. “More fools them then. The Stargazer ought to do a feature on you and your wardrobe. You’re a regular fashion icon.”
Hilliard rolled his eyes goodnaturedly. “Sweet of you to say, but I don’t want that sort of a fuss. That’s far too much pressure anyway. I like dressing how I want to dress without worrying about what others will think about it.”
“I wonder what that’s like,” Monty said, leaning back in his own seat and gazing out the window. “I feel like I always worry about what others will think.”
“Yes, you do. Though not when you’re at home, thankfully.”
Monty couldn’t help the smile that broke across his face at his friend’s words. Not only because Hilliard was right, but because he’d called his house “home”—almost like he knew that Monty had begun to regard it as such.
Flashbulbs went off as soon as Monty stepped out of the car and onto the carpet. He put on his most dashing smile and gave the crowd a wave. He saw a few copies of The Stargazer being waved at him to sign. He glanced at Hilliard.
“Shall we?”
“After you, sweetheart.”
They made their way slowly up the carpet, signing magazine copies and notebooks, greeting reporters and fellow actors. Once inside, Monty saw Jesse and Cal standing in the lobby. Without thinking too hard about it, he led Hilliard over to the other two men.
“How did the underarm turn go?” he asked by way of a greeting.
Jesse smiled at him. “It went great. Thank you again for your help.”
Cal’s response was more measured but he admitted that filming was going smoothly.
Monty gave a mock gasp. “What? Did you just talk about your movie without a whole spiel filled with self deprecation?” He pretended to wipe at the corner of his eye. “I’m so proud.”
Hilliard elbowed him. “Stop teasing him, Montgomery.”
“Aw, he knows I’m only fooling.”
“I do,” Cal agreed. “How has your movie been going?”
“We were out on the backlot all week.”
“At least the weather was pretty nice,” Hilliard offered.
“We are not spending Jesse’s first premiere talking about the weather,” Monty protested.
Jesse laughed. “I don’t mind. It’s certainly nicer here than it is back home.”
Monty opened his mouth to demand a change of subject, but was interrupted by an usher alerting everyone to take their seats. So instead he looped his arm through Hilliard’s and followed Cal and Jesse into the theater.
As soon as they were seated, Hilliard leaned over and whispered, “I really appreciate that you’re being friendlier with Cal. It’s nice.”
Monty smiled and whispered back, “He’s not so bad once you get to know him.”
“Told you.”
“Hm. Well you are always right.”
“Glad you’ve finally noticed.”
