“Even when you really want to leave.”
“Even when you’d like nothing better than to be surrounded by half-dressed people who are far too drunk to think straight, listening to music that is too loud to talk over.”
“It’s just too bad,” Monty replied, leaning into Hilliard’s embrace. “Maybe next time.”
With that, Hilliard returned to the kitchen to toast up some slices of zucchini bread and slather them with generous helpings of butter. After they’d eaten, Hilliard sat on the sofa, Monty laid on it with his head in Hilliard’s lap, and Henrietta nestled onto Monty’s stomach. And they finished the crossword puzzle.
Chapter 24
Hilliard
“Well, it doesn’t happen often, but I must admit I’m impressed.”
Ezra didn’t look up from the paperwork they were flipping through inside one of the seven folders in front of them. Hilliard and Monty had claimed seats on the opposite side of the desk, their moods significantly lighter than the last time they’d sat in the producer’s office together.
“Not only have you managed to curb your reckless behavior, but by all accounts, you’ve already started to pull your public image out of the trench you dug for it.”
Hilliard attempted to reply with even more praise for just how much Monty had improved over the previous weeks, but the man beat him to it with accolades of his own.
“Hilliard is the one responsible for that. I never would’ve learned the simple pleasure of staying home if it weren’t for him. It’s difficult to get in trouble when you’re settled by the fire with your slippers on.”
Ezra’s eyes flicked up to Monty, then Hilliard, then Monty again before returning to the endless pages.
“I hope you’ve thanked Mr. Burke for succeeding in a task we all feared was impossible.”
Hilliard tensed. He knew Monty well enough to predict the various ways he might choose to answer; anything from a suggestive smirk to a thinly-veiled innuendo. To his relief, Monty didn’t say anything at all. He just sat with his back straight and jaw set as he waited bravely to hear what else Ezra had to tell them. The magic in Hilliard’s heart squeezed at the sight. If that wasn’t proof enough of how much he’d grown, he didn’t know what was.
Ezra closed the top folder with a snap and leaned back in their chair, pushing their glasses up their nose with a fingertip before crossing their arms with a pensive look.
“You’ve also been spending time with Cal like I suggested.”
“Yes,” Monty said with a nod. “As often as our schedules have allowed.” This wasn’t technically true on Monty’s part, but anyone in the industry could understand the sentiment. Schedules rarely aligned the way everyone wanted them to during filming.
“We had him and Jesse over for dinner, and we spent the holiday together,” Hilliard confirmed with a smile. “It’s been lovely.”
Ezra remained focused on Monty.
“Director Chen plans to have filming wrapped in about two weeks, is that right?”
“I believe so.”
A long pause left them in silence as Ezra’s careful consideration lingered. Then, with a forced exhale, they unfolded their arms and tapped both hands on the edge of the desk.
“As I said, I’m impressed. I can’t make any final decisions, of course, but if you can keep this up I’ll have no choice but to offer my recommendation for a contract renewal when the time comes.”
The tension left Monty’s body so fast that Hilliard nearly reached for him to keep him from toppling out of his chair. He settled for placing his hand on Monty’s forearm and giving it a few celebratory pats.
Ezra caught the move and looked between the two of them again.
“I’m sure you’ll both be relieved to get back to your previous living arrangements.”
All the pride Hilliard was holding for his dearest friend melted away to nothing.
“Come again?” Monty asked, equally as confused by the simple words.
Ezra blinked at him. “When filming wraps, you’ll be free to return home. I know I said you’d stay on with Hilliard a little while after for good measure, but it doesn’t seem necessary. Give me the final two weeks and we’ll call it settled.”
Hilliard opened his mouth to speak, to protest, something, but found that he couldn’t. Monty sat just as silent beside him, brows pinched.
