“Yes, Lucita. It calms me, and seduces my muse. I love to see others dancing, singing to the classics and new innovative pieces.”
“Anyway,” Heather interrupted, “we found out she teaches dance for the San Francisco Theatre exclusively. You know she won’t leave San Francisco for Miami.” She addressed that last part to him. Anton frowned. “Something about needing to be where her sisters are. But if we offer her enough and get on the horn quickly, she might be willing to head out for the time Mia’s here while we’re filming. Could really add the element we need to take the video to the next level.” Abruptly, Heather stood up. “I’ll call now.” She looked down at her watch. “They’re three hours behind so we’re good.” Without further comment she left the table and headed for the open balcony.
I sipped my wine and looked out over the ocean. The breeze wafted around us but the heat lamps near our table provided enough warmth. “That assistant of yours is pretty efficient.”
Anton smiled. “She is. That’s why I keep her.”
“May I be frank?” I asked pressing my lips together, waiting.
He leaned back, crossed an ankle to his knee and spread his arms out. “Of course.”
“Why do you have that harsh tone with her? Don’t you ever worry she’ll leave you?” I truly wondered why anyone would stay with a man who acted like his shit didn’t stink half of the time, and the other half laid back and easy going. It was as though there were two completely different sides to him.
“What would make you think that?” His eyes narrowed.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe the way you bark at her over the phone, walk in front of her like she’s your peon, and throw orders at her while walking away.”
Anton scowled. “I value Heather’s opinion over all others. Hers is the only one I give credence to…ever. I trust her implicitly.”
“Could have fooled me.”
Anton grabbed his drink and inhaled the rest of his Shiraz. “Has she said anything to you about leaving?” His tone proved that the idea of Heather leaving him was not a welcome one.
“No! Not at all. I do get the hint that she wants more.”
“More?” The question hung heavy. “As in a relationship?”
I shook my head. Was he really that narcissistic? Scanning his body and the face angels would weep for, I guess he had a right to be. Sort of. “Not that I know of. I was referring to her work. Something she mentioned about her dream being to manage an artist. You seem to be lacking a manager at this time.”
Anton’s hand came up to his mouth where he stroked that supremely kissable bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. “I don’t have one. Usually I just bounce all the decisions off of H and she sets everything up.”
Interesting. “So, she’s kind of already managing you without the benefits or clout the title of Manager carries. Bummer for her.” Nonchalantly I fiddled with my hair and adjusted my seat so I was facing the water to give him space. The ocean is absolutely stunning. A pang hit my heart as I realized how much I missed home.
Home.
Crap. It looked like I’d inadvertently answered a question I’d been mulling over for the better part of a few months.
Home was California.
Chapter 3
The sun streaked through the curtains blinding me in its glory. Day three and I finally felt as though I’d gotten enough sleep. Yesterday was a whirlwind of meetings with the beautician, stylist, and crew. Tonight we would meet the choreographer. She would be flying in this morning and wanted a meet and greet with the entire team in the dance studio right away. Hopefully, that didn’t mean she was going to be a hard ass drill sergeant type. Anxiety and excitement warred in equal parts, skittering along my senses as I wondered if she’d be able to get me shimmying in a way that wouldn’t look like Elaine from that dreaded Seinfeld episode Dad loves.
This white girl can’t dance. It’s always been a bone of contention with me and my agent. I can carry a tune, act, and apparently model well enough, but I’ve never been gifted with the art of dance. Ginelle, however, can dance her way out of a hurricane. Her work with Dainty Dolls Burlesque put her on the map and the stage loves her. Even pint-sized she packs a lot in her tiny form and can move across the stage better than anyone I know.