Chapter 8
Cal
Cal didn’t trust Edie or her sugary tone one bit, so when she asked what they had planned for the afternoon, he opened his mouth to tell her they were very busy.
But Morgan beat him to it. “I think we’re done for the day, ma’am.”
Her smile widened. “Fine!” Then she stood and sashayed over to where the phone resided in the back corner of the restaurant.
Cal groaned.
Morgan stared in her wake. “What is she—”
“She’s calling someone to come join us.”
“Oh.”
Cal sighed. “I’m sorry. I should’ve picked a different place to have lunch. I was just telling Edie yesterday that it was too soon to introduce you two, and I didn’t think that through when I brought you here. She and I eat here regularly.”
Morgan seemed amused by his discomfiture. “You were worried about her meeting me?”
Cal gestured in her direction by way of an explanation. “She can be something of a one-woman locomotive. I didn’t want to overwhelm you.”
Morgan chuckled. “I appreciate it. But I’ve met my fair share of strong personalities. I think I can handle it.”
“You say that now.”
Edie rejoined them, looking far too pleased with herself.
“Who did you call?” Cal asked warily.
“A friend.” She swiped the pickle off his plate and chomped it happily.
“Does your friend have a name?”
“Joan Dupree.”
“Edie!”
She widened her eyes innocently. “What?”
“Who is Joan Dupree?” Morgan asked.
“She’s a reporter,” Cal said before Edie could respond. “One of the biggest ones in Hollywood. And the nosiest.”
Edie finished her pickle and carefully wiped her hands on a napkin. “She’s a darling,” she said, pulling a compact out of her purse and powdering her nose. “Don’t pay him any mind, Mr. Morgan. You’ll do just fine.”
Morgan was glancing between them with uncertainty.
“She’s right. You’ll be fine. But I’m not sure the Publicity Department will be pleased by an impromptu interview.”
Edie rolled her eyes as she clapped her compact shut.
“If I waited around for what the Publicity Department suggested, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Now, don’t answer any questions you don’t want to.
Joan’s a dear, of course, and very professional, but she can be like a dog after a bone if she thinks you don’t want to answer something.
It’s part of her magic, you see, sniffing out interesting stories. ”
“I don’t have anything to hide, ma’am.”
“Wonderful!” she said brightly. “I’m sure you’ll like her. And I know she’ll just adore you. She’s a good person to have on your side.”
Cal couldn’t argue with that logic but he was still uneasy. “I don’t disagree with your tactics, but I’m not sure about the timing—”
“The timing is perfect. She’ll be so pleased to get first crack at his story that she’ll go a lot easier on him than she normally would.”
In the end, she turned out to be right, of course.
Joan Dupree arrived at the deli about twenty minutes after Edie had called her, giving Morgan just enough time to finish his sandwich.
She was a plump and pretty woman with striking red hair and a fondness for gossip.
As soon as she entered the deli, she pulled a chair to the edge of the booth and began grilling Morgan on everything under the sun: where did he come from?
What was his family like? What did they think of his new career?
Had he ever been in pictures before? Where did he learn to dance?
Did he mind talking about his magic? What did he think of Cal?
What did he think of Powell? How did he like California? How old was he? Who discovered him?
Cal sent quiet tendrils of his magic in his co-star’s direction, doing his best to mitigate the situation with calmed nerves, though Morgan didn’t seem to need it.
He handled it all like a champ, which gave Cal an unexpected surge of pride.
As promised, he seemed entirely open about his life, giving Joan raw and unfiltered answers, exactly as she liked them.
Edie chimed in just enough to direct the conversation away from anything too personal, flattering both Joan and Morgan in tactful little dollops to keep them both at ease.
The whole thing went without a hitch until Joan asked, “Anyone at the studio catch your eye yet?”
Morgan glanced uncertainly at Cal. “Not really, ma’am. I only just got here, you know.”
“Well, it doesn’t take long for some people. For others, it takes ages,” she threw a pointed look at Edie. “No matter. When is your photoshoot?”
“It was this morning.”
Joan lit up. “Really? Who was the photographer?”
“I’m not sure?”
“Well, I’ll make some calls and find out.” She gathered her things. “Thank you very much, Mr. Morgan. It sure was a pleasure meeting you.” She shook his hand, gave Edie a kiss on both cheeks, and waved at Cal before she sailed out of the deli.
“Congratulations, Mr. Morgan,” Cal said. “You just survived your first interview.”
“I told you you’d do just fine,” Edie said. “Well, I’d better be off. I’ll see you both tomorrow night.”
“I already told you we’re not going to make it to your party,” Cal said.
She kissed his cheek. “Not mine, silly. Kay and Jack’s party. Don’t you remember?”
“I’m not sure I’m invited to that, Ms. Haywood.”
“Of course you are. Cal, make sure you take him out to eat beforehand. You know how the buffet tables are at these things.” Without waiting for a response, she left.
“Like I said,” Cal said into the quiet. “A one-woman locomotive.”
Morgan chuckled. “She definitely is that. But I liked her.”
Warmth blossomed in Cal’s chest. “I’m glad.”