It’s quiet on the line for a few seconds while I play that back, irritated with myself for wanting to ask her what else she likes about me because that doesn’t matter. It can’t. Even separated by thousands of miles, tension coils between us—a rubber band that if pulled too hard, will pop. I’m honest enough with myself to acknowledge it, but doing anything about it? No damn way. Hell, I should have let Evan or Graham handle this, though that would have drawn their curiosity.
“Uh, thanks,” I say abruptly. “So look for the details and travel arrangements from Graham in the next day or so. Verity has reworked the script. We’ll send over what you guys will read for the screen test, though it won’t be much.”
“I can’t wait to read Verity’s changes.”
“It’ll keep evolving, I’m sure, but it’s getting there. We want to get a little with you and Trey to see how you vibe. Graham will send the scene over.” This has got to be the most pleasant, stilted conversation I’ve ever had, but I need to end it. “I gotta go.”
“Oh, sure. Of course. I’ll be on the lookout for the script. I guess I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah. See you soon. Take care, Neevah.”
And then I do what I should have done five minutes ago.
I let her go.
17
Dessi Blue
INTERIOR – SAVOY BALLROOM – NIGHT
* * *
TWO SHOT – Dessi and Tilda. They are in the employee’s coatroom, preparing for their shift as hostesses at the Savoy. Both wear loose ’30s era dresses. They hang up their coats. Tilda starts to walk out, but Dessi catches her arm and snatches the slouchy hat from her head.
* * *
DESSI
You gonna dance with that hat on?
* * *
She hangs the hat on a nearby hook, looks around, checking for any witnesses, and pulls Tilda into her arms.
* * *
DESSI
And you forgot my kiss.
* * *
She cups Tilda’s face and kisses her, rubbing her back intimately.
* * *
TILDA (WHISPERING AND PULLING AWAY)
You crazy! You gonna get us fired, Bama.
* * *
DESSI
Buchanan don’t care ’bout two girls kissing.
* * *
TILDA (WHISPERING)
I’ll kiss you when we get home. I need to find a man to kiss tonight so we can make rent.
* * *
DESSI
Don’t say that, Till. Don’t do that. I told you we’ll figure it out. You don’t have to—
* * *
TILDA
Look, I been on my own since I was fourteen and I been knowing what’s what since then. Don’t make me no never mind if I gotta give a little something up to get a little something back.
* * *
DESSI
What about a rent party? Folks from the third floor raised all their rent in one night last month.
* * *
TILDA
You ain’t gonna find my hand out asking for something I can get myself. They oughta be ashamed, charging Negroes twice as much when we ain’t got half what they got.
* * *
DESSI
Well, we know shame don’t come in white.
* * *
TILDA
Sho don’t.
* * *
She gestures to the red dress hugging her curves.
* * *
TILDA
But rent come in red.
* * *
Dessi pulls Tilda into a hug and kisses her neck.
* * *
DESSI
How about you let me find a way? Give me tonight to raise the rent. You know he can’t do it like I can.
* * *
They exchange a heated glance before Tilda shakes her head.
* * *
TILDA
That don’t pay the rent, Bama.
* * *
DESSI
Gimme ’til tomorrow. I’ll raise the rent. Come home with me tonight. Save all your kisses for me.
* * *
A tall Black man dressed impeccably walks in and they pull apart.
* * *
CHARLES BUCHANAN
You girls ready? We got a crowd out there tonight.
* * *
DESSI AND TILDA IN UNISON:
Yes, Mr. Buchanan.
* * *
VIEW ON SAVOY BALLROOM FLOOR
Dessi and Tilda rush out into the beautifully decorated ballroom, packed with dancers. The atmosphere is electric. Both bandstands are filled with musicians.
* * *
CHARLES BUCHANAN (TOUCHING DESSI’S SHOULDER AND POINTING TO A TALL MAN ACROSS THE ROOM)
Got you one.
* * *
Dessi’s head turns in the direction Buchanan points and she spots the man. She takes Tilda’s arm and whispers in her ear.
* * *
DESSI
Don’t forget. Gimme ’til tomorrow to get the money. Meet me back at the coatroom when the shift ends.
* * *
Tilda hesitates, nods, and then heads off for the man she’s supposed to teach to dance. Dessi approaches the one Buchanan pointed out, a tall, well-dressed man.
* * *
DESSI
Wanna dance?
* * *
He looks down at her, his smile widening.
* * *
CAL HAMPTON
I do now. I’ll follow your lead any night.
* * *
DESSI
You know this is just for a dance, right?
* * *
CAL
Might start that way. You never know.
* * *
DESSI
Oh, I know. We dancing?
Dessi starts teaching Cal the basics of a few dances. They laugh when he steps on her toes and can’t get the steps right.
* * *
DESSI
You’re no good at this.
* * *
CAL
I’m good at other things.