Page 35 of Cowboy Superstar

“I’m pregnant,” Sylvia blurted out. “Yes, Mitch knows. And wardrobe. He said we’ll work it into the script. I am so sorry, you guys. This was not planned.”

“Sorry? Never. Are you kidding?” Windsor rushed forward to hug her. “Congratulations, you two. It’ll make the movie even better. Talk about authenticity. How amazing! How far along are you? Girl or boy?”

Bo shook Butch’s hand as his old friend beamed. “Congratulations. Super happy for you guys. Wow. That’s definitely news.”

“It’s a girl,” Sylvia said. “I just started showing. I’m about five months along. Let’s just hope we wrap before I pop.”

“It’ll be perfect,” Bo said. “No worries. No stress. Not in your condition.”

“I told Mitch I’d bow out and just hang with Butch off set, but he wouldn’t hear of it. I actually think he was kind of excited.”

Speaking of Mitch, the director came toward Bo. “What a place you got here, kid. When I saw that drone footage you gave the studio, I thought I’d died and gone to director’s heaven.” He held out his hand, and Bo shook it.

“I am glad you like it.”

“And this one made sure we’re keeping a timetable and shooting quick.” He pointed a thumb in Sylvia’s direction.

“I’m so sorry, Mitch.”

“Never. That’s a blessing.” He reached out an arm and hugged her against his side. “Never apologize again for that.”

He shook Butch’s hand. “Congratulations again. You guys will be great parents.”

Butch looked around and said, “And this makes me think after the baby is born, it’s time for us to start looking to get out of LA.”

“Terrible place to raise kids.” Mitch glanced at Windsor. “Present company excluded, of course. You grew up in a different era. That world doesn’t exist anymore.”

“It’s good to see you, Mitch. It’s been a while. You look great.” Windsor leaned in to hug him.

“It’s been since Casablanca, hasn’t it?”

“I think so,” she replied.

“You haven’t aged a second. Still stunning, just like your mother. I swear, she was forever young. I’m so sorry for your loss. I sent flowers.”

“I got them. They were greatly appreciated.”

“You doing all right?” Mitch looked from Windsor to Bo, and Bo knew he hadn’t missed them walking up, holding hands.

“Better than ever,” Windsor said.

Mitch nodded at them both. “Glad to hear it. It’ll make filming easier too. Especially since the entire industry was shocked that you’d agreed to do full nude.”

Bo appreciated how quickly and easily the director glossed over and approved of them being together.

Thanks, Mitch, he thought.

“As my agent said, times have changed, and I have to either change with them or admit this stage of my career is over.”

“What a prick,” Mitch said.

“That’s Maurice,” Windsor replied.

“That’s what he told you?” Bo stared at her with shock and disgust for her asshole agent, not her. “This phase of your career is not over, regardless of whether you do nude scenes or not.”

“I agree,” Mitch said.

“I’m thirding that,” Sylvia chimed in.