Celluloid Memories by Sandra Kitt Page B

young woman’s eyes. McCoy introduced them.
    â€œThis is Cherise Daly,” he said. But before he could announce Savannah’s name, Cherise spoke.
    â€œAre you in the business, too?”
    â€œThe business?” Savannah frowned. “Oh, you mean the film industry. No, I’m not.”
    â€œI didn’t think so. I’ve been auditioning like crazy lately. I’m about to sign a contract to do a pilot for a TV show. McCoy’s been so great about helping me,” she cooed, leaning into his arm.
    Savannah forced herself to smile. “Congratulations. I hope you get the part.”
    Cherise turned her attention to McCoy. “I’m ready to go. What else are you looking for?”
    â€œA few more things and then we’re done. Why don’t you wait for me at the checkout?”
    â€œOkay. Bye,” Cherise threw over her shoulder at Savannah as she swished away.
    â€œShe’s very beautiful,” Savannah said honestly.
    â€œShe’s very young,” was McCoy’s response.
    â€œActress, right?”
    â€œIs there any other kind in this town?” he asked. Then he looked speculatively at Savannah. “But you’re not, as you said, in the business.”
    â€œBy choice, thank you. You’d better go. I think she’s getting impatient.”
    â€œBefore you go I’d like to ask you something, if you don’t mind.”
    Savannah, curious, nodded. “Go ahead.”
    â€œAny chance you’re related to Will Shelton, the actor?”
    It was the last thing Savannah had expected to be asked. But oddly enough the very question gave her a certain satisfaction. And it cemented the resolve she’d recently made not to sell her father’s house. The question also confirmed what she was starting to find out about her father. She may have grown up resenting his choices and his career, but clearly there were people who knew and remembered Will Shelton with admiration and respect.
    â€œI’m his daughter,” Savannah said.
    A slow smile curved McCoy’s mouth. “I thought so. It occurred to me a few minutes ago that you looked familiar to me for a reason other than the accident last week. You have your father’s eyes and smile. Did you know that?”
    She didn’t. No one had ever pointed that out before. She felt a sudden wave of emotion that went deep into her genes and family history.
    â€œHow could you see something like that? Did you know my father?”
    â€œOnly from his movies and TV roles,” McCoy said, shaking his head.
    â€œI always thought I looked like my mother,” she said.
    â€œThen you come from good-looking parents and got the best of both. You certainly hold your own.”
    Savannah wondered if McCoy was coyly making fun of her, but saw only light and interest in his gaze.
    â€œI heard that Shelton was ill. How’s he doing?”
    â€œHe passed away some months ago,” Savannah said. Again, she felt on the edge of emotion. She delicately cleared her throat to keep the sudden feelings at bay.
    â€œI didn’t know. I don’t remember reading anything about his death in the trades.”
    â€œThere was a small item in his union paper. Other than that he didn’t want any announcements. There was only family and a handful of personal friends at the funeral. His agent was the only industry person in attendance.”
    McCoy frowned. “Why? Sooner or later word will get around. He deserves more attention and recognition.”
    â€œI don’t know,” Savannah said. “He just didn’t seem to want to make a big deal about the fact that he was dying.”
    â€œI’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure you know your father was a very fine actor. One of the unsung good guys in Hollywood.”
    â€œThanks for saying so.”
    McCoy merely nodded, not pursuing the questions that Savannah could see he really wanted to ask. She was not about to