Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3)

by Alexandra Richland

  Beth placed her hand over Emma’s. “Not too worry. I’m sure it will happen for you soon.”

  “Thank you, Marie. You’re such a dear friend.” Emma shot her a smile, which made her smile, too.

  When Emma left for Portland after high school graduation, they parted on positive terms and wished each other well in their future endeavors. Two months later, Beth left for Los Angeles. She assumed they’d never see each other again. She felt so relaxed around Emma—as if they’d never separated. Why hadn’t they kept in touch? It was such a shame. She would ensure it didn’t happen again.

  Mr. Kent delivered their chocolate malts and two spoons and then greeted a young man who had just entered the drugstore.

  “Enough about me.” Emma picked up her spoon. “Tell me all about Hollywood!”

  Beth’s eyebrows drew together. “Life in Los Angeles is more fast-paced than in Clarkson. There’s vibrant nightlife, everyone dresses fashionably, and the weather is beautiful all year round. It’s a large city, but the entertainment industry is actually a close knit community, so in that regard, it’s similar to small town living.”

  Emma plucked the cherry off the top of her malt. “Neil and I went to San Francisco on our honeymoon and really enjoyed it. The vacation cost much of our savings, but it was worth it. Maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to visit L.A., too. You know, before Neil and I have children.” She shook her head. “Gosh. How rude of me. I’m sorry for redirecting the conversation away from you.”

  Beth scoffed. “Are you kidding? I love hearing about your life.”

  “That’s sweet of you to say. But I bet my life is boring compared to yours.”

  “It isn’t boring. It’s magnificent. You have a husband who loves you and you’re working in your dream profession.”

  “Yes, but tell me about your dream, Marie. I was shocked when I heard you were working at a motion picture studio. Although, after watching Sparkling Meadow, it’s clear you belong in the movies. Your performance was incredible, and I think your looks rival the most beautiful stars in the industry.”

  While many people praised others to be polite, Beth could always trust Emma to speak frankly. Consequently, she felt at ease offering a more candid view of Hollywood life than she’d shared with others previously. “Thank you for the compliment on my acting. As for my appearance—well, you’d be surprised what professional hair, wardrobe, and makeup teams can do to someone average like me. Mostly, beauty in Hollywood is an illusion. Although, there are exceptions. Actresses like Constance Murphy, Ava Gardner, and Elizabeth Taylor look as stunning in plain old trousers as they do in lavish evening gowns.”

  “I’d truly love to hear what working for a movie studio is like.” Emma leaned closer.

  Beth swirled her spoon in her glass. “Well, the studio system is very structured. Everything is controlled, from the photographs and articles printed in the papers, to how we dress, what films we make.”

  “Still, Hollywood seems so glamorous. I wouldn’t mind having a flashy car, wearing fashionable clothing and expensive jewelry, and attending fancy soirées every night.”

  “That’s what I thought, too, but…” Beth shrugged. “It’s really isn’t that great.”

  “But you get to hang out with famous movie stars. That must be fun. Although, now that you’re a famous movie star yourself, I suppose it’s pretty standard fare, right?”

  Beth dropped her spoon into her glass. She’d lost her appetite. “Sure, there are some people I was truly honored to meet, but overall, the images presented to the public are just that—images. I know it’s difficult to understand because most pull off their personas so well, but movie stars are just like everyone else, except we have faces that are known all over the world. Our true personalities, though, are not so public. We are whatever the studio wants us to be.”

  Emma frowned. “I see.”

  Beth didn’t like dashing her friend’s high hopes, but after putting on an act for everyone at the market, she preferred to tell the whole truth this time. “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. Most of my time in Hollywood was wonderful. It’s just not the idyllic paradise it’s made out to be.”

  “Are you happy you became an actress?”

  Beth’s answer was immediate. “Absolutely.”

  Emma pushed aside her glass. Sympathy softened her gaze. “Marie, I’ve known you since we were four years old. Please tell me why you’re really back in Clarkson.”

  “Well, um…” Beth dabbed her teary eyes with a napkin.

  Emma placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “No, it’s fine.” Beth sniffled. “To be honest, my time at Starlight Studios has come to an end.”

  Emma gasped. “Why?”

  “There was an incident…” Beth gathered the strength to elaborate. “It shattered the Hollywood dream for me and stressed that although I love acting, I hate the studio system and the controlling studio boss.”

  “Is it possible to act without a contract?”

  Beth placed her napkin on the countertop. “Actually, yes. I know of a man—my beau, in fact—who successfully acted in Hollywood without one, though his circumstances were unique.”

  Emma clasped her hands. “A beau! That’s swell, Marie.”

  “Well, former beau.” Beth released an unsteady breath. “After the incident, he left and I haven’t heard from him since.”

  “Did you love him?”

  “Yes. And I still do with all of my heart.” A fresh batch of tears sprung to her eyes.

  Emma took her hand and squeezed. “Then everything will work out.”

  Beth regarded Emma hopefully. Her mother had said the same thing. What did they know that she didn’t?

  “How can you be certain?”

  “Because you’re a good person, and it’s only a matter of time before this man realizes he made a terrible mistake.”

  Beth dipped her spoon into her milkshake and collected the thick, chocolaty dregs at the bottom of the glass. It would be a shame to let it go to waste. “I pray you’re right, Emma. I really do.”

  “Well, golly!” The young man who was seated at the other end of the counter approached them. “You’re Elizabeth Sutton. Aren’t you?”

  Beth hesitated. Was she? Or was it time to forget about her for good and start over? For simplicity, she responded positively. “Yes, I am.”

  He removed his fedora. “I’m honored to meet you. You’re my favorite actress.”

  Beth drew back from him. “Me?”

  “Yes, Miss Sutton.” A blush tinted his cheeks. “My name is Nelson Crop. I’m a traveling vacuum salesman. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would cross paths. You’re so talented—and if you don’t mind me saying so—pretty, too. Pardon my curiosity, but what are you doing in this small town?”

  “Well, I…” Beth frowned. How much did she want to reveal to this stranger?

  When she had first arrived on the Starlight Studios lot, she never considered that the film industry wouldn’t live up to her expectations. The young man looked so excited, she didn’t want to damper his mood like she did to Emma. Instead, she took a page out of Connie’s book and committed to the glamorous image he had of her.

  “Thank you, Nelson. You’re too kind.” She extended her hand and he shook it readily. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. As for why I’m in Clarkson, I’m visiting friends before I fly back to Hollywood.”

  “To make another fantastic motion picture, I imagine.” Wonder flitted across his face. “You’ve truly made my day. Actually, this is hands-down the best experience of my life. May I have your autograph?”

  Beth presented her best red carpet smile. “Of course.”

  The young man produced a pen and an Electrolux receipt pad from his pocket. Beth signed her name, accompanied by a personalized a note.

  He tucked away the items. “You’ve sure made me happy, Miss Sutton.”

  “Please call me Elizabeth.”
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  “Wow, really? Thanks!” He placed his fedora on his head. “Enjoy your time in Clarkson, Elizabeth.”

  After he left the drugstore, Emma sighed. “Gosh. It must be nice to have such a positive impact on someone.”

  Beth focused on the front door as it closed, leaving her and Emma as the only patrons in the drugstore. Her smile widened. And it wasn’t an act, either. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

  While they finished their chocolate malts, they discussed what their fellow schoolmates were up to since graduation and other various goings-on in Emma’s life. From time to time, Beth’s encounter with the vacuum salesman entered her mind. Now the idea of returning to L.A. enticed her. Connie had urged her to think about rallying together with others to change the studio system. Was it at all possible?

  When their glasses were empty, Beth offered to pay the check, but Mr. Kent declined her money. To compensate, she dropped a few bills into the tip jar when he wasn’t looking.

  Emma collected her belongings. “I’m sorry I have to leave. I just don’t want Neil to worry.”

  Beth gathered her purse. “It’s no problem. I’m glad we had this time together.”

  After saying good-bye to Mr. Kent and promising she would stop in again soon, Beth left the drugstore with Emma. As they drove to her parents’ house, she smiled at the passing scenery instead of tearing up like she did when she arrived in town. Tomorrow, she would call Olivia to discuss their return to Los Angeles. They had careers to revive and beaux to find, and she hoped they could make the journey together. As much as she loved Clarkson, she had to move on. She would visit more frequently, but it was no longer her home.

  When they parked in the driveway, Emma shifted her gaze across the car. “Marie, I wish you all the best in California.”

  Beth’s eyebrows rose “How did you know I was leaving?”

  A fond smile overtook Emma’s lips. “As soon as I saw you in the checkout line, I was convinced your rightful place was in the movies. There’s no definitive explanation as to why or how I know this. It’s just a given.”

  “I’m going to miss you.” Beth hugged her tightly.

  Emma returned the embrace with much love and encouragement. “Me, too. Let’s keep in touch this time, all right?”

  “Yes, definitely.” Beth took down her address.

  Once Emma drove off, Beth ascended the steps to the front porch. This time, she walked right into the house instead of ringing the doorbell and met her parents in the kitchen.

  Her mother smiled. “Did you have a nice time with Emma?”

  “Yes, very much so.” Beth cleared her throat. “Mama, Papa, I’ve made up my mind. I’m going back to Los Angeles.”

  At the appearance of her parents’ frowns, Beth felt a twinge of regret. She shouldn’t have revealed the truth so bluntly after all she had put them though, but skirting around her decision would provide false hope, which wasn’t fair to them, either.

  “When?” Her father set down his coffee cup.

  Beth maintained eye contact to convey her commitment. “Friday, depending on the available flights out of Portland. If it’s all right, I’d like to spend some more time with the two of you before I depart.”

  “Are you sure it’s wise to return so soon?” her mother asked.

  Beth nodded. “I can’t avoid the issues I need to sort out in my life. It’s time to face them head on.”

  Disapproval toughened her father’s gaze. “What will you do for money if you can’t get your contract reinstated?”

  “Oh, I’m not asking for my contract to be renewed.”

  His eyes widened. “That’s absurd! How will you act without one?”

  Beth shrugged with a lighthearted ease that surprised but also delighted her. “I’m not sure. What I am certain about, however, is that something else awaits me in my acting future. I want to find a way to have more creative control over my career, and the studio system restricts artistic freedom. I have no place at Starlight Studios anymore.”

  Her father scowled. “Aidan planted those crazy ideas in your head. I will tell you the same thing I told him—there is no security in that way of living. I suggest you apologize to your boss and beg for your job back, if necessary.”

  Beth shook her head. If her father were aware of what had transpired between her and Mr. Mertz, he would change his tune. While she appreciated his advice, she had to figure out everything on her own. “Please trust me, Papa. I suffered a setback, but I’m all right now.”

  Her parents traded hesitant glances. In the silence that followed, Beth was convinced they would dispute her position.

  In a rather shocking turn of events, her father’s expression softened with acceptance. “If you ever need to return to Clarkson, we will always welcome you. No matter what.”

  Beth flung her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Papa.”

  He rubbed her back. “It’s wonderful to see you happy again, Marie.”

  Beth smiled so widely her cheeks hurt. It had been so long since this had happened. Goodness. She truly was happy, wasn’t she?

  Chapter Thirteen

  The following afternoon, Beth spoke to Olivia over the telephone and they arranged their departures for Friday morning. After Beth hung up, her father offered to drive her to the airport, and the rest of her plans came together nicely. Over the next few days, she helped her mother around the house and spent time with her father in his shoe repair shop and in front of the television, watching his favorite evening programs.

  On the eve of her flight, as Beth lay on her bed, her mother entered the room, holding two scrapbooks. Beth sat up and made space for her mother to sit next to her.

  “Before you leave tomorrow, I wanted to show you a few things.” Her mother opened the first album. Newspaper and magazine clippings labeled with the names and dates of the publications filled many of the pages. “I’ve saved mementos from your career since the beginning and I want you to have them.”

  Tears flooded Beth’s eyes, not out of sorrow, but gratitude. “I don’t know what to say except this means the world to me.”

  Beth perused the album. When she came across the Life magazine article from Aidan’s race in Santa Barbara, she lingered on the photograph she took with him and her friends. The image had initiated the fiasco with Mr. Mertz but also proved that life could be perfect.

  Her mother flipped through the blank pages at the end of the album. “These are for when you reestablish your career.”

  Beth threw her arms around her mother. “I’m going to do it. I’m going to act again.”

  “I know you will, sweetie.” Her mother held her tighter. “I never had any doubt that this town wasn’t for you and you were destined for bigger things. It was confirmed when I saw your films. You’ve found your calling, and as I said earlier in the week, I’m so proud of you.”

  Beth pulled back to stare at her, to memorize her face again. Her fair complexion, smooth skin, and large brown eyes radiated youth preserved by a life full of purpose, passion, and unconditional love from her husband and daughter.

  Remorse squeezed Beth’s heart. Even though it had only been a few months since they had last seen each other, there were details she had forgotten, like the sprinkles of gold in her mother’s brown eyes, the softness of her hair. Beth couldn’t bear to lose them forever. The same fear occupied Aidan—only he would never have the opportunity to see his mother again, to reclaim the memories that had drifted away over the years.

  It was important not to stay away from Clarkson for too long. Visiting her parents would allow her to ensure she always held on to Marie Bates, regardless of what happened in her career. It was just as important as reclaiming her identity as Elizabeth Sutton.

  Beth wiped the tears from her eyes. “What’s in the other album?”

  Her mother set the second scrapbook on her lap. “Pictures to remind you of where you came from if you’re ever feeling lost again.”

  On the first page was a photograph of Beth in her i
nfancy, dressed in her baptismal gown. Photographs followed of her with her parents and friends. One photograph in particular, of her and Emma standing in the schoolyard and grinning for the camera, produced a giggle from her lips. From then on, she couldn’t stop beaming as they looked at the rest of the album and reminisced about her childhood.

  “Thank you so much, Mama.”

  Her mother stood from the bed. “I’ll leave you so you can look at the rest in private.”

  “Before you go, I need to give you something.” Beth reached for her checkbook on her nightstand and filled out the top check.

  Her mother took the check and read it. “For Emma Russell?”

  “Yes. Can you please give it to her after I leave? She’s much too humble to accept it from me personally.”

  Her mother nodded. “What should I say?”

  “Tell her…” Beth smiled at a photograph of them on Halloween dressed as a pair of dice. “It’s for a second honeymoon for her and Neil.”

  Her mother kissed her forehead. “Will do. Good night, Marie.”

  Beth pored over the albums again, revisiting the memories accompanying every page. She ended up lying on her bed with the first album opened to the Santa Barbara article and clutched to her chest. She stayed that way long after the sun set and the moon appeared, blanketing her bedroom in a silver glow. There were many blank pages left, and she was determined to fill all of them, starting with the photograph of her and Aidan in New York City, which she had left behind in L.A.

  Mrs. Foster was right about her compromising on her dignity, but it had nothing to do with her character’s kiss in Sparkling Meadow. Luckily, she still had a chance at redemption. But it would not come from Reverend Redmond. It would come from hard work and Aidan’s love as well as the support of their friends.