Kazan’s eyes held hers. There was something about the way he looked at her that made her feel important, valued, and more talented than a novice actress who hadn’t yet left her teen years.
“At the age of forty-three, I accomplished what you and Aidan accomplished in your late teens and early twenties, respectively. Regardless of how you came to the realization you deserved better than the treatment you received from Luther, you made it. Even though people don’t know the real reason Aidan went after Luther, he still holds all the glory for what’s going on at the studio right now—not that he asked for it. They believe he fought for more creative freedom, which by default, resulted in him fighting for everyone in the industry. Never forget, though, you deserve credit, too. You set a great example for the other actresses who fell victim to Luther’s control. You prevailed, despite the harrowing experience you endured.”
Nathan and Connie had also prevailed over difficult circumstances and played important roles in forcing Mr. Mertz’s resignation, but it was not Beth’s place to address their private struggles with Kazan. She and Aidan had opened up to him because they respected and trusted him, thus she could appreciate her friends’ trust in her to keep their secrets.
“I’m afraid you’re giving me too much praise, sir.”
“I’m proud of you, kid, and you should be proud of yourself. You’re a force to be reckoned with, but still as sweet as ever.” Kazan placed his hand on her shoulder, his stubborn gaze softened by paternal approval. “Today is a monumental occasion, an incredible achievement—the start of the end of a project we thought would never be finished. And we’re doing it without Starlight Studios’ involvement. You and Aidan have long careers ahead of you, as long as Aidan keeps his temper in check.” He laughed and Beth did, too. “So don’t be nervous about today. You’re gonna do great.”
Beth blushed. “Thank you. Your confidence is much appreciated.”
“You know, the Actors Studio could use someone like you.” With a wink, he withdrew his hand from her shoulder. “You must audition, of course, but I don’t see why Lee wouldn’t agree with me. And if you get in, you’ll be part of a very small group of performers who’ve made the move from Hollywood to our institution instead of the other way around.”
Beth’s eyes widened. “I would love to audition. As soon as Golden Gloves wraps, I’ll write a scene to perform and—gosh, I’m so excited!”
“I look forward to it.” Kazan stood and offered his hand. “Let’s get that boy of yours. Shall we?”
Beth and Kazan descended the stairs to the sidewalk. Wade met them halfway to Aidan’s trailer, dressed in character and holding a magazine.
After they exchanged greetings with him, Kazan turned to Beth. “I have some stuff to sort out before we begin. You and Wade get Aidan and meet me on set in twenty minutes.”
Beth nodded.
Upon Kazan’s departure, Wade thrust the magazine in her face. “Have you seen the latest issue of Modern Screen?”
“No. Why?”
Beth accepted the periodical from him. On the cover were two unrelated close-up portraits of her and Aidan, which had been superimposed together to make it look like they gazed lovingly at each other and were about to kiss. Aidan was dressed in his Spike Rollins attire—his trademark red jacket and white T-shirt—and his green eyes had been colored to enhance their vibrancy. Beth was dressed in character for Sparkling Meadow, her hair secured in a ponytail, her wide brown eyes radiating innocence and submission.
The photograph was accompanied by a byline.
The girl-next-door ingénue captured the heart of the bad boy Method actor—and tamed him! Inside: How you can snag your very own rebel and experience a thrilling, everlasting love like Beth and Aidan!
“In the editorial section, there are readers’ comments from the last issue—which you two were on the cover of as well—and they’re all positive.” Wade flipped through the magazine and pointed to the page in question. “The article in this edition praises your passionate relationship and calls the two of you a match made in movie heaven—a promising new love affair that proves opposites attract off screen, too.”
Beth shook her head, but her face glowed from her broad smile. “Goodness. What will they think of next?”
“You know if the readers of Modern Screen think you’re a great couple, then you’ve truly made it.” Wade flashed a grin. “Oh, I almost forgot. They also printed the results of a poll where Aidan was named the actor female readers would most like to date.”
Beth giggled. “What did you do, read the entire magazine?”
Wade’s ears reddened. “I had some spare time after hair and makeup…”
“I see.” Beth’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “Well, I’m sure Aidan will be ecstatic when I tell him the news.”
“Ah, come on. You must love the attention.” Wade draped his arm over her shoulders. “Did I mention you were voted most beautiful actress this month?”
Beth shrugged. “A lot of the stuff they print is made up to sell more magazines and movie tickets. There’s no point in letting it get to your head.”
“You’re too humble for your own good, Sutton.” Wade sighed dramatically. “Anyway, I’ll leave you to get Aidan. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it more if you show up at his door alone instead of with me in tow. See ya soon.” He took off down the street.
“Wait. You forgot your magazine!” Beth waved the periodical in the air.
Wade pitched a grin over his shoulder. “You keep it. Frame it and give it to Aidan as a gift.”
Smiling, Beth ascended the stairs to her beau’s trailer and knocked twice. The door opened, and her mouth dropped. Aidan welcomed her with unruly hair, smoldering eyes, and a cocky smirk. Despite his conservative, checkered, button-down sport shirt and dark gray trousers, and his studious accessories—the script in his hand and the pencil tucked behind his ear—he looked so wild, so dangerous. But goodness, he wore it all so well.
“Hey, baby.” Aidan propped his forearm on the doorframe above his head and leaned forward. His gaze held promises of a good time, the type of good time only he could provide her.
She gulped. “Hello.”
He moved aside and extended his hand. Their fingers entwined, and he led her inside with a soft kiss on her lips.
Beth held up the magazine. “A gift from Wade.”
Aidan rolled his eyes. “What does this one say?” He tossed his script and pencil onto a nearby table and pulled her close.
Beth set down the periodical and brought her arms around his neck. “Oh, something about me taming your rebel ways.”
Aidan’s lips drifted toward hers. “Hmm, I don’t know about that.”
Beth whimpered as his tongue slipped into her mouth and his strong hands pressed to her back, bringing her body flush against his. If the Modern Screen cover corresponded to the first image on a storyboard, their kiss would’ve completed the sequence.
Aidan dragged his lips to her neck. “I may be a rebel…” He placed a kiss to her jaw and then her cheek. “But I’m forever a one-woman man.”
Beth gasped as he nipped at her earlobe. “Lucky woman.”
Hot, heavy breaths played with her hair. “Baby, I’m the lucky one.”
Their lips reunited.
When they were officially called to the set, Beth had to fan herself with Aidan’s script for several minutes before she was able was to leave the trailer with steady steps and a steady heart beat.
Security escorted them down the block. Once they passed the row of trailers, the spectators erupted into frenzied screams, unconcerned with the late hour or disturbing the neighbors. Beth and Aidan waved in acknowledgement, which only spurred their excitement.
They weren’t the only ones excited. Following Aidan’s accident, Beth had been so preoccupied with his well-being to think about anything else. Although she had always wanted to finish Golden Gloves, she didn’t realize how much acting defined her until tonight. Sharing her return in front
of the camera with Aidan made the occasion all the more special.
The cast and crew broke into applause, welcoming the couple back to the set and praising Aidan for his strength and effort toward his recovery. Then Kazan brought out a cake decorated with the phrase, Happy Belated Birthday, Golden Boy. Beth’s eyes filled with tears as Aidan thanked everyone for their support.
Kazan cut the cake. Beth and Aidan handed out slices to the crew and the rest of the cast before claiming their own pieces. They sat in their reserved chairs along the curb, laughed with their colleagues, and smiled and waved to the crowd until their plates were clear.
In preparation for the night ahead, Kazan walked Beth and Aidan through the first scene, showing the path they would travel and where they would stop. He also set the context for their characters’ discussion and planted the seed of what was expected, but as always, left enough unsaid to allow them to cultivate everything according to what felt right while filming the scene.
As Beth and Aidan conversed with their director and the first unit camera operator, the enthusiastic screams of the spectators turned into chants that quickly gained momentum. Kazan sent additional security across the street to try to calm the crowd, but it didn’t work.
Eventually, Kazan threw his hands up in defeat. “Do you two mind greeting the fans? Just say hello or something, so they quiet down. Or else we’re going to be here well into the morning, which won’t work for the scenes we have to film.”
“No problem, Gadg.” Aidan shrugged. “I mean, if Beth feels up to it.”
She nodded. “Of course.”
Kazan summoned three security guards to accompany them. Curious neighbors, easily identified by their casual evening attire and perplexed expressions, surveyed the commotion from afar as Beth and Aidan posed for photographs and penned their signatures.
The crowd consisted mostly of teenagers, especially young men dressed in jeans and T-shirts—reminiscent of the outfits Aidan wore in Spike Rollins. Other bystanders included parents with younger children who were up way past their bedtimes. Even older adults stopped by to wish the couple well. Beth appreciated all the fans, whether they liked her in particular or were simply enthralled by the mystery and glamour of movie making in general.
After greeting everyone and appeasing all autograph and photograph requests, Beth and Aidan asked for quiet so they could commence filming. Some people dispersed, but those who remained pledged their cooperation.
Beth and Aidan received so many gifts security had to help carry them. The couple offered the treats to the crew and brought the rest to Aidan’s trailer so they could sort through it all later and decide what to donate to the local children’s hospital.
After an hour delay, which thankfully Kazan had planned for because of the cake surprise, the cast and crew were ready. Once Beth and Aidan were clear about their directions, they walked toward their starting positions. The crowd stayed true to their promise and watched quietly, giving not only the Golden Gloves company a break, but security, too.
Aidan escorted Beth up the front steps of the brownstone that was supposed to house their characters’ apartment. Spotlights stood on either side of them, lighting the way into the still of the night.
Beth squeezed his hand. “It’s so wonderful to be back on set with you.”
“Just think, before long, Golden Gloves will be finished.” Aidan’s widening grin warmed her heart, melting away her sadness over the conclusion of their film. “I never thought we’d make it, but here we are.”
Beth beamed. “We have a lot to be thankful for.”
“Damn right we do.” Aidan placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
The first unit camera was positioned in front of them. A boom microphone appeared above their heads.
“Places, everyone! And quiet now. Please and thank you.” Kazan folded his arms across his chest and surveyed the set with a critical eye. He gave a satisfied nod. The clapperboard sounded off. “And…action!”
Mary and Joe descended the stairs and strolled down the block.
“A walk was a lovely idea, honey.” Mary snuggled under her husband’s arm.
“I suggested it because I wanna talk to you.” Joe cast her a tentative glance. “I figured the fresh air would do me some good—you know, help me share what’s on my mind more clearly.”
“This is about your fight tomorrow night, isn’t it?” Mary’s voice carried a softness to cover up her trepidation over what she was about to hear.
“Yeah.” Joe sighed. “I feel guilty about returning to the ring.”
Her eyebrows furrowed. “Why? You’re not to blame for the death of your former opponent.”
“I know. I’ve come to terms with that. It’s more like…well, I feel guilty because I get to box again, whereas he’ll never have the chance. Stepping into that ring…man, there are very few things in life that give me such a thrill. I feel energized, alive, and ready to tackle anything, especially with you in my corner.” Joe’s lips plunged into a frown. “But Mary, isn’t it wrong for me to feel happy? I mean, shouldn’t a part of me always mourn what happened so his memory isn’t lost forever?”
Mary stopped walking and grasped Joe’s hands, gazing into striking green eyes, which—after so many years of torment—finally shone with self-worth. “Because of what happened, you have a renewed appreciation for how precious life is. Many people go through life without any passion, and that’s the biggest shame—that is something to feel guilty about. Living life to the fullest is how you honor his memory properly. So please embrace this second chance and accept you’re a good man who deserves happiness and an opportunity to earn the championship title. You’ve worked hard, and you’re a skilled fighter. I’m very proud of you.”
“I always want you to be proud of me.” Joe brushed his hand to her hair. “You encouraged me to return to a sport I love and supported me as I trained. You stood by me as I tackled my demons, believed in me no matter what, and helped me heal. I’ve made it this far, and I’m so afraid I’ll let you down if I lose the title.”
Mary smiled. “Oh, Joe. Don’t you see? You’ve already fought the toughest battle and triumphed. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, you’ll always be a winner to me.”
A broad grin stretched across his face. “You have no idea how much those words mean to me, Mary. Thank you for never deserting me.”
Mary linked her hands behind his neck. “I love you, Joe.”
“I love you, too. Forever.” Threading his fingers in her hair, he bowed his head and pressed his lips to hers in a tender display of dedication and victory.
“Cut! Print that one.”
Beth and Aidan stepped apart. The crew dispersed, setting up for the next scene.
Aidan surprised Beth by taking her face in his hands and placing a firm kiss on her lips. Across the street, the crowd went wild.
When he pulled back, his expression burst with joy. “We did it, Beth. Damn it, baby. We did it.”
Beth wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “That we did, Aidan.” She tossed a wistful look to the stars. “We mostly certainly did.”
Chapter Nineteen
Beth and Aidan’s Central Park West apartment was full of boxes. They didn’t transfer much furniture east, opting instead to donate most of their items and buy new pieces in Manhattan, but much of what they did keep still needed to be unpacked. Beth’s Cadillac and Aidan’s Triumph motorcycle arrived from L.A. earlier in the week, followed by his mother’s piano from Chicago. The piano now sat in their parlor, the focal point of the room. Aidan played the instrument every day, his melodies loud and joyous.
Following completion of Golden Gloves in the beginning of August, Beth and Aidan, along with their friends, flew to New York in search of the perfect home. As luck would have it, each couple found an ideal apartment on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. The units were vacant, so they were all able to move in almost right away and put their prior residences on the market. Aidan also terminated the r
ental agreement on his uptown studio apartment.
Beth and Aidan’s penthouse boasted two floors, with a grand staircase off the main atrium, a study, a parlor, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two stone terraces—one on each floor, with views of Central Park—a library, gym, sun room, media room, living room, dining room, and many other rooms to which they hadn’t even assigned a purpose. Additional amenities included a security guard stationed in the lobby around the clock and valet parking.
Nathan and Olivia owned a similar suite in the adjacent building, which they purchased with a small mortgage qualified through Olivia’s finances and Nathan’s new business collateral. Matthew and Connie lived four buildings down the street in a duplex that originally belonged to a famous Broadway producer.
Just as they were all settling in, Nathan and Olivia surprised everyone by lawfully becoming husband and wife. Nathan had purchased a new engagement ring with his own money and proposed for the second time. Olivia called and told their friends to meet them at City Hall the following morning. A Justice of the Peace married them in a quaint ceremony with little fanfare. They exchanged gold bands and proclaimed their personally written vows, followed by a delicious brunch at Tavern on the Green with their guests.
The next day, Nathan took Olivia to meet his mother at Bellevue. The new Mrs. Taggart was honored to meet the elder Mrs. Taggart, and she and Nathan arranged to visit the hospital weekly.
Nathan and Olivia experienced great financial success since moving east. Nathan found a reasonably priced office space in downtown Manhattan, and after some renovations, he opened his own public relations firm. Given his solid reputation at Starlight Studios, he immediately signed many notable names, including Beth, Connie, and Aidan. Since then, business was booming. He even had to hire a personal secretary to manage the bevy of client appointments and run the office efficiently. According to Nathan, this was the first time he felt he’d truly accomplished something on his own, adding honorable mention to his new wife, who supported him every step of the way. Most importantly, he looked forward to representing his clients respectfully, having learned from his past mistakes.
Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3) Page 20