‘He said that he’s sick of dating women who are plastic and only want to be seen with him to advance their careers. He likes my down-to-earth view of the world and that I’m not interested in all the glitz and glamour.’
‘He said all that?’ Claire managed to hide the surprise in her voice.
‘And he also said that he’s never felt this way about someone before. That I am refreshing.’
Claire wondered if they were talking about a different James. This was the second shoot they’d worked on together and, as much as she liked him, he’d never shown this side of himself. She prayed he hadn’t been feeding Annalise lines. But if he was genuine, was it fair for these two to be kept apart?
Claire studied the pale green tiles of the fountain. ‘I can’t be responsible for getting this letter into James’s hands. I’d be hung, drawn and quartered if I got caught. I think what’s best for now is to let James finish off the mini-series. In a few weeks’ time when everything has settled down with your father, then maybe you and James can talk and reassess where you’re both at.’ It wasn’t the perfect solution, but it could work. With time, Annalise would see sense, and James will likely have moved on to the next bright new thing. And if he hadn’t, then maybe his interest in Annalise was genuine. Either way, time would be the one thing that tells all.
‘I don’t want to wait.’
‘I tell you what,’ Claire grabbed a pen and paper out of her handbag, wrote down her number and passed it to Annalise, ‘this is how you can get hold of me while I’m in Starlight Creek.’
‘What’s with all these numbers?’
‘It’s my mobile phone. If you ever need to talk—to me—I am here to listen. But I can’t put you in direct contact with James for now. Do we have a deal?’
Annalise stared at the paper in her hand. ‘I guess so.’
‘Excellent.’ Claire stood. ‘I need to get going.’ She took a step then stopped and turned. ‘Promise me one thing?’
‘It depends …’
‘Promise me you won’t mope around and that you’ll get on with your life and make it as wonderful as possible. If it’s meant to be, it will happen. Besides,’ Claire hitched her bag onto her shoulder, ‘life’s not just about falling in love with a man. There are so many other things we can fall in love with—ourselves for starters.’
‘That sounds weird.’
‘It sounds weird but it’s not. If we spend time doing things that make us happy and learning about ourselves and learning to love ourselves then people are going to be drawn to us.’
‘Is that what you do?’
‘I try,’ said Claire. ‘I really must go but don’t worry, things will work out the way they’re supposed to.’
‘That’s what I’m worried about,’ muttered Annalise.
Claire hurried across the road and over to the ute. She put the key in the lock and opened the door.
‘You better not be encouraging her,’ came a voice that caused her body to instantly tense.
Claire steeled herself before turning to face Robert Dennis. ‘Definitely not.’
‘Good. I’ll be glad to see you lot out of here. She’s been corrupted enough already with promises that will never be fulfilled. And I’ll be the one left to clean up the pieces.’
‘Mr Dennis—’
He held up his hand. ‘I don’t need to hear it.’
The anger flashing in his eyes told her things hadn’t changed since she last saw him.
Claire got in her ute. She rolled down the window and said in earnest, ‘It was really nice meeting you.’
Robert rested his hand on her door, preventing her from reversing. He leaned so close she could smell the beer on his breath. ‘This is not the end of it. And I will do my damned best to make sure this production fails.’
CHAPTER 11
1950 – Hollywood
Lena stood before the doors that led to the main administration building of Fortitude Studios. The bluster that had propelled her from home to here had dissipated the second her feet reached the welcome mat at the entrance.
‘This is a stupid idea,’ she muttered and turned, slamming straight into a tall, muscular body. Lena looked up. ‘Oh!’
Reeves met her with a smile. ‘What’s a stupid idea?’
‘Nothing. Nothing at all.’
Reeves stretched his arm past her and held open the door.
‘I’m not going in,’ she said.
‘It didn’t look like that a few seconds ago. Changed your mind?’
‘Yes. No. Maybe.’ Argh! Why did Reeves Garrity have this effect on her?
‘Who were you planning to see?’
Jeez, he didn’t let up. ‘No one.’
‘Hmm …’ He tapped his finger against his chin. ‘A stupid idea that is about nothing and an appointment with no one.’
‘Exactly.’ She crossed her arms.
Reeves’s smile was wide.
‘What’s so funny?’ She huffed.
‘I like the way your forehead creases when you’re annoyed.’
‘Huh?’ She made an effort to uncrease her brow even though she was most definitely annoyed. ‘Listen, I have to go.’
She took a step away from the building.
‘The door’s this way.’ Reeves bowed like she was a princess.
‘I’m not …’ Why was she chickening out? This was her career, after all. Lena marched past Reeves and into the foyer. He followed.
‘Thank you,’ she said.
‘For?’
‘For opening the door.’
‘It was my pleasure.’ Amusement sparkled in his eyes then his expression turned serious. ‘How are you doing?’
‘I’m fine.’
‘Really?’ The way he asked it made her feel that he could see right through her.
Lena fiddled with her gloves and purse. ‘Really.’
‘Hmm …’
‘Well, see you around.’ She took a step towards the lift, but he blocked her path.
‘Yesterday you were far from fine. I may not know you very well, but what happened with your role had a marked effect on you. Now you’re all sunshine and smiles. I suspect you are putting your acting skills to work.’
‘I’m taking it as a compliment that you can’t tell if I’m being genuine or acting.’
Reeves’s shoulders dropped. ‘I would like to think you could be honest with me like you were yesterday. Or was that an act as well?’
‘No,’ she said quickly. ‘You were very kind, and I appreciate it. I’m sorry for leaving so quickly but …’ She could have invented a fib but what was the point? Apparently, Reeves Garrity could see through her facade. It was that, or she had to go back to acting lessons. Neither option she liked. She rubbed her wrist. ‘But a lot of things have happened in my life that still affect me now.’
‘Things that stop you from having dinner with me?’
‘Yes.’
He blinked slowly. ‘I didn’t actually expect that answer.’
‘I’m sorry, Reeves. I’m happy to be your acquaintance but that’s all it can be. Barring some close friends, I keep to myself. It’s easier that way.’
‘So why are you in this business? We lay our lives on the table like an open book.’
‘Not all of us,’ she said.
‘It’s a fact, especially if you become a star. And I see that potential in you.’
‘Mae West manages to keep her life private.’
‘She’s one of a few and none of those actors are with this studio. When you signed your contract, you pretty much signed your life—private and public—away.’
‘I don’t need a legal lecture, thanks.’ Lena moved towards the lift again, this time skilfully dodging Reeves.
He gave a wry smile and his index figure hovered above the lift buttons. ‘Which floor?’
‘Eight.’
‘You’re seeing Mr Cooper?’
‘Don’t look so shocked. He’s not a princess in an ivory tower.’
�
��Why are you …’ He shook his head. ‘It is none of my business.’
Lena relaxed a little. ‘I do owe you an explanation because you were so very sweet with me yesterday. You helped me when I really needed it and you really are quite the gentleman.’ She smiled. ‘But I didn’t need rescuing, just so you’re aware.’
‘I wouldn’t dare!’ He held up his hands in defence.
‘Good, glad we have that sorted. So …’ She was willingly putting herself out on a limb but something about Reeves Garrity encouraged her to do so. And it annoyed the heck out of her. ‘I’m going to ask Mr Cooper for a new role.’
‘Whoa! Shouldn’t your agent do that? Besides, he’s not the one who makes those decisions—unless you’re a big name.’
‘Which I am not, I get that. My agent is away, and I can’t wait for him to return. I’ve met Mr Cooper and he seems like an approachable man.’
‘He’s the head of the studio.’
‘He’s human.’
‘Wow,’ said Reeves. ‘You really like to take chances, don’t you?’
‘Why would you say that?’
‘Who goes to the head of the studio and asks for a role? I like you, Lena Lee, but you’re crazy.’
‘My roommate said the same.’ She drew her brows together. Maybe this idea was too far out there. No actress she knew would ever do something this preposterous. Though time wasn’t on her side—directors like Lawrence already thought she was too old for a lead.
The lift bell pinged, and the doors opened. She stared at the void, wondering what she was doing. Yvonne and Reeves did have a point but … Lena straightened her spine. Hollywood would not be the place where her dreams went to die.
Lena stepped across the threshold.
She turned to see the doors close on Reeves, who waved and yelled, ‘Good luck.’
She was going to need it.
* * *
Lena adjusted her position on the creaky leather sofa once more. She’d been in the reception area of Stuart Cooper’s office for over an hour. Behind a walled desk, the receptionist tapped away on her typewriter and answered phones.
She looked over her glasses at Lena. ‘It really would be best if you leave a message for Mr Cooper or make an appointment.’
‘You said he doesn’t have a spare appointment until next month.’
‘He is a busy man. Look, I have no idea how long this meeting will be. He’s already half an hour behind schedule and he has a lunch meeting shortly.’
‘I’m happy to wait all the same,’ said Lena, not convinced Stuart Cooper would get the message if she left one.
‘Suit yourself.’ The woman returned to bashing the typewriter, her long nails clicking against the keys.
A while later the heavy wooden door of Stuart Cooper’s office opened. His large, round frame filled up most of the space in the doorway as he patted the back of a man much shorter and leaner. The bespectacled visitor clutched a stack of papers against his chest. He reminded Lena of a frightened woodland creature.
‘I’ll send over the paperwork this afternoon.’ Stuart Cooper’s voice boomed through the reception. ‘Good to meet you, Henry.’
Henry nodded and headed towards the lift. He stopped for a moment to study Lena. When he smiled, it was kind.
Mr Cooper turned his attention to Lena. ‘I know you from somewhere.’
‘I’m Lena Lee. I was at your party.’ Lena stood and smoothed down her skirt. She prayed her sweaty palms didn’t leave a mark on the material.
The secretary watched Lena, no doubt waiting for her boss to send Lena packing.
Mr Cooper’s puzzled expression sent a ripple of panic through her. Oh no. He didn’t remember. She’d been banking on him recalling her performance but now, with his stern expression, she realised exactly how wrong she’d been. Hollywood was full of actresses who were forgotten five minutes after they held the limelight in the palm of their perfectly manicured hands.
‘Ah!’ He held up his finger, his face lighting up. ‘You sung “Over the Rainbow”. I remarked to my wife that you reminded me of a nightingale.’
‘You did?’ Her voice came out an octave higher. She made an effort to lower it. ‘You did?’
‘Yes, yes. What are you doing here?’
‘I …’ Take a breath, Lena. ‘I was hoping I could have five minutes of your time, please.’
‘Hold all calls, Lorraine.’ His arm made a sweeping motion towards the office.
Trying to stop her body from trembling, she walked into the head of Fortitude Studio’s office. She didn’t need to look back to know that Lorraine would be looking on with disapproval.
Mr Cooper gestured for her to take a seat opposite his desk. She did so, positioning herself at the edge of the seat and tucking her legs under the chair, crossing her legs at the ankles. Just like her grandmother had shown her when she was little. Gosh, she missed home.
‘Now, Miss Lee, we do not have much time, so please get straight to the point. I gather this is not a social visit?’ He tapped the edge of his cigarette on the desk then placed it in his mouth and lit it. ‘Oh, I’m sorry. Would you like one?’
‘No, thank you.’ A thin sheen of perspiration crept across her skin. She had to do this. ‘I’m hoping you can find a role for me.’
‘Don’t you have one? Or are we paying you to do nothing?’
‘I had a role. Until yesterday. I was cast in the movie with Lawrence Doherty but my role got cut.’
‘Oh.’ A cloud of smoke swirled above him. ‘I heard about that. I didn’t realise it was you.’
‘Mr Doherty doesn’t have anything for me and—’
‘I know you can sing and we wouldn’t have hired you if you couldn’t act. Show me.’
‘Pardon?’
‘Show me you can act. Now.’
‘Uh …’ Ever since arriving in Hollywood she’d prided herself on being prepared to perform at a moment’s notice. No one knew when an opportunity would come their way so having a scene ready to go was invaluable. But since being hired by Fortitude Studios Lena had slacked off, thinking she’d always have roles. Her mind scrambled to pull a scene—any scene—and act like her life depended on it.
She had nothing.
Mr Cooper butted his cigarette and stood. ‘Time’s up.’
Lena’s eyes grew glassy, warm tears trickled down her face. ‘I know it means nothing to you, but for me, it’s everything. All my life I’ve dreamed about this. Yet you reached into my soul, grabbed my heart and discarded it like a child’s unwanted toy.’
Lena got up and walked around the room, gesturing as she spoke. ‘I believed you when you said you loved me. That was just one more lie in a sea of untruths designed to misguide and misdirect me so you could get what you wanted.
‘Did you ever care about me? This ruse you pulled, did you stop, even for a moment, and think about the impact of your betrayal? Where’s your heart?’ Lena gulped back the sobs. Stuart Cooper sat back down, his eyes not leaving hers. Her tone hardened. ‘You won’t get away with this. For as long as I draw breath, I will take a stance against you and everything you stand for. You,’ she picked up the envelope opener and wielded it like a knife near his nose, ‘you won’t die today. That would be too easy. Oh no,’ she let out a long, guttural laugh, ‘you will suffer, like a trapped fly in a web and you will watch on in horror as the spider slowly creeps toward you. The torment of knowing your death is inevitable will drive you insane. And I, like that spider, will revel in your pain.’
She threw the letter opener on the desk, adrenaline rushing through her. ‘When it happens—and it will—you’ll remember the betrayals and the lies and wish you were never born.’
Lena unclenched her hands and looked at them. Half-moons of blood were on her palms. Her arms shook. Her breaths came out fast. She looked up at Mr Cooper, fearing what she’d see.
He stared at her, unmoving. The air was thick with anticipation. Or was it dread? Out of all the characters she could have played, why
did she go for a femme fatale rather than the sweet and sunny and likeable characters this studio favoured? She’d just lost the role of a femme fatale. What was she thinking?
A slow clap echoed in the office. It grew louder and faster and was punctuated with a deep laugh. ‘Well, well, Miss Lee. You are full of surprises. Who would have thought someone as innocent looking as you would have the mettle to pull off an audition like that?’
‘It was the first thing that came to mind.’
When he got up, he seemed less gigantic than before. ‘It wasn’t the kind of role I had in mind, but you’ve convinced me you are a very capable actress. The director who was here before wants an unknown to mould. I’ll be giving him a call to tell him I just found her.’
CHAPTER 12
1951 – Hollywood
Lena exited the sound stage. It had already been a long day filming and it wasn’t over yet. Even though she was busy, she took a moment to close her eyes and angle her face towards the sun. Warmth caressed her skin and she revelled in seeing daylight after what felt like weeks. She doubted she’d ever grow accustomed to getting up before daylight and returning well and truly after sunset. Today was the first day she’d had a chance to leave for a short break while they reshot leading man Pierre’s scene that he managed to keep messing up.
‘It’s nice to see someone enjoying the sun even though others say it will age you,’ came a voice she hadn’t heard in a long time.
Opening her eyes, she was met with the vision that was Reeves Garrity. Although dressed in an expensive navy blue suit and with his hair immaculately styled, he still held the same freshness as when they’d first met at Stuart Cooper’s party the year before.
‘Long time, no see.’ She looked at the hat in her hand but decided a few minutes of sunshine wouldn’t cost her career. Maybe …
‘How have you been?’ His voice sounded genuine and memories of why she had taken a liking to Reeves Garrity came flooding back.
‘Good. Busy. As you have been, I hear.’
‘You’ve been enquiring about me?’ His lopsided smile set her off-kilter.
‘No!’ she said a little too defensively. He didn’t need to know she’d been watching his career—and relationship with Jeanne—with the eagle eye of a crazed fan. ‘It’s a bit hard not to notice with your name and face splashed across every single newspaper and magazine.’
The Cinema at Starlight Creek Page 10