The Cinema at Starlight Creek

by Alli Sinclair

‘I won’t. You won’t. Everything will work in our favour.’ She just wished she believed it with as much certainty as she’d said it.

  The doorbell rang, and she got up to answer, having given Rita the night off to go with her friend to the movies. Anticipation raced through Lena knowing Reeves would be on the other side. She swung open the door. ‘Well it’s about time you … oh.’

  She gripped the doorframe to steady herself.

  ‘Good evening, Miss Lee,’ said Ned Ramsay.

  The small kernel of confidence she’d been trying to build deflated the second she saw the HUAC representative. She looked around for Ramsay’s offsider and spotted him smoking a few feet away.

  ‘You really should lock your gates,’ he said. ‘Anyone can let themselves in.’

  Lena stared at the entrance to her property. There was absolutely no way that Rita would have left the gate unlocked—she was one of the most reliable people Lena knew.

  ‘Mr Ramsay.’ She straightened her spine. ‘It is very late, and I would prefer to do this another time, if you don’t mind.’ As she spoke, all she could picture was George sitting in the study waiting for her to return.

  ‘As promised, we did some digging and—’

  ‘Miss Lee!’ Reeves jogged up the driveway then took the flagstone steps two at a time. He waved a script in the air. ‘Please forgive me for being so late for our rehearsal.’

  Lena stared at Reeves.

  ‘For our scene tomorrow.’ Reeves raised his eyebrows.

  ‘Oh! Yes! I’m sorry, Mr Garrity, I didn’t realise the time. We have so much to get through and the last thing we need is to have to keep filming the same scene because we can’t get it right.’

  Reeves turned to Ramsay. ‘I am sure you can understand the urgency of the matter. Perhaps you could make an appointment with Miss Lee for tomorrow? After she’s finished filming for the day?’

  Ramsay narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips.

  Reeves slid past Ramsay and into Lena’s foyer. Ramsay stepped forward and Lena stepped towards him, blocking his progress.

  ‘If you call administration they will be sure to give you a suitable time,’ she said, all the while hoping the shake spreading throughout her body wasn’t visible.

  Ramsay mumbled something and took a step in the direction of the driveway. Lena let her body relax.

  ‘Oh.’ Ramsay turned to face her. ‘You can tell your friend George we will be talking with him tomorrow also.’

  ‘I’ll tell him when I see him,’ she said.

  ‘I suspect you can tell him when you go back inside.’

  Lena quickly shut the door and leaned against it. Her temples throbbed, and she found it hard to catch her breath.

  Reeves put his hand under her elbow and guided her to the study where George stood, his face pale.

  ‘I’m so sorry.’ George passed her a glass of water as Reeves helped her to the sofa. ‘I’m so, so sorry.’

  Lena gulped the cool water. ‘He’d been spying on us.’

  ‘I think I better go, I’ve caused enough trouble already.’ George collected his hat and jacket. ‘I’ll call later.’

  ‘No, probably best you don’t,’ she said. ‘Who knows what they’ve done.’ She cocked her head in the direction of the telephone. If HUAC made a habit of watching comings and goings at her house, who knew what else they were capable of.

  George leaned down and pecked Lena on the cheek. He whispered, ‘I will make this up to you.’

  Lena grabbed his hand and squeezed it. ‘You don’t need to. It’s society that has it wrong, not you.’

  George ran his hand down her face. ‘I love you, my beautiful friend.’

  ‘I love you more.’ She grinned.

  George waved over his shoulder as he walked out of the study and let himself out of the house. The small room seemed larger than before, a definite chill hanging in the air.

  ‘Thank you so much, Reeves.’ She breathed out slowly. ‘How did you come up with the script idea?’

  ‘I figured I needed a cover to enter your house at this hour in case photographers were around. I certainly hadn’t expected to see HUAC on your doorstep. Just as well I thought ahead, huh?’

  ‘Just as well, indeed.’

  Reeves sat down next to her and she collapsed into his arms. Resting her head against his chest, she listened to his steadily beating heart, taking comfort in the strength and security she felt whenever in his arms. Although she didn’t need a man, she wanted this one with all her heart.

  ‘I’m worried for you.’ Reeves moved so he could look her in the eyes.

  ‘Why?’

  ‘With HUAC sticking their noses in and the country’s paranoia about Reds under the beds, innocent people are being accused and their names are being dragged through the mud. It’s getting out of control and you’ve been pulled into this even further.’

  ‘It’s not George’s fault.’

  ‘I understand but it doesn’t make it easy watching you be harassed for no reason other than you being friends with someone they’ve targeted.’

  ‘Being a friend means standing by someone through thick and thin,’ said Lena.

  ‘Even though you could lose your career? Or worse?’

  She moved back. ‘What are you saying? I should dump my best friend?’

  ‘No, of course not! Maybe you should just … not spend so much time with him at the moment. Every minute you’re with him gives them ammunition.’

  ‘I cannot believe you said that.’ Lena stood and walked over to the mantelpiece. She picked up a framed photo taken a few years back and held it in front of Reeves. In the photo George draped his arm around Lena’s shoulders as they both smiled at the camera. Her hair was natural, her make-up understated. She looked so free. So unburdened by the complications of the life she now led. ‘George was one of my first friends in this business and he’s been with me ever since, riding the rollercoaster. He needs me more than ever and I’ll be damned if I desert him now.’

  ‘Lena.’ Reeves motioned for her to sit next to him.

  She shook her head.

  ‘Please.’

  ‘I can’t believe you think I’m the type of person who would leave their friend when they need help the most.’

  ‘I meant for you to not spend so much time with George at the moment,’ he said, his voice low, ‘not give up on him.’

  Lena put down the frame then crossed her arms.

  ‘I can understand your defensiveness.’

  ‘I’m not defensive!’

  Reeves studied her intently.

  ‘I think you should go,’ she said. ‘I’m not in the mood for company.’

  He stood, his eyes soft. ‘I do understand your loyalty to George and I love that you are standing by him. Everyone needs a friend like you. I’m just concerned you’re bringing the spotlight onto your private life when you’ve tried so hard to keep that in the dark.’

  ‘I haven’t.’

  ‘Lena,’ said Reeves. ‘We’ve had long conversations, yet you’ve managed to keep the most intimate details of your life a secret.’

  ‘I told you I’m Australian.’

  ‘And I appreciate you telling me. But I want to know the real Lena Lee. What makes you tick? What was your first pet’s name? What was it like growing up in small-town Australia?’

  Whether it was the exhaustion of Ramsay’s visit, worry for George and herself, or the energy it took to keep her true life at bay, Lena felt ready to bare her soul.

  ‘I come from a small town in northern Queensland called Starlight Creek.’ Those first few words broke down the last barrier. ‘My family own a sugarcane farm. My father runs it while my mother is in charge of the local cinema. People come from far and wide to see movies.’

  ‘Your movies?’

  ‘Yes. Though my family are the only ones who know it’s me. I’ve changed a lot since I left Starlight Creek. With my hair and make-up done, I look very different from the country girl who left town at seventee
n.’

  ‘I can’t see how people couldn’t recognise your natural beauty, even after all the layers of Hollywood.’

  She laughed, feeling lighter by the minute. ‘Thank you. Though I’m not a natural redhead, I’m blonde.’

  ‘I did suspect that was the case.’

  ‘How … oh!’ She looked away briefly, trying to compose herself. ‘Anyway, I grew up watching movies and longed for a more glamorous life that wasn’t among the sugarcane fields. Don’t get me wrong, Starlight Creek is the most beautiful place and it’s very dear to my heart, but I always felt like a fish out of water.’

  ‘How on earth did a girl from northern Queensland end up in Hollywood?’

  ‘We’re going to need a drink.’ Lena got up and prepared martinis. In a short moment she was back by Reeves’s side handing him the cocktail.

  He took a sip. ‘This is yet another talent of yours. How did you end up working in a cocktail bar?’

  ‘One step at a time, Mr Reeves.’ She sipped her martini, the alcohol taking the edge off the nerves. Exposing herself like this made her vulnerable. Not even George knew the full story. Maybe she needed to reel it in, though the freedom she now felt far outweighed the caution she’d clung to like a life raft in a stormy ocean. ‘I spent my childhood watching movies with my favourite actresses—Vivien Leigh, Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, Greta Garbo—all very strong and inspiring women.’

  ‘Like you.’ Reeves held her hand.

  ‘You are the most excellent charmer,’ she said, her voice shaking. Why so nervous?

  ‘I don’t set out to charm,’ he said. ‘Please tell everything, I want to know all about you.’

  ‘So,’ she continued, measuring her words. ‘I had dreamed about being an actress in Hollywood but never in a million years thought it could happen. When I was seventeen I went to visit my cousin in Sydney and a photographer spotted me. Next thing I knew I had an agent and was being booked for modelling swimwear which led to shoots for fashion magazines.’

  ‘Do you have any you can show me? I’d love to see a young … younger … Lena Lee.’

  ‘Nice save there,’ she joked. ‘Anyway, the American branch of one of the magazines saw my photos and asked me to come over to do some modelling. I didn’t need much encouragement, so I got on a plane and found myself in New York meeting modelling agents and seeing my face plastered on billboards.’

  ‘Impressive.’

  ‘It was an easy ride, which always made me wary.’

  ‘Very smart thinking.’ Reeves stroked the side of her face. ‘Beauty and brains.’

  Lena closed her eyes for a moment, revelling in his warm touch. Although she wanted to remain like this forever, she wanted to continue with her story. Needed to continue. ‘Modelling paid the bills, but it didn’t fulfil me. I despised being judged solely on my looks and I knew this gravy train wouldn’t last forever. A prettier, younger model could come along at any minute and take my place, then where would I be? I decided to invest in my future and took acting classes. I did a few small plays and musicals off-Broadway, but they didn’t change the world. Certainly not mine. What they did do, though, was light a fire in my belly. I remember reading an article about Mae West being thirty-nine years old when she started in movies. It gave me hope that I hadn’t left my run too late. And I’d also remembered reading about her clever negotiation with the studio head.’

  ‘Ah, yes. Didn’t she ask him how much he earned?’

  ‘She did and then she asked to be paid one thousand dollars more because then she’d be the highest paid at the studio which would secure her position there.’

  ‘Very clever.’

  ‘Absolutely,’ said Lena. ‘With my sights set on making it in the movies, I arrived here and realised no matter how much I wanted something, there were no guarantees I’d get it.’

  ‘You have what you want now?’

  ‘Yes.’ Without a second thought, she leaned forward and kissed Reeves. His arms wrapped tightly around her, pulling her close, his musky cologne tingling her nose.

  ‘Maybe we should continue this conversation upstairs,’ she whispered.

  ‘Perhaps we’ve done enough talking for tonight.’

  * * *

  Lena lay in bed, enjoying the warm breeze dancing across her naked body. An orange glow filled the room, the darkness of the night a faded memory. Rolling over, she studied Reeves sleeping soundly and she ran a hand along his arm, across his chest and placed a finger on his lips.

  His smile was slow and alluring. ‘Good morning.’

  ‘Good morning,’ she said. ‘I like you being the first person I see for the day.’

  Reeves looked at her with his dark, hypnotising eyes. If only they didn’t have to go on set shortly.

  ‘We could make this a permanent thing,’ he said.

  ‘How?’

  ‘Marry me.’

  ‘Pardon?’

  ‘Marry me, Lena Lee. I love you.’

  ‘How can you love me when you still don’t know everything about me?’

  ‘I don’t need to. My heart knows enough that I want to be with you forever. That I want to whisk you away to a tropical paradise where it’s just you and me being ourselves—away from all this nonsense that drags us down, makes us full of self-doubt.’ He sat up. ‘Let’s do it.’

  ‘Reeves …’

  ‘I’m serious.’

  ‘Reeves.’ She sat up next to him. ‘I love that you want to do this. But it’s not practical. We’d never work again if we left right now.’

  ‘We might not work again anyway.’

  Memories of the HUAC visit last night hit her like a punch in the gut. ‘Please, let’s forget that. Let’s just be in this moment, enjoy it for what it is.’

  ‘What is it, then?’

  Lena placed her hand under his chin and kissed him slowly. Longingly. With all the desire that surged through her. ‘I love you.’

  ‘So, you’ll marry me?’

  There was only one answer.

  ‘Yes, I will marry you, Reeves Garrity,’ she said with conviction.

  Lena wondered how one of the biggest decisions in her life could be made in a split second. As though this moment had been brewing since the minute they’d met, even if she hadn’t been fully aware.

  Reeves jumped out of bed and pulled on his shorts, then trousers. He grabbed his shirt and buttoned it, all the while bouncing around like an excited kid. ‘You have made me the happiest man on earth!’

  ‘And I’m the happiest woman!’ Lena laughed, got out of bed and put on her silk robe. She helped him with the buttons on his shirt. ‘There’s just one thing.’

  Reeves stopped fidgeting. ‘Yes?’

  ‘We should keep this between ourselves for the next little while. With our lives currently under the microscope and Jeanne just out of rehab, I think it’s better if we enjoy this alone—just for now. I don’t want it ruined.’

  ‘Sure.’ Reeves tugged at the belt on her robe. ‘Maybe we could be a little late today?’

  She slapped him on the buttocks. ‘Out! We’ve got a movie to make!’

  CHAPTER 33

  1952 – Hollywood

  Lena stood in her dressing room and pulled at the red silk dress that clung to every curve of her body.

  ‘Cut it out!’ Yvonne laughed. ‘If you’re not careful you’ll split it.’

  ‘That’s what I’m afraid of! I don’t know how I’m going to walk in it let alone wrestle anyone.’

  ‘Oh, that’s right, you’ve got a huge scene today.’ Yvonne waved to Vanessa, who rushed over and applied yet another coat of red lipstick to Lena’s lips.

  ‘There!’ said Vanessa, admiring her handiwork. ‘No more talking or else it’ll wear off.’

  ‘I’ve got lines.’ Lena laughed.

  ‘Keep talk to a minimum until you’re on set, then,’ said Vanessa.

  ‘Ha! I’d like to see the day!’ said Yvonne. ‘Although …’

  ‘What?’ Lena asked.
r />   ‘You’ve been wound tight this morning.’

  ‘I’m always like this before a big scene,’ Lena said.

  ‘No, no. There’s something different. What’s up?’

  ‘Nothing’s up!’ She really needed to calm herself.

  ‘Aha!’ Yvonne waggled a finger.

  ‘Aha what?’ Lena asked, happy she’d managed to sound less suspicious.

  ‘You’re in love.’

  ‘No, I’m not!’

  ‘Who is it?’ Vanessa moved closer.

  ‘No one!’

  ‘The lady doth protest too much.’

  Lena snorted at Yvonne’s attempt at Shakespeare. ‘I’m just nervous about this scene. It’s the most emotional and powerful one I’ve ever done, and I want to get it right.’

  Yvonne tilted her head.

  ‘Come on,’ Vanessa put her hand on the small of Lena’s back, ‘you’re going to be late.’

  Lena walked out the door and straight into the last person she wanted.

  ‘Oh, hi Jeanne.’ What was she doing here?

  ‘I see you’re dressed for the part. Harlot suits you.’ Jeanne’s sweet tone didn’t match her words.

  ‘I need to get on set.’ Lena moved to go past, but Jeanne blocked her way.

  Jeanne leaned in close, her hot breath sending shivers down Lena’s spine. ‘I know your game, Lena, and I can play it way better than you ever could. I am watching.’

  Jeanne turned and stalked down the corridor and out of the building. An arctic breeze enveloped Lena and she shivered.

  ‘Was that Jeanne?’ Reeves sidled up beside her and placed a protective hand on the small of her back. ‘What did she say?’

  ‘It doesn’t matter.’ She shook her body, trying to free up the tense muscles. ‘She’s just being Jeanne.’

  ‘That is never a good thing.’

  ‘Let’s not worry about her now.’

  ‘We have much better things to think about.’ Reeves planted a kiss on her neck and whispered, ‘We can celebrate tonight.’

  ‘Shh.’ She pushed him away but loved the attention all the same. ‘We’re a secret, remember?’

  ‘Yes, yes.’ He drew himself to his full height and in a louder voice, he said, ‘Miss Lee, shall I accompany you to the set?’

  ‘Why yes,’ she said just as loudly. ‘That would be delightful.’