Starlight

by Alexandra Richland

  Aidan let go of Beth and glared down the hallway, his hands balled into fists.

  “So the subway isn’t dangerous, you say?” She nudged his side playfully.

  Aidan’s face softened as he met her gaze.

  “Sorry about that,” he said, slipping his hands into his pockets again.

  “It wasn’t your fault.”

  Aidan shook his head. “I should’ve been paying more attention.” His eyes clouded as he looked her over. “Are you okay?”

  Beth smiled. “I’m fine.”

  Aidan didn’t look convinced. In fact, he looked worried—much too worried for such a minor incident.

  She placed her hand on his forearm. “Really, I’m fine.”

  He lowered his gaze.

  Beth looked at the Spike Rollins poster behind him. “What was your inspiration for your character in the film?”

  Aidan tensed. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, Method acting is about drawing on feelings from your personal, past experiences, right? I’m just wondering what inspired you.”

  Aidan stepped back and ran his hand through his hair, his restless eyes flitting around the corridor. The floor shook as the loud rumbling of the train cars ricocheted off the damp concrete walls. The noise burrowed into Beth’s ears, raw and deafening.

  The corridor fell silent.

  “My mother.” Aidan’s reply was a tragic whisper.

  Beth regarded him inquisitively. “She was your inspiration?”

  Aidan bowed his head. “Something like that.”

  “You had an experience where you saved your mother?”

  Aidan shook his head.

  “What happened?” Beth delivered her inquiry gently.

  Aidan looked at her, his watery eyes pleading for a reprieve.

  “I meant it when I told the hot dog vendor you’re a very talented actor,” Beth said.

  Aidan grazed his hand against hers, setting her skin on fire. “And I meant it when I said your opinion matters a lot to me.”

  As Beth gazed up at him, her expression conveyed her silent apology for bringing up painful memories. He had been nothing but sweet and kind toward her, and he deserved solace from whatever haunted him.

  Several people passed by and one mumbled a complaint about them blocking the corridor.

  “I guess we should move,” she said.

  Aidan’s eyes lingered on hers before he took her hand and led her down the hallway. They rounded the corner and entered a large open area where a ticket agent sat within a glass enclosure. As they walked up to the booth, Aidan dropped her hand and pulled out his wallet from his back pocket.

  Beth located a sign hanging on the booth indicating the ticket prices. She removed her wallet from her purse and searched for a dime.

  Aidan glanced over his shoulder. “I got this.”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m paying for myself.”

  Aidan dropped two dimes into the fare box. “Too late.”

  Beth closed her purse. “All right, but next time—”

  He waved her off. “Don’t worry about it.”

  With a frown, Beth followed him through the turnstile. The humidity intensified as they descended a set of stairs labeled Downtown and reached the subway platform.

  Beth scanned the tracks. “So we wait here for the train?”

  Aidan nodded.

  She stood on her tiptoes and peered over the platform.

  He watched her fondly. “Do you want a closer look?”

  Beth smiled. “I do. But is it safe?”

  Aidan placed his left hand to her lower back and guided her toward the tracks. “I’ll keep you safe.”

  They stopped a few feet away from the edge. Garbage littered the tracks and water pooled in several places.

  “Impressive, isn’t it?” Aidan joked.

  Beth giggled. “Very.”

  A loud rumbling sound resonated throughout the platform and a bright yellow light pierced the dark tunnel. Aidan guided Beth a few steps back. Her heart raced as the train roared into the station, bringing with it a big gust of wind that ruffled her hair.

  “Can we sit in the front car?” she asked as the subway slowed to a stop.

  Aidan tightened his grip on her hand. His grin held an exceptionally cheerful edge she hadn’t seen on him previously. “Whatever you want.”

  They walked down the platform and stepped inside the first car just before the doors shut. The car was stuffy, but not crowded, and they found two seats at the very front. Folding her hands in her lap, Beth angled her body toward Aidan and stared out the window. The tunnel ahead looked gloomy and unwelcoming. Given that this was her first subway ride, she was delighted with the view.

  She looked at him sheepishly. “I suppose my excitement seems childish.”

  He shook his head. “Not at all.”

  The train began moving and Beth looked out the window again. She sensed Aidan’s gaze on her and shifted in her seat with a nervous laugh. “Why are you looking at me?”

  Aidan’s cheeks turned pink. “Nothing.”

  “It must be something.”

  “It’s just … I’m having such a great time with you.”

  Heat rose in Beth’s cheeks as she focused on the tunnel again. She hoped he could see how much his comment thrilled her. She wanted him to know, but couldn’t find the words to articulate her feelings properly.

  After several stops, Aidan stood. “Next stop is ours.”

  Beth adjusted the strap of her purse on her shoulder, preparing for their departure from the train. The stop was labeled 42nd Street/Times Square.

  Aidan led her up the stairs amongst a crowd of people. “Are you hungry?”

  Beth huddled into his side to avoid being swept away by the rushing mob. “No, I’m fine.”

  “Tired? We could sit down for a few minutes if you’d like.”

  She smiled. “No, I’m not tired, either.”

  “Well, let me know if you want to stop for food or a rest.”

  She giggled. “I promise, I will.”

  As they reached the top of the stairs, Aidan pulled her aside, his expression somber. “I know I’m bugging you with all my questions, but I just want to make sure you’re taken care of properly.”

  His words were so heartfelt that Beth felt guilty for brushing him off. “I apologize for my flippant response. I appreciate your care and everything you’ve done for me today tremendously.”

  “You’re having a good time still?”

  Beth nodded. “One of the best I’ve had in my entire life.”

  Aidan grinned. “Good.”

  Taking her hand, he led her up another set of stairs. At street level, Beth was inundated by advertisements, traffic noise, and bustling crowds. Her eyes grew wide. This was the same location as the Actors Studio. She was glad Aidan brought her back here because she was interested in exploring it further.

  “This is Times Square,” he said, gesturing to their surroundings.

  Their eyes locked, and suddenly, Aidan was the only person Beth saw amongst the crowd, reiterating that he was, by far, the most exciting part of her tour, regardless of how many impressive places they visited today.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  After riding the ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island and back with Aidan, Beth fixed her tangled hair into a bun. It was only early afternoon, but they had already covered a lot of the city. Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building were some of her favorites, although they did not eclipse Central Park.

  “That was so much fun,” she said upon their departure from the ferry terminal.

  Aidan ran his hand through his windblown hair. “I think the ferry gives the best vantage point for the Statue of Liberty.”

  “Thank you again for showing me around today.”

  He tossed a grin her way. “No problem.”

  They descended the stairs into the subway. Despite her protests, Aidan paid her fare again.


  “So where are we off to now?” Beth asked while they waited for the train.

  Aidan slipped his hands into his jacket pockets. “Actually, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to drop you off at your hotel. I have some things to take care of before dinner.”

  Beth nodded. “All right. That gives me time to get ready.”

  The train barreled into the station and they stepped on board.

  When Beth took her seat beside Aidan, she resisted the urge to rest her head on his shoulder or take his hand. She felt so relaxed with him that such gestures now seemed commonplace. However, she didn’t want to embarrass herself by acting too forward.

  As a distraction, she thought about how she could sneak into her hotel without Henry’s knowledge. It wasn’t four o’clock yet so she couldn’t call Will and ask him to accompany her. Whether she liked it or not, she would have to attempt a covert entrance on her own.

  Aidan rose to his feet and held out his hand. “Next stop is ours.”

  Beth took his hand and stood. Abruptly, the car rocked and she lost her footing, falling into his arms for the second time today. Aidan tightened his embrace, keeping her steady while the train jostled from side to side, its wheels screeching along the tracks.

  “It’s okay,” he said, his lips to her ear. “I got you.”

  Beth rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes, savoring their physical reunion.

  The train slowed to a stop in the station and a fierce breeze swept into the car from the opened doors. Neither of them made an effort to leave.

  Beth opened her eyes and looked up, transfixed by Aidan’s intense gaze and the incredible feeling of his hands drifting up her back over her coat—

  Aidan jolted to attention. “Shit!”

  He took Beth’s hand and yanked her out of the car. The doors closed behind them just as they stepped onto the platform.

  Beth placed her hand to her chest, struggling to control her laughter. “We almost missed our stop!”

  Aidan’s mouth lifted into a rakish grin. “Heck, it wouldn’t have been so bad.”

  A blush flooded her cheeks. “I agree.”

  “Sorry about the swearing.”

  “What do you mean?” she asked.

  Aidan looked at her sheepishly. “I said, well, shit. I should’ve chosen a more appropriate word.”

  “I told you before I’m not offended by curse words.” Beth shrugged. “Everyone has a slip of the tongue now and then. I even heard my father swear once. He was building me a playhouse in the backyard when I was six years old and he hit his thumb with a hammer. Boy, he cursed a blue streak!”

  Aidan chuckled. “Still, I’ll try to watch myself.”

  Back at street level, they walked along the sidewalk sluggishly, as if they were both trying to delay their impending separation.

  “What time would you like me to be ready by?” Beth inquired.

  Aidan paused for a moment. “Dinner is at five, so four thirty should be good.”

  As they approached the intersection nearest the Plaza Hotel, Beth stopped walking. “Aidan, I must confess something.”

  His forehead creased with worry. “What is it?”

  “Henry, my chaperone, thinks I’m out with Will Everett today.”

  Aidan lifted his eyebrows. “Seriously?”

  “Please don’t be cross with me. It wasn’t that I was embarrassed to tell Henry I was spending the day with you. I just didn’t want to risk his interference and ruin our chance at a wonderful outing.”

  “How could you think I’d be mad at you?” Aidan smirked. “It’s actually kind of flattering you’d go to such lengths to see me today.”

  Beth gazed at him timidly. “I really didn’t want to miss this opportunity. I’m having the best time with you.” She took in a sharp breath as his fingertips brushed hers. The contact was as enticing as the first time, every time.

  “Same here,” he said softly.

  “So please understand when I say it’s best if we say our good-byes here.”

  Aidan pulled his hand away. “At least let me walk you across the street.”

  She smiled. “All right. Thank you.”

  “Oh, cool!”

  “No way!”

  Beth glanced over Aidan’s shoulder. Three boys, about twelve years of age, stood behind him wearing baseball hats, baseball gloves, and T-shirts and jeans stained with grass and dirt.

  “It is him, I’m telling you,” said one boy, his blond hair sticking out from under his cap.

  The redhead in the trio shook his head. “Forget it, Ron, there’s no way.”

  A third boy with dark hair tossed a baseball up into the air and caught it in his glove. “I think it’s him, too.”

  Aidan turned around.

  “I told you!” the blond-haired boy exclaimed. “That’s Spike Rollins!”

  Aidan shifted on his feet. “Listen, fellas, I’m not—”

  “You’re our hero!” the dark-haired boy said. “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so I can save people’s lives, just like you did for your brother.”

  “Well, if you wanna be a doctor, that means staying in school,” Aidan replied, his posture adopting a more relaxed quality. “So don’t go running off and joining a street gang.”

  “Oh no, Spike, not me. I’ll stay in school, Scout’s honor.” The boy flashed the Boy Scout signal with his ungloved hand.

  Aidan grinned. “Good.”

  “Me too, Spike,” the blond-haired boy said. “I wanna be a famous baseball player and toss the ball around like you and your brother do.”

  “Baseball, huh?” Aidan winked at Beth.

  She smiled in return.

  The red-haired boy jutted his thumb to his chest. “I wanna be a police officer, so I can arrest all the bad gang members and help the good gang members, like you, get money for their brothers’ heart operations.”

  “You fellas know I’m not a real gang member, right?” Aidan said with a chuckle.

  “Oh, we know,” the red-haired boy replied. “You just joined the gang to help your brother. Now that he’s had his operation, you’re going back to high school to earn your diploma.”

  The blond-haired boy took off his baseball glove and extended it to Aidan. “Can you sign this, Spike?”

  The other two boys thrust their gloves at him as well.

  Aidan patted the pockets of his jeans and frowned. “I don’t have a pen.”

  Beth opened her purse and dug through it.

  “Will this do?” She pulled out the pen she used to write down the telephone number of Will’s friend.

  The boys jumped up and down and shouted their excitement.

  Aidan’s fingers brushed Beth’s as he took the pen and whispered, “Thanks.”

  Her skin tingled even after he pulled away.

  “Are you sure you want me to sign your gloves?” Aidan focused back on the boys. “They look pretty expensive.”

  “Spike, we’d be honored, honest,” the blond-haired boy replied.

  Aidan tucked two of the gloves under his arm while he autographed the first one. Beth’s smile widened when she noticed he signed his name, Spike Rollins. Upon completion of the third autograph, he put the lid back on the pen and returned it to her. Unfortunately, their fingers didn’t touch this time.

  “Thanks, Spike, you’re the greatest,” the dark-haired boy said, admiring the autograph on his glove.

  Aidan shrugged. “Don’t mention it.”

  The boys said good-bye and took off running down the sidewalk, hooting and hollering, and raising their gloves triumphantly.

  Beth placed her hand on Aidan’s forearm. “I think you’re a wonderful role model to those boys, and all the others who’ve seen your film.”

  Aidan’s eyes swept down the sidewalk in the direction the boys traveled. “I never thought I’d be a positive influence on anyone.”

  “Why not?”

  He shrugged and didn’t elaborate.

  The two of them crossed the
road in silence and stopped next to the Plaza.

  Beth’s heart fluttered as Aidan inched closer. She wondered how he would say good-bye—with just words, or more.

  “Beth?”

  “Yes?” she whispered.

  Aidan took her hand and brought it to his lips for a soft kiss.

  “I’m really looking forward to our evening together.” He glanced up at her with smoldering eyes. “Thank you again for coming out with me today.”

  “You’re welcome, Aidan.” Beth was certain her blush gave away just how delighted she was. “So, where should I meet you at four thirty?”

  Aidan let go of her hand and walked backward, his grin possessing an air of cockiness. “Just come around to the side of the hotel. You’ll see me.”

  With his grin intact, he turned around and dodged traffic on his journey across the street, blanketed by the sunlight that swept over Central Park.

  Beth watched him until he disappeared down the stairs and into the subway. Her smile never faltered as she made her way to the front entrance of the Plaza, even though she felt nervous about possibly stumbling upon Henry.

  The doorman greeted her with a nod. “Good day, ma’am.”

  “Good day,” she replied.

  Cautiously, she entered the hotel and scanned the lobby. The coast was clear. Her journey to the elevators was made swiftly. Thankfully, the elevator arrived in a timely manner and she was the only passenger, aside from the operator.

  The operator gave her a polite smile. “Good day, Miss Sutton. Top floor, correct?”

  “Yes, please.”

  The doors closed and the elevator began its ascent.

  “Mr. Smith let you go off on your own today, I see.”

  “Actually, I wasn’t out on my own,” Beth replied, maintaining her lie in case their conversation got back to Henry. “Will Everett is showing me around town. I’m meeting him again a bit later. He just had some errands to run.”

  The operator nodded.

  “We’re just friends, of course,” she added. “More costars than anything else, really.”

  He nodded again. “Yes, of course, Miss Sutton.”

  Beth clutched her purse with both hands, ready to bolt to her room as soon as the doors opened. She wanted to maximize her time so she would look her best and be punctual for dinner.