Starlight

by Alexandra Richland

  The only other tour highlight was Portland because her parents had showed up to support her. They said how proud they were of her and asked how she was enjoying her tour. Beth replied that everything was wonderful to avoid causing them concern.

  Saying good-bye to her parents was difficult. Although they promised to see each other soon, she wasn’t sure when that would be. Last year, she couldn’t return home for Thanksgiving or Christmas because she couldn’t afford it. Now she had the money, but her work schedule didn’t permit more than a couple of days off.

  While Beth was on tour, she felt completely shut off from the world, even though she was at the center of a media blitz. Thankfully, Olivia kept her up to date on all of the latest news from Hollywood, including information on their friends and various studio projects. The only person she couldn’t provide information on was Aidan, aside from confirming he was back in L.A. Nathan had only seen him twice, and apparently, he hadn’t mentioned Beth at all.

  Beth had hoped Aidan would come out of hiding upon her return, especially since Olivia told Nathan to tell him she was home, but she hadn’t heard anything yet. So much time had passed, she worried that Aidan had forgotten about her or decided he didn’t want to see her again after all.

  When Sparkling Meadow premiered at the Astor Theater in New York, the turnout rivaled the Spike Rollins’ premiere and the event made the front pages of all the entertainment papers. The reviews for Beth’s performance and the film overall were resoundingly positive and she tried her best to cope with her newfound fame. Everywhere she went, people asked for her autograph and she’d received many calls and telegrams from industry professionals who said they had approached Mr. Mertz about projects in which they wanted her involved. Her next film was out of her control, so she simply thanked them for their interest.

  Even though Sparkling Meadow was a tremendous success, Aidan still had the number one movie in the country. They were the top two new stars, but while Beth constantly spoke with the press and participated in photo shoots, Aidan kept a much lower profile.

  Olivia told Beth she’d heard around the studio lot that Aidan refused to conduct interviews and publications were forced to falsify articles and fool readers into thinking they’d spoken to him in person. Beth viewed it as yet another perk of not being signed under contract. Aidan didn’t have to do anything he didn’t want to do.

  Now that she was back in L.A. and no longer caught up in the whirlwind of her press tour, she was able to fully grasp and appreciate the impact Aidan’s performance had on not only the film industry, but the entire country.

  In the wake of Spike Rollins’ nationwide release, his popularity skyrocketed. He was a new breed of Hollywood star with the ability to tap into something deep inside him that resonated with everyone; a special magic rarely seen.

  The anti-hero was now the hero. Theatergoers now demanded more characters like Spike Rollins—someone they could relate to with flaws, fears, and fierce determination. Aidan wasn’t like the actors they were used to who memorized scripts and recited lines confidently, perfectly coiffed and dressed in fashionable clothing. He was unrefined, unkempt, and hesitant in his delivery, not out of lack of confidence, but realism. His performance was authentic and came from within. The epicenter, the living breathing soul of his art, was nonconformity.

  In contrast, Beth was a contract star, representing the tried and true studio system and its glamorous, untouchable stars. She provided the public with an escape, someone to look up to, not relate to. As a couple, she and Aidan might’ve seemed like a contradiction, but she had never felt so right about anything in her entire life. She believed they made more sense together than apart.

  Beth placed her wallet in the purse she chose to take on her excursion today and left her bedroom. She was accompanying Connie and Olivia on a shopping trip for Connie’s annual Halloween party, which was apparently the most popular Halloween get-together for the who’s-who of Hollywood. The guest list was very elite. Unfortunately, Olivia told her that Aidan wasn’t included. Today, Beth hoped to convince Connie to invite him.

  “Oh, Beth, I can’t believe you’re here!” Olivia said as she entered the living room.

  Beth giggled. “Liv, you’ve been saying that for three days now.”

  Olivia pouted. “Yes, but the three weeks and three days you were away felt like an eternity! Sure, we talked on the phone almost every night, but it wasn’t the same.”

  Beth smiled. “I’m glad I’m home, too.”

  The two of them made their way downstairs to the limousine Connie had sent to bring them to her house. Olivia didn’t have her license and Beth felt too uncomfortable driving in a big city, even though she could now afford a car. A studio vehicle was available when she attended a business function or traveled to and from the studio. Other than that, she was on her own.

  “So I’m thinking we should head to Maxine’s on Rodeo and Louise’s on Wilshire. Oh, and The Glass Slipper, of course,” Olivia said as they approached the car. “What do you think?”

  Beth shrugged. “Sure. You know more about shopping in this city than I do. You also know I would happily wear something from my closet to the party and I’m only tagging along because I want to spend the day with you and Connie.”

  Connie’s chauffeur, Martin, greeted them with a smile and opened the back door of the limousine. “Good morning, ladies.”

  Beth and Olivia returned the greeting and took their seats.

  “I can’t believe you haven’t heard from Aidan yet,” Olivia said after Martin shut the door. “I told Nathan to pass along the message that you were back.”

  Beth frowned. “I’m hoping he’s just giving me time to settle in.”

  “Maybe.”

  “Although, in his letter, he asked if I wanted to see him again, so perhaps he’s waiting for me to contact him first.”

  Olivia scoffed. “Beth, this is 1953, and you’re no Katharine Hepburn. Women must wait for men to make the first move. I told Nathan to tell Aidan you were interested in seeing him again, so it’s up to him to contact you.”

  “Maybe he’s busy,” Beth replied. “You said yourself that since he’s been back no one has really seen him around.”

  “But he’s not even working on a film—” Olivia stopped short and flashed a smile. “I mean, you’re right. I’m sure that’s it.”

  Beth focused her attention outside to conceal her disappointment. She knew Olivia was only agreeing to make her feel better.

  “So, um, Beth?”

  She turned away from the window at Olivia’s nervous prompt. “Yes?”

  Olivia scooted closer. “I have something to share with you.” Her lips turned up, revealing a brilliant smile. “Nathan and I made love.”

  “What? Where? When?” Beth pulled her in for a tight hug. “I’m so happy for you!”

  Although the sentiment was true, she felt a twinge of envy as well. She also couldn’t help but wonder how much experience Aidan had with intimacy. At the thought of him being with another woman—or women—that way, a sickening weight settled in her stomach.

  Tears shone in Olivia’s eyes. “It was so romantic. Candlelight, soft music … He was so gentle and patient with me. As for where and when: his house, one week before you came home.”

  “One week! Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

  “Please don’t be cross with me, Beth. I wanted to tell you right away, but I decided I needed to share it with you in person. I just didn’t find the right moment until now.”

  “While I was away did you stay overnight at his place often?” Beth inquired.

  Olivia looked at her coyly. “Every night.”

  “But you never stayed over there before.”

  Olivia rolled her eyes. “Of course not. I would never leave you alone in our apartment overnight. You’re like a sister to me and sisters stick together.”

  ”Well, from now on, please stay over at his house whenever you like.”

  Olivia smiled. “We
’ll see.”

  Beth hesitated before asking her next question, since it wasn’t a topic women usually conversed on. “So … what about protection?”

  “While you were on tour, Connie took me to see her doctor,” Olivia replied in a nonchalant way that eased her embarrassment. “She approached me about it because she sensed Nathan and I were growing closer and she wanted me to be prepared. At first, I told her I didn’t think we were ready to take such a big step, but she persisted. Then, one week later, we made love.” She dropped her voice to a whisper. “So if you ever need anything, Beth … if you and Aidan … well, Connie can help you.”

  Beth’s eyes grew wide, but she found herself nodding. “Isn’t it difficult to get help from a doctor for such things if you’re not married?”

  Olivia giggled. “Beth, this is a Hollywood doctor. They’re very accommodating when it comes to celebrities with lots of money. With Connie’s recommendation, he was more than happy to help me. She’s been seeing him since she signed with the studio. He’s very trustworthy.”

  The limousine pulled up Connie’s driveway, putting the brakes on their conversation. Connie waited outside wearing a belted royal blue dress, a wide-brimmed hat, and large black sunglasses. She rushed down the front steps with her arms wide and wrapped them both in a hug. The three of them stood in a tight embrace, gushing about how great it felt to be reunited.

  Connie removed her sunglasses. “So Olivia, what’s the plan?”

  “Maxine’s, Louise’s … The Glass Slipper to start.”

  Connie beamed. “Excellent. We’re going to look fabulous at my party!”

  Beth cleared her throat. “Um, speaking of the party … I was wondering if I could bring someone who isn’t on the guest list.”

  “Why, of course. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.” Connie frowned. “Although I’m surprised this person wasn’t invited. The guest list includes everyone who’s anyone in town.” Her eyes brightened. “Is it a man?”

  Beth nodded.

  Connie squealed. “Who is it? Do I know him? This is wonderful! Now we can triple date!”

  Beth shot a nervous glance in Olivia’s direction.

  “Aidan Evans,” she said quietly.

  Connie’s gay expression vanished. “Aidan Evans?”

  Beth’s cheeks grew warm. “Yes. I ran into him in New York and we had a very pleasant, um, exchange.”

  A silence befell the group.

  Beth held her breath, hoping Connie would agree. After all, she stuck up for him at Ciro’s so she couldn’t hate him too much.

  “Well, if you want him there …” Connie made a sour face. “Fine, you may invite him. It’s a large house so it’s not like I’ll have to talk to him if I don’t want to.”

  Beth clasped her hands to her chest. “Oh, Connie, thank you!”

  Connie raised her eyebrows at Olivia. “And you’re all right with this?”

  Olivia giggled. “Oh, relax. I don’t think Aidan is as bad as everyone makes him out to be at the studio.”

  “Have you spoken with him?” Connie asked.

  “Not really,” Olivia replied, “just a few words at the commissary back in the spring—that time you were there. But I trust Beth’s judgment.”

  Beth smiled in appreciation.

  Connie put her sunglasses back on. “Well, we’ll see.”

  The three of them piled into the back of the limousine and drove to the first boutique on Olivia’s list. Now that Connie had approved Aidan’s invitation, Beth felt more enthusiastic about buying a costume. She also decided, despite Olivia’s advice, if she didn’t hear from him soon, she would ask Nathan for his telephone number so she could contact him. She didn’t care if it was the man’s responsibility to make the first move. She was desperate to see him again and didn’t want to thwart the opportunity to spend the evening with him at Connie’s party.

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Aidan removed his sunglasses as he drove through the gates of Matthew’s Bel Air mansion with the top down on his Porsche, eyeing the property in disbelief. The architecture was classical colonial with Greek columns, a white exterior, and a colorful, lush landscape—definitely not the type of place where he expected Matthew to reside.

  He parked behind Nathan’s Cadillac in a circular driveway encompassing a stone fountain and got out of the car.

  “No way!” Matthew descended the front steps, his eyes growing wider the closer he got to the Porsche. “How on earth did you get this vehicle?”

  Aidan smirked. “I’m an important guy in New York. What can I say?”

  Matthew let out a low whistle. “This model isn’t even available on the west coast, is it?”

  Aidan patted the hood proudly. “Nope, this baby is one of a kind out here.”

  “She sure is a beauty.” Matthew gave the car another thorough once-over.

  Nathan emerged from the house, dressed casually in a polo shirt and slacks. Now Aidan didn’t look out of place in his jeans and T-shirt.

  “Hey, Aidan, good to see you.”

  He nodded. “You too, Nate.”

  “Nathan, have you seen his new car?” Matthew asked.

  Aidan laughed. “You bet he has. We raced the other day and I left his Cadillac in the dust.”

  A grin crossed Matthew’s face. “Wow, the Porsche beat the all mighty baby blue Caddy?”

  Nathan descended the steps to the courtyard. “Hey, I’m up for a rematch anytime.”

  Matthew waved him off. “Don’t bother. Aidan’s car will always win. They’re racing these babies over in Europe, you know, even though they were made for the States.”

  “I’ve actually been hanging out at the Toller Track,” Aidan said. “I’ve signed up for a race in Santa Barbara in December. By then, I’ll have logged enough practice hours.”

  “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Matthew’s grin widened. “I mean, don’t you need skill to race?”

  Aidan smiled. “I have skill. You should feel sorry for the other drivers. They’re paying fifteen bucks to enter and will have nothing to show for it except dust from my car on their front fenders.”

  Matthew chuckled and returned to admiring the Porsche.

  Aidan made his way around to the passenger’s side and noticed Nathan looking at him strangely. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. It’s just …” Nathan frowned. “No offense, but you’re looking kind of rough.”

  Aidan could talk to Nathan about many things but his reason for not getting any sleep wasn’t one of them. He shrugged, trying to present a collected charade. “I’ve been busy. You know, racing practice and … stuff.”

  Nathan nodded, though he didn’t look convinced. “That’s what I figured.”

  “What a great machine.” Matthew regarded Aidan hopefully. “Mind if I take her for a quick spin?”

  Aidan tossed him the keys. “Consider yourself lucky.”

  Matthew rode around his driveway a few times, yelling “Yee haw” like a cowboy, and then the group headed into the house.

  Aidan had thought the outside looked pretentious, but that was nothing compared to the inside. The foyer was painted a dark red with mahogany wood as the finish of choice. Marble statues of people with no arms and legs and gilded-framed paintings decorated the perimeter, what could only be a crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, and a fancy carpet adorned the marble floor.

  “What’s with the art?” Aidan asked as he inspected one of the statues.

  “Greek imports,” Matthew replied, as if that explained everything. “And the carpet is from Turkey.”

  “You’re into that stuff?”

  Nathan chuckled at Aidan’s question.

  Matthew’s face turned deep red. “Well, I picked the paint color.”

  “And Connie selected the art, light fixtures, and rug,” Nathan added with a smirk. “She may have her own place, but her imprint is pretty clear here as well.”

  Aidan smiled and shook his head.

  Nathan c
lapped once. “All right, how about some Battle Royal, fellas?”

  “Battle Royal!” Matthew shouted the words as if he was a coach, revving his team up for the big game. He pumped his fists into the air and Aidan and Nathan followed him into a room off the entrance hall.

  Circular tables covered in dark green felt were set up throughout the space, each stacked with a deck of cards and poker chips. Aidan couldn’t believe Matthew had a room solely for playing cards.

  They sat down at a table in the middle and Nathan picked up the deck in front of him. He showed off an impressive shuffling technique and then dealt them. Aidan wasn’t much of a card player but he was familiar with this version of gin rummy.

  Matthew lit a cigar while Aidan and Nathan opted for their usual Winstons and Lucky Strikes, respectively.

  “I wonder what the girls are up to right now,” Matthew said, his stogie clenched between his teeth.

  Nathan slapped a card down onto the table. “They’re probably still out shopping.”

  Aidan tossed Nathan a curious look. “You mean Olivia and Constance?”

  Matthew picked up the top card from the deck. “And Beth Sutton.”

  Nathan cringed.

  Aidan’s eyes widened. Beth was back in town and Nathan hadn’t told him?

  An older man wearing a tuxedo entered the room. “Mr. McKenna and guests, would you care for a drink?”

  “I’ll come with you, Randall.” Matthew rose from his seat. “I’ve been looking for an occasion to break open this drink I got on my last trip to New Orleans. It’s supposed to grow hair on your chest and we all know how much Evans needs that.” He slapped Aidan on the back and chuckled.

  Aidan was far too distracted to share his amusement. As soon as Matthew and Randall left the room, he got down to business.

  “How long has Beth been back?”

  Nathan bowed his head. “Three days.”

  “Damn it, Nate. Three days?” Aidan shoved his hand through his hair. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  He sighed. “Listen, I’m really sorry. I just … I have some stuff I’m dealing with right now. Her return completely slipped my mind.”