Starbright

by Richland, Alexandra

  “It’s wonderful to see you, too, sweetie.” Her mother brushed her hair back and gasped.

  Her father rushed toward them. “Marie, what in the world happened to your forehead?”

  Beth stepped away from her parents, avoiding their concerned gazes out of guilt. She had withheld her injury from them because she didn’t want to cause them unnecessary worry.

  “I fell and hit my head on the telephone table in our old apartment.” She pushed her hair back so they could see the fading lesion better. “It’s nothing, really. The doctor said there won’t even be a scar.”

  “Regardless, you should’ve told your mother and me.” Her father observed her studiously. “How did you fall in the first place?”

  Beth hated keeping the details a secret from her parents, but she didn’t want to give them the impression that her life in Los Angeles was dangerous. Although it was extremely out of character for her to lie, she rationalized it was for the best in this situation, like she did when she decided not to tell Aidan about her most recent meeting with Mr. Mertz.

  She dodged her parents’ stares as she replied. “Our living room was full of boxes because we were packing for our move, and I tripped over one of them.”

  “Did your studio health insurance cover your medical care?”

  “Yes, it did.” Beth stuttered her response, caught her off guard by her father’s inquiry.

  After further consideration, she still had no idea who had paid her hospital bill. She had health insurance, but since Nathan insisted on keeping the hospital visit a secret, and all claims had to be approved by Mr. Mertz personally, the studio couldn’t have covered the bill. The only logical answer was Nathan had Mr. Stern take care of it from her business account.

  “Mama, Papa, would you like something to drink?” she asked, eager to change the subject.

  The severity diminished in her father’s face. “A glass of water, please.”

  “I’ll have the same.” Mrs. Bates’ attention moved to her daughter’s neck. “My, what a lovely necklace, Marie.”

  Beth’s cheeks grew red. “I just got it recently.”

  Her mother leaned in to get a closer look.

  “Stunning,” she said, cradling the diamond pendent in her hand.

  Beth took her parents’ coats and her father’s hat and stowed them in the hall closet. “Papa, you can place the suitcases in the living room for now.” She gestured for her parents to follow her.

  As they walked down the hallway, her mother talked about their first airplane ride as well as their first impressions of Los Angeles. Mrs. Bates also explained they were provided a number to summon a studio car, which was available to drive them wherever they wanted to go for the duration of their stay. Furthermore, tomorrow night, the three of them had reservations at Mayflower, an exclusive restaurant in the city, which was typically booked up months in advance.

  Mr. and Mrs. Bates were born and raised in Clarkson and had never ventured outside of Oregon previously. After some persuasion, Beth convinced her father to accept bi-weekly checks from her, but he insisted he would only put the money toward practical purchases like fixing up the house. Whatever was left over, he saved instead of spending frivolously. He even continued working as a shoe repairman full time. Although Beth respected that her parents maintained their traditional values, she was happy they were able to experience L.A. and splurge a little.

  After escorting her parents into the living room, she ventured into the kitchen and poured two glasses of water.

  “I apologize for not inviting you myself,” she said as she reentered the living room. “I just never thought it was an option to fly you out here.” She handed her father his glass. “Papa, you never spoke highly of Los Angeles, so I assumed you wouldn’t want to visit.”

  Her father’s serious disposition returned. “Well, I’m still not certain this is the right place for you, but I’m keeping an open mind.”

  Her mother accepted the second glass of water. “Marie, I know we already congratulated you over the telephone, but we wanted to tell you in person how proud we are of your Oscar nomination.”

  “Thank you.” Beth’s voice wavered. Her parents’ praise meant as much to her as Aidan’s support, far surpassing even the highest accolades from the Academy.

  While her parents drank their water, Beth showed them around the house, pointing out the new furniture she and Olivia bought and explaining the decor still needed sprucing up.

  “In the New Year, Olivia and I want to replace the wallpaper in the kitchen and bedrooms,” she said upon conclusion of the tour. “We also want to paint the bathroom.”

  “Where is Olivia?” her mother asked. “I would love to meet her.”

  “She’s staying at a friend’s house for a few days, but I’ll see if we can arrange a get-together.” Beth kept her response vague. Divulging to her conservative parents that Olivia’s friend was actually a beau wasn’t the smartest idea. “Mama, Papa, now that you’re familiar with the house, why don’t you place your belongings in my bedroom? I have a double bed now, so you’ll find the accommodation comfortable. I’ll stay in Olivia’s room.”

  As soon as her parents left the living room. Beth darted over to the telephone. She lifted the receiver and turned her back to the doorway, bettering her chances of hiding her conversion.

  “Western Union Operator. What number?”

  Beth kept her voice as hushed as possible. “Hollywood 53211, please.”

  She fiddled with her angel pendent as she waited for the operator to connect the call.

  “Hello?”

  At the sound of her beau’s voice, Beth smiled. “Thank you. They just arrived.”

  “So you figured out it was me, huh?” Aidan sighed. “I was gonna tell you the next time we talked.”

  Beth cast a sparkling glance at the couch they had occupied earlier. “It was a lovely surprise. You’re the most wonderful beau in the world.”

  “I booked the airfare and dinner reservations, but Nate was the one who located your parents in Clarkson. He also arranged the chauffeured car and sent the telegram and plane tickets from the studio to make it seem like they came from Mertz.”

  “But all of it was your idea, right?”

  There was a humble pause before he answered. “Yeah.”

  “Aidan, please come for dinner tonight.” The invitation spilled from Beth’s lips without hesitation. “I want my parents to meet you.”

  The extended silence on the other end made her think she had pushed him too far. After all, meeting the parents was a large step, and they had only recently begun their courtship.

  Before she could make amends, Aidan replied. “I’m honored you asked me. I just don’t think it’s a good idea. What if your parents hate me?”

  Beth giggled. “They won’t hate you.”

  Silence filled the line again.

  “Okay,” he said finally. “Just don’t tell them I arranged their trip. They might not like that I led them to believe Mertz was responsible. I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot, you know?”

  “I won’t. I promise.” Beth tightened her grip on the receiver, unable to contain her excitement. “I can’t wait to see you. Is six o’clock all right?”

  “I love you, you know that?” She could hear the grin in his voice. “And, yeah, six is perfect.”

  “I love you, too, Aidan. See you soon.” With a bright smile, she hung up the telephone.

  “Marie?”

  Beth whipped around and came face to face with her parents. The lack of curiosity in their expressions led her to believe they hadn’t heard her conversation with Aidan.

  “Are you settled all right?” she asked, testing her theory.

  Her mother’s smile calmed her nerves. “Yes, your room is lovely, dear. Thank you. I hope we’re not intruding.”

  “Oh, Mama, of course you’re not intruding. I want to spend as much time with the two of you as possible. In fact, if you’re not too tired, I’d like to show
you the sights this afternoon. Then we can return here and I can make dinner.” She giggled at the intrigue that lit her father’s eyes. “Yes, Papa, I’ll make your favorite shepherd’s pie.”

  “Well, if it’s not too much trouble.” Her father maintained a composed front, but she knew how much he missed eating her specialty dish. He always said her mother never made it quite as tasty as she did.

  “It’s no trouble at all.” Beth released a deep breath. It was now or never. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve invited someone else to dinner tonight—a young man who has been courting me.”

  Her father raised his eyebrows. “What is this young man’s name? What does he do for a living?”

  “Well, Papa, his name is Aidan, and he’s an actor.”

  “An actor?”

  Perusing her father’s face, Beth couldn’t tell if he thought this was a good thing or a bad thing.

  “And does this actor have a last name?”

  Beth gave a sheepish nod. “Evans.”

  Recognition brightened her mother’s eyes. “John, remember the film we saw in the fall about the gang member who saves his brother’s life? Aidan Evans is the young man who played the gang member.”

  Beth cringed. She wished her mother hadn’t used the phrase gang member to describe her beau.

  Her father’s eyebrows came together. “Ah, yes. The film was called…”

  “Spike Rollins,” Beth replied.

  A frown tugged at her father’s lips. “From what I’ve read about him, he seems crass and irresponsible.”

  “The press exaggerate Aidan’s image to make him and his character one and the same,” Beth hastened to explain. “He’s actually a very wonderful, kind, and—”

  She closed her mouth. It was imperative not to be overly exuberant in her description. Not only did she want to avoid raising questions about the true extent of her relationship with Aidan because this was the first her parents were hearing of him, she also didn’t want the romance to come across as nothing but a silly, schoolgirl crush.

  She aimed to present a more mature take on her beau, hoping her parents would take her seriously. “Aidan is a nice, respectable young man. I believe you would like him if you gave him a chance.”

  “I will withhold judgment until after I meet the boy,” her father said with firm nod.

  Beth stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Papa.”

  “Well, I, for one, am excited to meet this young man, Marie.” Her mother placed a hand on her forearm. “You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders. I’m sure it will be a splendid evening.”

  Via the studio car arranged by Nathan, Beth showed her parents many of the main attractions that afternoon, including Grauman’s Egyptian Theater and the Hollywood Bowl. Thankfully, she wasn’t recognized too often and only had to sign a handful of autographs. She preferred to give her parents all of her attention.

  At the conclusion of the tour, her parents asked to meet with Mr. Mertz at Starlight Studios and thank him personally for their trip. Beth was able to avoid the matter by explaining the studio was closed for the holidays and promising to thank him on their behalf the next time she saw him.

  Back at the house, Mr. Bates took a seat in the living room. Beth retrieved the ashtray she and Olivia kept for guests so he could enjoy a cigarette while her mother helped her prepare dinner. By the time six o’clock arrived, everything was ready for Aidan’s arrival.

  The three of them sat in the living room, dressed in their best evening attire, when Aidan knocked on the front door. Beth excused herself, unable to eliminate the smile from her face. Her mother looked just as pleased while her father stubbed his cigarette in the ashtray and leaned back in his seat with an expression that gave nothing away.

  Beth tried to keep her strides to the foyer at a proper pace, but as soon as she exited the living room, her giddiness propelled her in an all-out sprint down the hallway. Smoothing out her dress, she pulled open the front door.

  Aidan stood on the other side, clean-shaven and dressed in the same black suit from yesterday, which had been neatly pressed after spending the night on her living room floor. His hair was tamed slightly and he held two large bouquets of roses, one red in color and the other, sunny yellow.

  “Baby, you look…” Aidan’s moonlit gaze scanned her body. “Wow.”

  Beth’s cheeks filled with color. “Thank you. You look incredible yourself.”

  Aidan brushed his lips to her cheek and passed her the bouquet of red roses. “These are for you.”

  Beth brought the flowers to her nose. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.”

  They walked down the corridor hand in hand but respectfully let go before entering the living room.

  Beth released a slow breath as her parents stood from the sofa to greet her beau.

  “Hello, Aidan.” Mrs. Bates extended her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Bates. It’s an honor to meet you.” Aidan shook her hand and offered her the yellow roses. “These are for you, ma’am.”

  Mrs. Bates looked at Beth approvingly before accepting them. “Thank you, Aidan. And please, call me Barbara.”

  Aidan offered his hand to Beth’s father next. “Good evening, Mr. Bates.”

  “Good evening.” He gave Aidan a handshake that matched his firm gaze.

  A lull developed after the initial introductions. In an effort to keep things flowing smoothly, Beth gestured to the couches. “Gentlemen, mother, please have a seat. I’ll fetch us some drinks before dinner.”

  “I’ll come with you,” her mother said. “We can put our flowers in water.”

  Beth’s broad smile overcompensated for her returning jitters. “Good idea.”

  Aidan took a seat on the sofa they had slept on last night while her father sat on the opposite one.

  Mr. Bates removed his Chesterfields from the breast pocket of his suit jacket and extended the package to her beau. “Cigarette?”

  “Thank you, sir.” Aidan took one cigarette from the package and brought it to his lips.

  Normally, he refused to smoke around her. By accepting her father’s offer, Beth had confirmation that even though he looked calm and collected on the outside, inside, he felt nervous.

  Beth entered the kitchen with her mother.

  “He seems like a very polite young man, Marie,” her mother said. “And based on the looks he gives you, he sure seems to fancy you.”

  “Yes, he does very much, Mama.” Beth retrieved two vases from under the sink, hoping to conceal her blush. After placing the roses in water, they returned to the living room with two glasses of root beer, her father’s favorite beverage.

  “Yes, but—” Mr. Bates’ speech halted upon their entry.

  Aidan’s gaze sank to the floor, along with Beth’s heart, as several worst-case scenarios invaded her mind.

  “What were you two discussing?” Mrs. Bates’ light tone indicated she was oblivious to the tension in the room. She took a seat next to her husband, smiling widely.

  “Nothing.” Mr. Bates took a drag on his cigarette and accepted his drink.

  Beth sat next to Aidan, keeping a respectable distance between them. Stubbing out his cigarette, he managed a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. She gave him his root beer and forced her own smile, refusing to showcase her worries.

  “So, young man, I understand you’re an actor.” Smoke billowed from her father’s mouth with the comment. “When did you sign your contract with the studio?”

  Aidan placed his drink on one of the coasters on the coffee table. “I’m not under contract, actually.”

  The arch of Mr. Bates’ eyebrows evidenced his surprise.

  “When I agreed to come out to Hollywood to make my first film last spring, part of the deal was I didn’t have to sign with the studio.”

  “What’s wrong with being signed?” Mr. Bates demanded, setting down his root beer.

  Aidan shrugged. “Nothing, really.”
r />   Mr. Bates exhaled a series smoke rings, fixing him with a wary gaze. “What do you mean by that?”

  Aidan shrugged. “I just mean, for me, it wouldn’t work.”

  “And why not?”

  “I like to have creative freedom and be able to choose which projects I work on.” Aidan picked up his drink again. “I’m sort of a freelance actor, if you will.”

  Mr. Bates leaned forward to extinguish his cigarette in the ashtray on the table. “Doesn’t that mean your future projects aren’t guaranteed like they are for my daughter? It seems to me there’s no financial security in being a freelance actor.”

  “With all due respect, sir, I understand your position, but the way I figure it is, if I’m able to pick my own projects based on substance and interest, I’ll be more dedicated to my characters, which means I’ll turn out better performances in the end.”

  Aidan set down his root beer without taking a drink. “You see, sir, my goal is to secure my future in the industry based on talent alone. Plus, being under contract isn’t what the papers make it out to be. Mertz—” He shot Beth a furtive glance. “I mean, Mr. Mertz has the right to terminate contracts at any time if his strict orders are not obeyed.”

  “We all need rules to abide by, young man.” Mr. Bates scowled. “Rejecting a studio contract suggests that you’re a difficult young man. A renegade, who doesn’t like anyone telling him what to do.”

  “John.” Mrs. Bates’ voice held a gentle warning to it.

  He held up his hand. “Now, Barbara, I’m not picking a fight. I’m just trying to learn more about the boy’s thought process, is all.”

  Beth gave Aidan an apologetic look, but he didn’t seem at all intimidated by her father’s approach.

  “I understand how it may seem, but respectfully, sir, I believe it’s better to be in complete control of my career. I don’t want someone telling me what characters to play. That said, please make no mistake. There is order on the movie sets I work on, and I have no problem following rules laid out by people I admire.”

  Mr. Bates pursed his lips. “I see. So you think my daughter is nothing but a studio puppet without a mind of her own, then.”

  Aidan’s eyes widened. “No, not at all. Beth is—”