Starbright

by Richland, Alexandra

  Alarm crossed his face. “Beth, you’re crying. Are you all right?”

  “Am I all right?” A sob retched from her throat. She dropped to her knees and threw her arms around his neck, weeping into his shoulder. “I thought you were seriously hurt!”

  “I’m okay, I swear.” He rubbed his gloved hands along her back. “This isn’t what it looks like.”

  She sniffled and pulled back. “What do you mean? Claude hit you.”

  “Claude did hit me, but just hard enough to surprise the hell out of me and knock me off my feet. We’ve practiced that move a lot, but this time we misjudged each other’s distance, that’s all. I’m fine, really.”

  Beth’s eyebrows furrowed. “But there’s blood all over the place.”

  “It’s fake.”

  “Fake?”

  Aidan nodded. “Prop blood. Before we started the scene, I put some capsules containing a red, sucrose-based liquid under my tongue. Near the end of the round, I was supposed to bite down on them. When Claude clocked me by accident, the capsules caught between my teeth and broke prematurely. My lip might be bleeding for real from the hit, but it’s not responsible for all the mess you see now.”

  Claude stepped forward, holding his gloves in each hand. “What a relief! I thought I hurt you.”

  Aidan chuckled. “Hey, don’t get too cocky. It wasn’t that good of a hit. I only fell because my footing was off.”

  Grinning, Claude rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say.”

  Beth stared at the blood pooled on the mat. “But it looks so real.”

  Aidan regarded her apologetically as Rocky removed his boxing gloves, revealing his taped hands. “I should’ve warned you about the capsules. I had no idea you would react like this.”

  Beth gestured to him wildly. “You assumed I’d remain calm watching blood spill from the mouth of the love of my life?”

  Wade appeared at her side, his mouth hanging open. “Please tell me you’re talking about the love between your characters.”

  Beth blanched.

  “Ah, hell.” Kazan threw his hands up in the air.

  “Mr. Kazan, I’m so sorry. It was an accident!” Beth refocused on Aidan. In her despair, she’d forgotten they weren’t alone in the ring.

  His proud smile dissipated only some of her guilt and worry.

  “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Claude glanced between the couple, his eyes wide.

  “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything,” Clive said. “Actually, it makes sense. You two are good actors, but in some of the scenes we’ve shot so far, your chemistry was quite intense.”

  “I can’t believe I didn’t see it.” Wade shook his head. “Well, at least that explains Beth’s crazy reaction to Aidan’s hit.”

  Beth looked down at her soiled dress. Now that she was thinking clearly, she realized the blood had a distinct sugary smell to it.

  “Pardon me.” An older man entered the ring, carrying a black leather bag. He stopped before Aidan and smiled. “My name is Dr. Kellend. I’ve come to assess you.”

  “He’ll be okay.” Rocky folded his thick arms across his chest. “I’ve been dealt worse hits from professional boxers—no offense, Claude—and I came out all right.”

  Aidan shook his head. “No way. I don’t need a doctor.”

  “You must let him inspect you,” Beth protested.

  Aidan’s face tightened. “Okay, doc, you’ve got two minutes.”

  Dr. Kellend poured water from a cup he received from Clive onto a towel and cleaned the fake blood from Aidan’s face.

  “Well, you’ve split your lip, so the swelling you have is to be expected,” he said upon conclusion of his physical assessment. “Thankfully, you don’t have a bump on your head from when you hit the mat. Do you feel nauseated?”

  Aidan gritted his teeth. “No.”

  “Dizzy?”

  “Nah.”

  “Headache?”

  “Nope.”

  Dr. Kellend snapped his bag shut. “Well, young man, my professional medical opinion is you’re going to be just fine.”

  The physician departed the ring, and Beth and Aidan stood from the mat.

  “The busted lip will look good in the next scene.” Kazan shot Aidan a clever grin.

  “Hey, Method man, if you wanted real injuries, you should’ve come to me. I would’ve punched you myself,” Rocky joked.

  Wade grinned. “You went down like a ton of bricks, Aidan. I’d hate to have you backing me in a real fight.”

  Aidan chuckled. “I’m never gonna live this down, am I?”

  The men replied with a collective, “Never!”

  Although Beth still felt shaken by what happened, she laughed along with the group.

  Kazan motioned to Beth and Aidan. “Okay, now can all of you please keep this relationship under wraps? I don’t need Luther Mertz breathing down our necks even more.”

  Clive, Wade, and Claude agreed. Rocky did, too, although he’d already done a great job keeping their secret so far.

  Kazan clapped his hand on Aidan’s shoulder. “Good to have you back. Now let’s get everyone cleaned up so we don’t lose any more shooting time.”

  “I’m truly sorry,” Beth said again.

  Kazan waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it, kid. In fact, if Joe really was knocked out in the script, I would’ve spliced your reaction into the film. It was very touching.”

  “All right. Time to settle this fashion emergency!” Olivia’s high-pitched voice came from across the arena. She pushed her way through the crowd, carrying a garment bag, and entered the ring with help from security.

  She giggled as she stopped before Beth and Aidan. “Holy smokes. I heard there was a wardrobe catastrophe on set, but you two are a mess. Prop blood, is it?”

  Beth’s cheeks burned. Even Olivia knew it was prop blood. “I’m sorry I ruined your creation, Liv.”

  Olivia patted her garment bag. “Rule number one of movie fashion is always make at least two of everything.” She held out her hand. “Come with me. You’ll be good as new in no time.”

  A crewmember handed Kazan his bullhorn.

  “Okay, lunchtime,” the director announced. “Everyone must be back here and in their proper places in exactly one hour.”

  As Beth left the ring with Olivia, the extras erupted in applause. She stopping walking and scanned the arena in confusion.

  “What a remarkable performance, Miss Sutton,” a nearby extra called.

  “Too bad Mr. Evans actually got punched and Mr. Kazan had to stop filming,” another extra said. “Or else the scene would’ve been perfect.”

  Beth exhaled in relief. The extras didn’t have scripts and reacted to the match as it played out before them. Consequently, they could not have known her response was out of character. They believed Aidan’s mishap was responsible for ruining the scene while she had acted according to the script.

  Olivia ushered her inside her dressing room and shut the door. “What the heck happened out there?”

  Beth sat down at the mirror and regarded her mascara-streaked cheeks with a frown. “Aidan took a real hit that wasn’t scripted. I thought he was truly hurt, so I rushed into the ring, screaming and crying. When I reached him, I realized he was all right, but now Claude, Clive, and Wade know we’re a couple.” She sighed. “Even though the crew left the ring before I accidently exposed our relationship, they still must think I’m off my rocker because they know my reaction wasn’t part of the script. Only the extras are none the wiser.”

  “I would’ve done the same thing had Nathan been in that situation.” Olivia shrugged. “How were you supposed to know Aidan wasn’t badly hurt? As long as the extras are not aware of your relationship, I say no harm was done. I doubt Claude, Clive, or Wade will squeal.”

  “How did you know I needed a replacement dress?”

  “One of my assistants was on set and called me from the payphone in the hallway.”

  Beth smiled. “Thank you aga
in.”

  Olivia handed over the garment bag. “I must return to the seamstresses’ building. Just toss the dirty dress aside, and I’ll have someone come by and pick it up later.” She waved on her way to the door. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  “You’re a lifesaver, Liv,” Beth called.

  “I know.” Olivia giggled and disappeared down the corridor.

  During the next half hour, Beth changed into her new dress, her hairdresser fixed her curls, and Polly touched up her makeup. When she was alone again, she sat back in her chair amongst rumblings from the crowd in the arena. She was distracted from her thoughts of how to redeem herself in the next scene by a knock at the door.

  She rose from her seat. “Come in.”

  The door opened, revealing a prop-blood-free Aidan, dressed in clean boxing shorts. He looked as good as new except for his swollen lip and slight bruising on his ribs and around his eyes. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yes.” Beth pointed to his bruises. “Are those fake?”

  Aidan walked toward her. His caress of her cheek calmed her anxious heart. “Aside from my busted lip, the rest is all makeup. And just so you know, I’ll be using those fake blood capsules in the upcoming scenes.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate the warning.” Beth gave him a sheepish look. “I’m sorry I overreacted out there.”

  Aidan took her hand. “There’s no need to apologize. In fact, I’m glad some of the cast found out about us. Heck, I wish we could announce our relationship to the entire world.”

  Beth sighed. “Me, too.”

  Aidan pulled her into his arms. She pressed her cheek against his bare chest and closed her eyes, allowing his heartbeat to usher her to serenity.

  “Thank you for loving me,” he said, stroking her hair.

  Beth held back her tears so Polly wouldn’t have more work to do. “I’m just glad you’re all right.”

  “You okay in there, Beth?” Kazan accompanied his question with a knock on the door.

  “Yes, come in,” she replied.

  A grin spread across Kazan’s face as he opened the door. “Well, don’t you two look peachy? Sorry to interrupt, but I kinda got this movie I wanna finish, ya know?”

  Beth giggled and stepped away from Aidan. “I’m sorry for the delay.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s all Aidan’s fault.” Kazan chuckled and ushered them out of the dressing room.

  Beth’s hand remained entwined with Aidan’s until they entered the crowded arena. The boxing ring had been washed and dried, and everything was back to looking how it should for the two and a half rounds they still had to film today.

  “Welcome back, Beth,” Wade said as she took her seat beside him in the front row. He leaned into her ear. “Or should I say, ‘Mrs. Evans?’ ”

  Beth frowned. “We’re not going public with our relationship, so please be careful what you say. Mr. Mertz would punish me severely if he knew the truth.”

  “I’m sorry.” Wade shook his head incredulously. “I just can’t get over it. The two of you—you’re so different.”

  Beth gave a small shrug. There was no point trying to correct him.

  “I won’t spill the beans,” he said. “Aidan’s a cool cat and I’m happy for you.”

  Beth offered a genuine smile. “Thank you.”

  Aside from her close friends and family, Wade was the first person to give an official blessing. Would the public accept their relationship as well?

  “Okay, folks!” Kazan called from the ring. “We’re keeping the punch footage, even though our actor was injured by accident. Therefore, we’ll finish filming from where we left off. Kudos to Miss Sutton for staying in character the entire time.”

  The crowd applauded. Beth waved to them, playing along with Kazan’s cover story.

  They filmed the rest of the day’s scenes without incident. After his victory at the end of the fourth round, Joe exited the ring and walked toward Mary. Although Aidan was in character, Beth knew his loving gaze was as real as her proud smile.

  “Joe, you did it!” She wrapped her arms around him.

  “Mary, this is only the beginning for us.” He tightened his embrace, his grin widening. “Darling, you and I are heading all the way to the top.”

  Amongst the enthusiastic arena, Joe brushed his lips to hers in a tender display of unconditional love without the need for secrecy. The passion in his kiss rendered her blissfully breathless. As the crowd cheered over their characters’ relationship, Beth hoped that one day soon this would be their reality.

  With confidence shaky enough to register on the Richter scale, Aidan placed his car keys in his pocket and walked into RCA Victor’s Los Angeles division. In the lobby, he cleared his entry with security and then traveled down a hallway to studio C. The red light was on and the do-not-enter sign illuminated, indicating recording was in progress.

  Following his instructions, he entered quietly and took a seat beside the middle-aged man stationed between the soundboard and a machine with two moving tape reels. Glass partitioned the room. Matthew stood on the other side of the glass, wearing headphones and singing into a circular microphone with RCA emblazoned across the top of it in silver letters. His voice carried clearly through the speakers mounted above the soundboard.

  On Aidan’s side, the needles flickered in the volume unit meter, responding to the tone of Matthew’s voice. As he watched his friend, he refused to acknowledge the piano situated in the corner. They would become acquainted soon enough, much to his deep apprehension.

  Coming into the studio today was a big step for Aidan. Playing in front of Beth was nerve wracking enough, but performing in front of Matthew was another matter entirely. Unfortunately, it was his only option if he wanted Beth to own a copy of their song for Valentine’s Day.

  The producer nodded a greeting at Aidan and raised the volume on Matthew’s vocals.

  Shinin’ bright,

  With golden pride.

  In the ring,

  Your talent will sing.

  Back to the top,

  You will go.

  Show them what you’ve got,

  Reach for the rainbow.

  The lyrics were corny, but Matthew’s soulful voice added respectability to the song. It was sure to be a hit with Golden Gloves’ audience.

  Matthew elongated the final word and then fell into silence. When the tape reels stopped, he removed his headphones and grinned.

  “Hey, Evans. Aren’t I an amazing singer? Come on, you gotta admit it.”

  The producer swiveled his microphone to Aidan.

  He leaned into it to reply. “It’s all about making me look good, Matt. So do whatever you gotta do to accomplish that.”

  “That’s a good one.” Matthew winked at the producer. “Don’t you think, Chuck?”

  Chuck laughed and angled the microphone back to himself. “All right, you clown, that’s it for today.” He flicked another switch and looked at Aidan as Matthew walked over to their side of the glass. “Okay, kid, you’re up next.”

  Aidan stood from his chair with great difficulty. His dread weighed him down, rivaling the punishment Zeus bestowed upon Atlas. He greeted Matthew with a firm handshake, hoping his friend wouldn’t notice his sweaty palm.

  Matthew grabbed Aidan’s chin and inspected his face. “It’s only been a few days, but man, your busted lip healed great.” He shook his head with a wry smile. “If only I could’ve seen you take that punch.”

  Aidan pulled away from Matthew’s grasp, his lips turned up in a smirk. “I miscalculated Claude’s distance, that’s all. I still have the ability to beat you in a brawl any day, any time.”

  Matthew held up his fists, his expression set with mock toughness. “I know I have the voice of an angel, but these hands are the hands of a warrior.”

  Aidan chuckled.

  “So, are you excited about laying down your first track?”

  The amusement dropp
ed from Aidan’s face. “Yeah, about that…”

  Matthew’s eyebrows pinched together. “What is it?”

  Aidan gave an anxious tug on his T-shirt collar. “Listen, uh… is an audience necessary?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Aidan nudged his chin in Chuck’s direction.

  Matthew frowned. “I don’t know how to work the equipment, so he’s gotta be here. What’s the big deal, anyway?”

  Aidan shrugged, trying to act cool. “I just don’t want word to get out that I play, you know?”

  Matthew placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to tell him to keep this a secret.”

  “Thanks.” Aidan exhaled a deep breath and walked into the adjoining room. He ducked to avoid the boom microphone and sat down at the piano.

  “Now, Aidan, this may take a few tries since you’ve never recorded anything before,” Chuck said into the microphone. “When you hear my voice, stop playing, and we’ll resume from where I say, okay?”

  Aidan rolled his shoulders back in an effort to release the tension. “Yeah, okay.”

  “I’m starting the tape now,” Chuck said. “Begin whenever you’re ready.”

  Aidan swallowed hard and managed a nod. He placed his hands over the first notes of Beth’s song, overcome with fear, sorrow, and hurt… that promptly changed to joy and serenity as the melody poured from his fingers.

  Closing his eyes, he forgot about Matthew and Chuck and focused on how much Beth enjoyed the tune when he played it for her in Lou’s store. One note at a time, he tangled in the intricate web of the piece, a jubilant orchestrator of a love song filled with hope for the future—an eternal gift to the woman he worshipped, the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. It gave him hope that he could one day achieve deliverance from his sins and feel worthy of her affection.

  Aidan held the last notes and opened his eyes. He wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans and looked to his audience on the other side of the glass. Matthew, Chuck, and an unexpected new addition to the group, Matthew’s manager, Mervin Lewis, gaped at him.

  “One take. I can’t believe it!” Chuck leapt from his chair. “What a flawless performance. Never in my life did I think that you—” He waved his hand dismissively. “Anyway… amazing!”