Another crewmember met Beth and Preston and rushed them along a hallway parallel to the side of the stage. As they descended a small staircase, a door opened for them at the bottom and someone else waved them through. The passageway brought them to the main floor of the theater.
Scattered applause broke out as they made their way to their seats. Aidan stood to greet them, luring Beth in with his smoky green eyes and dazzling smile.
Preston leaned into her ear. “I’ve never seen Aidan so happy. You’re good for him, you know.”
Beth looked at Preston in surprise. “You know about us?”
He nodded. “It’s hard not to when he looks at you like you’re the only one in the world.”
Beth’s cheeks flushed.
“I understand why you have to keep your relationship a secret.” Preston frowned. “But it sure is a shame. Hopefully one day you won’t have to hide anymore.”
Since the cameras weren’t rolling, Beth wanted to cease the opportunity to speak to Aidan. When Preston stopped at his seat, she did, too.
Smiling, she stuck out her hand to her beau. “I’m so proud of you, Aidan. Congratulations.”
Aidan followed her formality, taking her hand and shaking it gently. “I’m proud of you, too.”
A crewmember interrupted their moment, reminding them that the broadcast would resume shortly.
Aidan grinned and gestured across the front row. “Allow me to escort you back to your seat, Miss Best Actress.”
“I would love that, Mr. Best Actor.”
Beth’s smile faltered. Mr. Mertz glared at her from his private box.
As Aidan walked her to her seat, several audience members clapped, but her boss’s antagonism paralyzed her ability to appreciate their kindness.
Alistair and Ingrid’s chairs were unoccupied, and Will was hunched in his seat with his head in his hands. His trip to the bar didn’t seem to have done him any good.
Upon Beth’s approach, he looked up. His glossy eyes reflected a drunken stupor.
When he noticed Aidan, the pain and resentment he felt over his loss intensified across his face. With a sigh, he rose to his feet and extended his hand.
“Congratulations.” His voice held no enthusiasm whatsoever.
Aidan accepted the handshake. “Thanks.”
Frowning, Will sank back down in his chair and resumed wallowing in self-pity.
Alistair and Ingrid showed up after Aidan returned to his seat. Beth received her purse back from Ingrid, and Donald O’Connor resumed the broadcast.
“Ladies and gentlemen in the audience, and the lovely people watching the ceremony from home, I’m afraid our evening is coming to an end.”
Restlessness disturbed the gay atmosphere of the theater, indicating its occupants were ready to leave, Beth included. Where was she going to find the energy to conduct more press interviews and attend the after party?
Mr. O’Connor’s grin widened. “Please welcome Mr. Cecil B. DeMille to the stage for the announcement of the nominees and winner for our final category tonight, Best Picture.”
Mr. DeMille received a standing ovation as he walked to the podium, envelope in hand. As usual, cameramen positioned their cameras near the individuals involved in the nominated motion pictures.
“A princess trapped in her duties takes on the role of a commoner to escape; a rags to riches love story set in the eastern United States countryside; a moving account of the tragedy at Pearl Harbor; a heart-warming drama about a kid from the wrong side of the tracks trying to raise money for his brother’s heart operation; the tale of a great Roman Emperor; a film about a tribune during the time of Christ; and a story about a weary gunslinger who cannot seem to stay out of trouble—all these motion pictures are well deserving of the highest accolades tonight. But only one can be singled out by the Academy as the Best Picture of 1953.”
Brief applause flooded the theater.
“The nominees are Roman Holiday, Sparkling Meadow, From Here to Eternity, Spike Rollins, Julius Caesar, The Robe, and Shane.”
Mr. DeMille opened the envelope.
Beth gripped the armrests on either side of her in anticipation.
“And the winner of Best Picture for the year 1953 is Spike Rollins!”
As the orchestra commenced the honored film’s theme song, the crowd cheered and the Spike Rollins company stood, congratulating each other with handshakes. Preston gestured for Aidan to walk to the stage first.
Aidan shook his head, grinning. After some persistence from Preston, however, he led the Spike Rollins group—which included the director, Richard Rooney, and a few other supporting cast members—across the floor and up the stairs to the podium.
The ensemble stood in a line, facing the audience. Mr. DeMille handed Preston the Oscar and stepped back, allowing him to make a speech.
Preston raised the statue above his head. “This motion picture means so much to everyone up here tonight,” he said into the microphone. “We tackled our vision for our project with everything we had and we are all extremely pleased with the final product. This award proves if you fight for what you believe in, anything is possible.”
Preston draped his arm over Aidan’s shoulders and jostled him from side to side. “I saw this young man performing on Broadway with a restless spirit and raw energy that reflected Spike Rollins so perfectly, and resultantly, cast him in the film, even though he was unknown in Hollywood at the time. Aidan Evans is unquestionably one of the most talented actors in the business, as well as an all-around great guy. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t be standing up here tonight accepting this award.”
Aidan gave Preston an appreciative pat on the back and moved aside for his young costar.
Preston regarded the boy fondly. “Richard Rooney, you are a man far beyond your ten years. Your professionalism is extraordinary and you did a remarkable job in this film.” The director looked at the other people onstage. “Anyone else have something to add?”
When nobody came forward, Preston leaned into the microphone again. “Okay, that’s it, then. Thank you to the Academy for this wonderful honor, and to Luther Mertz for funding the picture.”
The crowd erupted in applause.
After the Spike Rollins group disappeared behind the curtain and the orchestra commenced their next tune, Mr. O’Connor emerged from backstage, thanked the viewers at home, and announced the end of the ceremony.
When the broadcast concluded, the audience rose from their seats and crewmembers gathered the winners, whisking them backstage for the press event scheduled prior to the after party.
Amidst the commotion, Beth lost sight of Aidan. With her award in hand and her purse tucked under her arm, she was led to the press area, where about five dozen reporters and photographers gathered around a makeshift stage erected in front of an Oscar-themed backdrop.
Beth fanned her face with her clutch purse to combat the blazing spotlights as she searched the crowded room for her beau. She found Mr. Mertz first, standing at the side of the platform with his wife, having his face powdered. Next, she spotted Nathan weaving through the crowd in her direction.
“Where are the others?” she asked upon his approach.
“They decided to head over to the after party while we finish up here,” he replied. “Luther wants me to moderate this event, so I couldn’t go with them. This shouldn’t take more than an hour. I’ll see you in a bit.”
After Nathan left, Beth continued her search for Aidan or anyone involved with Spike Rollins who could tell her where he was. Eventually, organizers instructed the winners to line up alphabetically by film. The arrangement meant she and Aidan would stand beside each other in line, which gave her hope she would see him soon.
A flurry of excitement captured the crowd as the Spike Rollins group entered the room. Aidan ignored those offering him congratulations and arrived at Beth’s side quickly.
“Sorry. We got backed up at the door.” A frown played upon his lips. “It’s so crazy in here
. I wish we could just leave.”
Beth caught Mr. Mertz’s glare from across the room. The color drained from her face.
Aidan’s frown intensified into a scowl. “Mertz is watching us, isn’t he?”
She nodded.
Aidan cast a dirty look Mr. Mertz’s way. “Don’t worry, we’ll be outta here soon.”
Preston arrived in line carrying the two statues he won, accompanied by Richard and the boy’s surly parents. Beth watched the winners ahead of her take the stage and answer questions from the journalists.
Each winner also took an official Academy Awards portrait with Mr. Mertz, which would be printed in publications worldwide. Organizers forbid photographs during the ceremony due to conflicts with the live NBC broadcast and distractions posed by camera flashes.
Nathan stood at the side of the stage, stepping in as an official studio representative when needed. Mr. Mertz shook the hands of the winners before they left the platform, which the photographers also captured. His stern expression never faltered.
Finally, it was Beth’s turn. She climbed the stairs and stopped in the center of the platform to face the reporters, smiling widely, stuffing her purse under her arm and struggling with the heavy statue in her hand.
Her eyes watered from the camera flashes as she offered various poses for the photographers. The reporters’ questions were similar to those asked on the red carpet, and she gave similar responses. Although the entire experience was exhausting, she maintained a cheerful expression, most forcibly when she and Mr. Mertz took their official picture together.
“Mr. Mertz,” a reporter called. “This year’s Best Actor and Best Actress are costarring in Golden Gloves. You must be predicting a big win with that motion picture.”
A sinister grin spread across Mr. Mertz’s face. “Yes, I expect great things from the film, indeed.”
“May we have a picture of Mr. Evans and Miss Sutton holding their Oscars, and you, sir, standing with them?” a photographer requested. “The caption can read, Luther Mertz’s golden stars celebrate their golden statues while on a break from filming their highly anticipated, dramatic Starlight Studios motion picture, Golden Gloves.”
Mr. Mertz’s expression flickered with approval. “That is an excellent idea. Mr. Evans, would you please join us on the platform?” His glacial look at Aidan masked the politeness in his words.
Aidan climbed the stairs and stood on Mr. Mertz’s other side, looking stiff and reluctant.
“Hold your statues up, you two,” Mr. Mertz said, making no effort to smile for the cameras.
Beth raised her Oscar as flashbulbs exploded before them. Aidan kept his dangling at his side. When they were finished, Mr. Mertz glowered at him. They stood in a tense standoff until Nathan stepped between them, reminding his boss of the reporters’ presence.
Mr. Mertz stalked off the platform, leaving a trembling Beth behind.
When the announcer declared Spike Rollins over the loudspeaker, Nathan guided her down the stairs, and Preston and Richard took her place. She emerged from the pressroom after agreeing to meet Nathan at the post-show party.
Beth listened from the hallway as reporters fired questions at Aidan and Preston regarding their respective Best Actor and Best Director wins, as well as Spike Rollins’ Best Picture prize. Aidan only spoke when asked a direct question. Even then, he sounded impatient and kept his answers brief.
The real showstopper was Richard Rooney. He responded eloquently and professionally to every question, winning over the press quickly—a well-trained Starlight Studios contract player.
When Beth heard the sound of popping flashbulbs, she knew the group was almost finished. Richard was the first to emerge with his parents, who praised his performance in front of the reporters. Aidan and Preston followed. Mr. and Mrs. Rooney didn’t even say good-bye to their son’s former costar and director before whisking Richard down the hallway toward the exit.
The steel door at the end of the corridor slammed shut, leaving Beth, Aidan, and Preston alone in the corridor while questions began for the next group in the pressroom.
Preston tucked one Oscar under his arm and offered Aidan his hand. “Thank you again for agreeing to be in Spike Rollins. I meant what I said onstage tonight. I couldn’t have done it without you. Good luck to you and Beth with Golden Gloves.” He gave the couple a sympathetic look. “And with everything else, too.”
Aidan shook Preston’s hand. “I hope to work with you again.”
With a wave good-bye, Preston disappeared down the corridor
Beth pulled Aidan aside as the next group exited the pressroom. “I suppose we should join Olivia, Connie, and Matthew at the after party. Nathan will meet us when he’s finished here. Unfortunately, I have to take a studio car.”
Surprisingly, Aidan grasped her hand and guided her around the corner, leading her to a vacant corridor with a dead end. A spark of sensuality lit his eyes as they drifted down her body.
“I’ve wanted to do this all night.” Aidan pinned her against the wall and captured her lips with his. His Oscar pressed into her hip while his free hand found its way to the back of her neck, kneading… stroking.
The heat rolling off him melted away the tension Beth felt from the evening’s events. She closed her eyes and kissed him back, desperate to make up for their physical separation throughout the award show and press duties.
Aidan’s lips captured her neck. “Let’s take off somewhere… alone.”
Shockwaves of desire shot through Beth’s body, washing her obligation to attend the after party from her mind. She nodded.
Aidan looked around the corner. When the coast was clear, he took her hand and led her through a maze of corridors in the opposite direction of the common exit. They arrived at an unmarked steel door and stepped out into a dark alleyway, freed from duty and restrictions, able to indulge in each other.
Aidan’s motorcycle was parked next to the exit.
Beth giggled. “You planned this entire thing, didn’t you?”
The grin he gave her confirmed her suspicions.
To prepare for their departure, Beth traded her Harry Winston diamond necklace for her angel pendent and placed the loaned jewelry inside her purse for safekeeping.
Aidan assisted her onto the motorcycle before mounting. Beth held both of their Oscars and her purse while he removed the keys from his pocket. Moments later, the engine roared to life.
Aidan looked at her over his shoulder, his green eyes shining with moonlit mischief. “Hold on tight, little dove. It’s time to fly.”
Beth tightened her arms around Aidan on their drive away from the RKO Pantages Theater. As they merged onto Highway One, she recalled her ride with him to Mulholland Drive on Halloween. They had come so far since then. Most notably, Aidan’s eyes no longer possessed the hollowness they did on that late October night.
Within minutes, Aidan eased off the throttle and exited the freeway. To Beth’s surprise, he headed toward the beach. Just shy of the sand, he halted the motorcycle, planting one foot on the pavement.
“Do you trust me?” he asked in competition with the wind and rumbling engine.
Beth placed her cheek to his back and gave his torso a squeeze. Aidan knew her answer. The tires sprayed a geyser of sand behind them as he steered onto the beach.
Beth shrieked. “Are we allowed to do this?”
Aidan’s chest vibrated with laughter. “You know me, baby. I make my own rules!”
Abruptly, he shifted their course, so they raced parallel to the water. Beth closed her eyes and breathed in the salty air as mist from the ocean peppered her face. She’d never felt so free.
She hadn’t spent any time at the beach since her arrival in L.A. because she was always too busy with work, first at Schwab’s Pharmacy, and now at the studio. Tonight, as she shared the coastal beauty with Aidan, her hectic schedule no longer mattered, nor did all the time she had lost in the vigorous pace of everyday life.
With a soft purr,
the motorcycle slowed under Aidan’s control. Beth opened her eyes. They were a few miles down the beach, away from the pier and surrounded by darkness, except for the glow of the moon.
Aidan braced his foot on the sand, tilting the motorcycle to the left. Beth let go of him and waited for his instruction to dismount. He cut the engine and hopped off the motorcycle, his other foot landing on the sand with a soft thud. His suit jacket ended up draped over the handlebar, with her purse and his keys tucked inside one pocket.
Aidan took one of the Oscars and helped Beth dismount. Her heels sunk into the sand. She lifted the hem of her gown so it wouldn’t meet the same fate.
Aidan brushed his lips to her cheek. “I’ve always wanted to visit the beach with you.”
“Me, too.” Beth closed her eyes, listening to the surge of the waves and reveling in his kiss.
“Walk with me?” he said softly.
Beth nodded and released her dress, allowing the bottom to ghost the ground. The sand found its way into her shoes, filling the spaces between her toes as Aidan led her toward the ocean.
They stopped when the rushing waves faded into the sand only inches from their feet. The wind floating off the Pacific ruffled Aidan’s hair as he studied the coastline, his expression lost in contemplation. He looked so innocent, a young man free of worry. Beth couldn’t bear to interrupt him.
Aidan dropped her hand and loosened his tie. Unfastening the top two buttons of his dress shirt, he looked at her and held up his Oscar. “How about we get rid of these for a while?”
“All right.”
Aidan guided her away from the water. A few feet from the ocean, he leaned down and shoved the base of his Oscar into the sand. He stepped back and dusted off his hands, smirking.
“What do you think?”
Beth planted her Oscar next to his. “Perfect.”
Aidan wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. Despite the cool breeze, her body warmed and melted into his embrace. Brushing the hair from her face, he captured her lips with his. Beth whimpered softly, her need to touch him properly propelling her decision to remove her gloves. She tossed them to the sand and drove her hands into his hair.
Starbright Page 44