by Jan Moran
Mr. Wyler was staring at her. “David was right. Remarkable likeness in size. Now, if you’ll stand there, very still, we’ll set up the scene and adjust the lighting.”
Ruby stood next to the mammoth, carved marble disk, which was slightly unnerving, but she smiled and turned this way and that way as directed while the crew tested different lights and made adjustments. Another man dressed in a suit as the stand-in for Gregory Peck soon joined her. Together they marked the scene as directed.
Even though Ruby wasn’t acting, she was still excited to be on the set. She absorbed everything. The crowd surrounding them was chattering away, and people were snapping photos as if she were a star. It was all so fascinating. She vowed to do whatever it took to make a career of this, despite her father’s admonition. After all, she was nearly an adult.
Ruby smiled to herself. Imagine getting paid to do this. Her agent, Joseph Applebaum, had negotiated a reasonable sum for her work, plus her trip to Italy. Joseph said it could be a big break for her because William Wyler was one of Hollywood’s best directors.
“Now, Ruby,” Mr. Wyler was saying, pulling her back from her thoughts. “Turn to the side and put your hand in the mouth of that disk. The Mouth of Truth. This is an important moment.”
Her fellow actor laughed nervously. “Better you than me,” he chuckled. “No telling what’s in there.”
Ruby gritted her teeth and eased her hand into the gaping mouth. “Nothing to it.” She wouldn’t be intimidated by an old artifact, although she took care not to let her hand touch the sides. Texas was full of scorpions and rattlesnakes, and she wasn’t afraid to shoot a rabid varmint.
“Just like that,” Mr. Wyler said. “Good. Now hold it, and turn this way.” He asked his crew to check the lighting and angles.
After the scene was blocked out, the director declared a break, and Ruby and her fellow stand-in were released. They were told not to venture too far, so Ruby stayed near the set while Mr. Wyler called in Miss Hepburn and Mr. Peck.
As Ruby made her way from the church and the frightening disk, she came face to face with Miss Hepburn, who looked at her and laughed. Ruby introduced herself.
“I feel like I’m looking in a mirror,” Audrey said, touching Ruby’s identical skirt.
“Me, too,” Ruby said. “Only I think I have the better view.”
“Nonsense,” Audrey said, her voice lilting with laughter. “You’re so beautiful. Do you dance, too?”
“A little, but not like you,” Ruby said, feeling her cheeks color.
“Thank you for blocking out the scene, Ruby. You made it look so easy. But I don’t like the idea of putting my hand in the mouth of that monstrous stone.” Audrey shivered.
“It wasn’t so bad,” Ruby said.
“Well, I think you’re very, very brave.”
Mr. Wyler clapped his hands and called out, “Places everyone.”
Audrey’s hand flew up to her neck. “Will you help me take off this necklace? I slipped away for gelato and stopped at a little shop along the way. I thought this was so sweet. But I can’t wear it in the scene.”
“Continuity, right?” Ruby was proud to use one of her new terms.
“That’s right,” Audrey said. “It’s such a dear piece of jewelry, too.” She glanced at Niccolò and smiled back at Ruby. “Is that your young man?” she whispered, indicating Niccolò, who was standing with a group of people watching. “I’ve seen you two together a lot.”
Ruby nodded. “I think so.” Maybe everyone could see it in her eyes. Audrey was engaged, so she knew what it was like to be in love.
“He’s terribly handsome.” Audrey fiddled with the clasp of the silver, heart-shaped necklace. Two small red stones crowned the top of the heart.
“I can do that for you,” Ruby said. She unclasped it and handed it to Audrey.
“You’re too kind.” Audrey smiled. “Why don’t you keep the necklace? It’s a heart that can be divided, see? Although I hope you are never separated from your loved one.” She pressed the necklace into Ruby’s hands. “This will be so pretty on you. I love the little rubies, and since your name is Ruby, I think it’s meant for you. I want you to have something lovely to remember Rome.”
“But this is such a treasure.”
“So are you, dear Ruby,” Audrey said, breaking into a broad smile. “Oh, there’s Mr. Peck. I should hurry. I hope to see you again soon.”
The two women hugged each other carefully, being mindful of their makeup. With a little wave, Audrey hurried to her place.
Mr. Wyler was talking to Gregory Peck, who then took his place next to Audrey in the scene.
Niccolò sauntered toward her. “Hey, Tex. You looked like a real star in that scene.”
“Shh,” Ruby said, holding her finger to her lips. “They’re about to begin.”
The assistant director called out, “Quiet on the set!”
As the crowd hushed, Niccolò put his arm around her, and Ruby felt her heart flutter. She pressed her fingers against the silver necklace that, until moments ago, had graced Audrey’s slender neck. Ruby knew she would cherish this forever.
The lights flared, and the camera operators focused on the actors. Ruby got the chills thinking that she had been standing there just like that only a few minutes ago. She was becoming a real actress. Just the thought of that made her breathless with joy.
A clapperboard operator carefully wrote the scene and take-number with chalk on a slate board. He stepped before the camera and called out the identifiers before clapping the top of the board.
A hush swept across the crowd.
“Action,” Mr. Wyler called out.
The two actors slid into their characters, transfixing the audience surrounding them. Ruby was impressed with how naturally Audrey acted opposite her experienced co-star. They two actors ran their lines, and Ruby was drawn into the story. Sure enough, Audrey—as Princess Ann—hesitated when putting her hand into the Mouth of Truth, but she did it, just as Ruby had.
Now it was Gregory’s turn. He slid his hand in, and then, when he pulled it out, his hand was missing.
Audrey shrieked, and Ruby saw the director smile and motion to keep the camera rolling. Gregory had tricked her by pulling his coat sleeve down over his hand. It was a silly joke, but Ruby probably would have screamed, too.
Finally, Mr. Wyler called out. “Cut.”
Audrey and Gregory dissolved into laughter at the trick he’d played on her.
“That’s a wrap,” Mr. Wyler said.
“Just one take?” Audrey asked incredulously.
“It was perfect,” the director replied. On his motion, the crew began breaking down equipment for the day.
Elated, Audrey turned to Ruby. “One take! That’s because you set up the scene so beautifully. Will you join us on Via Veneto? We’re all meeting at Café de Paris, or maybe Harry’s Bar. Look for us, will you?”
Ruby promised she would and touched the silver pendant around her neck. “And thank you for the necklace.”
“It was truly meant for you, Ruby.” Audrey waved and hurried off.
“I’m impressed,” Niccolò said, admiring the necklace.
“Audrey couldn’t wear it in the scene. Did you see me standing in as they were setting up the scene?”
“Saw it all,” Niccolò said, jerking his thumb back toward the crowd. “Some of my friends are here, too. They want to meet you. They think you’re a star.”
Ruby shook her head. “I’m a stand-in with a bit part.”
Niccolò shook his head. “I told them you’re an American actress from Texas who’s going to be a big star.” He paused to glance toward them, signaling that they’d join them in a moment. “They said you hold yourself like a princess, too. Like Miss Hepburn with her ballet training.”
Ruby laughed. More likely, her posture was from barrel racing at livestock shows. “I was once crowned a cattle princess. Even had a tiara fitted over the brim of a cowboy hat.”
Now Nicc
olò burst out with a hearty laugh. “Did you know this is the Foro Boario, the ancient cattle market?”
“No wonder I feel at home here,” Ruby remarked, thinking about her family’s ranch. Although she missed saddling up with her father and rounding up the cattle on horseback—when times were better—this life was exciting.
Niccolò crooked his elbow, and Ruby hooked her arm through his. “Introduce me to your friends. I’ll tell them I rode a horse to school.” Although she acted as if this were a joke, it was the truth.
“You’re so funny,” Niccolò said, his eyes roaming over her face. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”
His gaze enveloped her in a virtual caress that left her hungering for more.
“Anima mia,” Niccolò whispered to her as he kissed her on the cheek. “You are my soul. How will I ever let you go?”
“Don’t,” Ruby said simply. She gazed around, reminding herself that this was her life now. Rome, films, Hollywood. And Niccolò. As much as she missed her family, how could she ever return to the ranch or the life she’d known before? As long as she made money and was generous with her folks, maybe she wouldn’t have to. And yet, Hollywood was sprawling and impersonal. “Come back with me,” she blurted out.
“You mean it?”
Suddenly, the idea took hold of her, and it seemed entirely plausible. “Let’s figure it out.”
Niccolò grinned. “I know how.”
“How?”
“Just say ‘yes.’” Niccolò’s bright blue eyes sparkled with passion.
Ruby giggled. “How could I ever say ‘no’ to a boy with such dreamy eyes?”
As she and Niccolò chatted with his friends, who seemed a little starstruck even though she wasn’t famous, the messenger boy who’d brought her to the set earlier charged toward her.
“Miss Raines, telegram for you,” the messenger boy called out. He waved an envelope in his hand.
“For me?” Only important people received telegrams. Unless… With a trembling hand, Ruby tore the envelope open, nervous about what news it might contain.
Niccolò slipped his arm around her shoulder, understanding her trepidation.
The message was from her sister, Patricia. Ruby pressed a hand to her mouth as she read it.
No rain, drought worse. Mama and Daddy need help. Can you wire money?
She knew what that meant. The crops had failed again.
Last year, the drought had been relentless. After the crops withered and dried, Ruby burned off the thorns of prickly pear cactus to feed their cattle. Thankfully, the rain had come early this spring, so her parents hoped this year would be better. Yet, by the time Ruby left Los Angeles for Italy, Patricia warned her that the crops and pastures were becoming parched.
If the vegetation had died, Patricia’s telegram meant her parents needed money for food for the livestock—and themselves. For Patricia to reach out to Ruby was a last resort.
Worried, Ruby looked up at Niccolò. “I have to send a wire transfer and a telegram right now.” She would wire the paycheck she’d just received. Her parents had wanted her to save that money for her marriage, but she had to help.
“Andiamo.” Niccolò took her by hand, and they hurried through the crowds.
Ruby gritted her teeth. Acting was no longer just an adventure. She would also send a message to her talent agent and have him arrange more auditions as soon as she returned from Italy. That was the only way she knew to help her parents, along with Patricia and her husband. Her sister didn’t mention their need, but Ruby was sure they were in trouble, too.
Unless Ruby kept earning money, her family would lose their ranches and livelihoods. Now, it was up to her to save them if she could.
Chapter 11
Lago di Como, 2010
* * *
Ruby opened the old address book that she’d carried for decades and ran her finger over blue fountain pen ink that had faded over the years. A piece of paper slipped out, and she bent over to pick it up off the bedroom floor. Pages crisscrossed with yellowed cellophane tape barely held together now.
She unfolded the paper, but it wasn’t what she was looking for. Ruby turned a page with care. In her hands, she held the private telephone numbers of family and friends and fellow stars. Names and numbers were crossed out, written over, added. She didn’t like the electronic gizmos Mari used, or the digital addresses Ariana kept in her phone. This worn book that had traveled the world with her was a reliable friend filled with memories and notes.
“Where is it?” Ruby thumbed through the address book, but the letter was missing. “How can this be?” She drew a hand over her forehead in distress. Of all things to have been lost.
“What are you looking for, Aunt Ruby?”
Ruby looked up. “Oh, I didn’t hear you come in.” Although it was tempting to share her concerns with Ariana, the girl wouldn’t understand. Not yet. She closed the worn address book and arranged a smile on her face.
“Come sit with me.” Ruby sat, patting a place beside her on the new duvet cover that Livia had placed on the bed.
How could she have lost that letter she’d carried all these years? Is this how Patricia’s condition began?
“I’m concerned about you,” Ariana said, scrutinizing her with a look reserved for older people who were losing their mental faculties.
Ruby straightened her shoulders. Not Ruby Raines. Not like her sister, for heaven’s sake. She took Ariana’s hand. “I will not have dementia. I’m fighting against it like an old dog with a thorn in its paw.”
That thorn was the constant reminder of what her sister had gone through. Ruby had made sure that Patricia had the best care possible and spent her last days in a beautiful facility. Mari had been too busy to visit much, saying, Mom doesn’t recognize me, so what does it matter? Ruby understood that Mari’s pain kept her away. Beneath the younger woman’s crusty veneer Ruby believed was a wounded heart, so she’d visited Patricia every chance she could. She owed that to Patricia as well as Mari.
As if to make her feel better, Ariana rubbed her hand. “You’re older than Nana Pat was when she was diagnosed.”
“Good Lord, don’t remind me,” Ruby said. “I take all the supplements, get regular physical and brain exercise. I read and write every day. Lately, I’ve been brushing up on my Italian.” She tapped her temple. “I’m as sharp as I ever was.”
Ariana smiled with relief. “I’m so glad. It was hard seeing Nana Pat slip away like that.”
“My childhood went with her,” Ruby said. Patricia had always been the memory keeper of the family. Though Ruby remembered everything, her sister was the collector. Articles, photos, mementos.
Ruby thought about the safety deposit key in her purse. Please understand that this is only for Mari’s eyes. I’ll leave it up to you to decide the details, Ruby. And handle the inevitable fallout. Though Patricia’s instruction was specific, it was Ruby’s story to tell, wasn’t it?
Why had Patricia left this unfinished business? For so many years, her sister had thought it unnecessary—Mari was difficult enough. But now the letter that the executor had given Ruby raised more questions. Should Ruby be there when Mari opened the box, even though the instructions expressly forbade it?
Maybe her sister hadn’t been in her right mind at the time.
Ariana bent to the floor. “Is this what you were looking for?” She held an old, folded letter in her hand.
“Why, thank you, dear child,” Ruby said with relief. She tucked the brittle paper into her address book. For years, she had read that letter every evening. Now, just knowing it was with her was enough.
Ruby squeezed Ariana’s hand. “I think the house has come together rather well. Livia and Emilio have done a remarkable job. We can check out of the hotel in the morning. And how was your day?”
“Gia and I found some beautiful silks,” Ariana said.
“I’m so glad.” The moment she had met Alessandro on her previous visit, she’d thought of Ariana. Ale
ssandro had just finished a meeting with the hotel manager, and Vera had introduced them. Ruby invited him for tea and told him about her desire to purchase Villa Fiori. Alessandro was handsome; he also had style, intelligence, and empathy.
“And did you meet anyone interesting?” Ruby asked mildly.
Ariana pursed her lips. “If you’re referring to Alessandro, yes.”
“And?” He’d been so charming. Ruby had mentioned Ariana, too. How could she not?
“No, Aunt Ruby.” Ariana rose abruptly. “I don’t need that kind of help.”
Ruby wondered what could have happened between them. Vera had confided in her that Alessandro was lonely. Maybe Ariana and Alessandro should have met under different circumstances.
“Let’s have a house welcoming party this weekend,” Ruby said. “Invite whoever you’d like.”
Ariana sighed. “I don’t know anyone here.”
“Let’s ask Gia and Vera and their families. Matteo, of course, and his family. And the attorney who handled the purchase,” Ruby added, tapping her address book. “We’ll have such fun.”
* * *
For the rest of the week, Ruby concentrated on filling Villa Fiori with new linens, plants, and artwork. Between Gia, Vera, Ariana, Livia, and Emilio, Ruby had a veritable army at her disposal, and she was pleased with how quickly the old villa transformed into a comfortable home.
It wasn’t perfect, of course. Dishes had a few chips, the cutlery and glassware were mismatched, and the pipes and paint had seen better days, but Ruby loved it. It reminded her of another villa on the lake she’d visited so many years ago, which was the last time she’d experienced pure bliss.
Now, on this sunny Saturday morning, Ruby was organizing last-minute essentials. Livia had done a marvelous job of putting together a menu for the party.
“I’m off to buy wine for tomorrow,” Ruby said as she finished her light breakfast of cappuccino and a slice of rosemary bread slathered with local butter that melted into the fragrant bread. They’d planned the party for Sunday afternoon. Adopting a nonchalant attitude, she glanced at Ariana. “Would you like to come along?”