by Jan Moran
At least she had that.
After the premiere was over, Ruby walked out with Joseph, though she still scanned the crowd for Niccolò. At the party after the film, when she saw other cast and crew members she knew, she asked them if they’d seen Niccolò. But no one had seen him since the final wrap party.
Niccolò had truly vanished. And Ruby feared the worst.
* * *
The next morning, Ruby reported for a photo-shoot at an advertising agency on Madison Avenue, where Joseph had arranged an endorsement for a lipstick. Ravishing Red was a new color planned for holiday parties, so Ruby wore a red dress that showed off her new décolletage. As she posed for the photos, thoughts of Niccolò still filled her mind.
The wardrobe, hair, and makeup stylists made her look much older than her years. Her father would certainly disapprove. His hurtful words still rang in her ears, though she hardly cared anymore. She had to provide for her child.
The next month, Ruby’s star shot through the heavens, just as Joseph had predicted. Roman Holiday was a huge success, bringing in millions at the box office. When Diary of a Pioneer Woman, the film that Ruby had starred in, came out the next week, publicists emphasized that Ruby had been in Roman Holiday as an extra, creating more press for the new movie. Ruby moved into a fully furnished studio apartment in Hollywood, where she could be available for auditions and seemingly endless interviews with the press.
By the time her next film, Forever a Rebel, came out, the attention intensified, and to Ruby’s surprise, people on the street began to recognize her and ask for her autograph. She acted in film after film, sometimes managing only a week or two between jobs. Yet every time she had a break, she took a train to Texas to see Mariangela.
As much as Ruby enjoyed working, she lived for these breaks. Her baby was growing so quickly that Ruby didn’t want to miss anything. And yet, she was. On Patricia’s watch, Mariangela rolled over and sat up by herself for the first time.
At the end of a short break in December for Christmas, Ruby had to report to San Diego to start shooting a new film. Michael and Patricia drove Ruby to the train station, while she held Mariangela in her arms until they arrived. Reluctantly, Ruby surrendered the little one to Patricia and picked up her purse.
“You’ll let me know if she gets sick?” Ruby asked as they walked toward the train platform. She was concerned about Mariangela, fearing she was still fragile. Yet, at eight months old, Mariangela was already developing a strong personality. She cried with gusto and immediately spat out anything she didn’t like.
Patricia beamed as Mariangela flung her little arms around her neck. “Of course, I will. But Doc says she’s strong now, so you needn’t worry.”
Ruby wrinkled her nose against the smell of engine grease and waited on the platform while travelers boarded. She held out her arms, saying, “I need one more cuddle from my baby before I go.”
Patricia passed Mariangela to Ruby, but as the small child left the safety of Patricia’s arms, she began to wail.
“Shh,” Ruby said, clutching her. “Mommy loves you, always and forever.” She nuzzled her face against Mariangela’s neck, fixing the baby’s sweet scent in her mind.
Patricia and Michael stood watching. “She’ll settle down after you leave,” Patricia said. “She’s a little tired.”
Ruby showered her baby with kisses, then reluctantly returned her to Patricia. Mariangela immediately ceased crying.
Patricia looked apologetic. “She’s probably hungry. Don’t you worry.”
Ruby knew her sister was trying to make her feel less anxious, but she sensed her absences were impacting the bond she’d had with her baby. A wave of guilt crashed over her.
The final boarding call rang out.
Ruby boarded the train with other travelers hurrying on before departure and found the sleeper cabin that Joseph had arranged for her. The whistle screeched above the din, and as the long train began snaking from the station, Ruby struggled to open the window in her compartment. She waved a kid-gloved hand to her little girl, who turned away from her and into the safety of her sister’s embrace.
“She’s angry at me for leaving,” Ruby muttered. She couldn’t blame the child.
Still, Ruby had to report for work. She was under contract now and would suffer financial penalties if she didn’t report on time. Her schedule was full for the year ahead, which was good because she now had to support her parents and contribute to Patricia and Michael for Mariangela’s care. Formula, diapers, doctor’s visits, medicine, baby equipment. She hadn’t known how much babies needed.
Amidst the clacking of its huge steel wheels, the train pulled away. Ruby saw Mariangela steal a glance at her, then turn away again. This little action broke Ruby’s heart, and tears pooled in her eyes. Brushing them away, she continued to wave at her daughter until she disappeared from view.
Ruby leaned back against the seat, feeling very much alone. Without Niccolò and Mariangela, her success felt hollow.
Weeping softly, Ruby brought out a handkerchief from her purse. She yearned to spend more time with Mariangela. Compounding the issue, her father was hospitalized with pneumonia. While Harrison’s health was improving, Doc Schmidt advised that he scale back his work, warning that if he didn’t, his next hospitalization might be his last.
This next film, Windswept Beach, would cover the cost of her father’s medical care, but she’d need to work all year to make up the shortfall for his inability to tend the ranch and their food production. Ruby would have to pay for help for them, too. With Harrison ill, Mercy couldn’t do it all.
Ruby worried that the responsibility of providing for her family would interfere with her ability to see Mariangela. Leaving her baby left an open wound in her heart, and her only solace was that Patricia was there for her. She hated not being there for the milestones in her daughter’s young life.
Ruby missed the early months she’d spent with Mariangela, nursing her every two hours, and keeping her baby warm against her body in the sling she tucked under flannel shirts. Now she worried that Mariangela might not even remember her the next time she saw her. Ruby was doing what she had to do, but she wondered if her daughter would forgive her—or would Mariangela’s anger toward her grow?
Chapter 29
Lago di Como, 2010
* * *
“The scenery is breathtaking,” Ruby said, peering from the car she’d hired to take her, Ariana, and Alessandro to the Roman Holiday production at Teatro Della Vigna. She opened her window to breathe in the scents of the countryside.
As they drew close, the intimate, open-air theater came into view. It was situated on a plateau above the lake and surrounded by terraced vineyards that climbed the hillsides. Lights illuminated the vines, spotlighting burgeoning clusters of grapes. Their scent, warm from the afternoon sun, infused the night air. At one end of the plateau, a stage rose before rows of curved seats, stepped like a perfumer’s organ. The effect was dramatic yet intimate.
“Siamo arrivati,” the driver said.
“This reminds me of the Hollywood Bowl,” Ruby said to Ariana.
She extended her hand to Alessandro, who helped her from the car. She’d always loved attending outdoor concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. There was something magical about enjoying wine and a picnic supper with friends, feeling a soft summer breeze on your face, and sharing an artistic performance under the stars.
Ruby gathered the long skirt of her canary-yellow, bias-cut silk dress and slid from the car. This was one of Ariana’s latest designs, and Ruby loved it. The golden hue accented her hair and glowed under the full moon that settled on her shoulders like a spotlight. She wore a long, opera-length strand of pearls with her silver half-heart on a platinum chain.
“We’re going to have a grand time tonight,” Ruby said, nodding graciously to a group of women who clearly recognized her. They poked each other and smiled knowingly as if they were in on a secret. “We’ll enjoy a charming performance, and, I expect,
magnificent wines.” Alessandro had offered to drive, but Ruby wouldn’t hear of it.
As Alessandro hurried to assist Ariana from the car, Ruby noticed the barely concealed passion that sparked between them. She smiled to herself. Besides Ariana’s halo of infatuation, she also had a beautiful pregnancy glow that lit her face. And Alessandro could hardly tear his eyes from her. They seemed utterly, unequivocally in love.
Ruby knew that kind of love, and she had prayed Ariana would find it, too.
Ariana had confided in her that Alessandro had made his long-term intentions known. Ruby wasn’t surprised because Ariana was such a talented, desirable young woman. And she adored Alessandro’s children. Ariana had finally told Alessandro she was pregnant, and Ruby was proud of her for her courageous act.
If anything, Alessandro looked even more besotted with Ariana now.
Alessandro offered his arm to Ruby, and she slid her hand into the crook of his elbow.
“Why, thank you,” Ruby said, inclining her head. “You have such impeccable manners.” She turned to Ariana, who strolled beside her. “Isn’t this lovely? The three of us gathered on such a marvelous night to see my favorite production.”
Ariana kissed Ruby’s cheek. “Thank you, Auntie. And that dress is magnificent on you. You bring it to life.”
“With the right bearing and attitude, even a poor girl can be a queen,” Ruby said. “Why, I remember Audrey on the set. Such magnificent posture, grace, and awareness. I learned so much from her. Only later did she tell me she was scared to death, too.” She laughed and touched the half-heart pendant.
They made their way toward the front, where Ruby had reserved a box for them. A bottle of wine sat on the table. A card sat beside it with a note written in Italian. Enjoy the show, she translated.
“What a thoughtful gesture,” Ruby said. A few moments later, a server delivered a tray of cheese and grapes and nuts to their table.
“Molto benne,” Alessandro said. “And sparkling water for the lady, per favore.”
Ariana slid her hand in his. “I appreciate that.”
“I know how to take care of you,” Alessandro replied, kissing Ariana’s hand.
Ruby loved watching them. They reminded her of the love she had shared with Niccolò. Ruby couldn’t follow everything that was said, though Alessandro seemed to know the young man. But then, Alessandro’s family had lived here for generations.
“Everything is settled,” Alessandro said, glancing at Ariana with a smile.
Ruby perused the program. Without her glasses, she couldn’t make out the fine print in the waning light of dusk, and she didn’t want to fumble through her purse. Handing the program to Ariana, she said, “Would you put this in your purse, dear? I’d like to look at it later.”
Ruby lifted her glass. “To living your finest life,” she said, touching their glasses. As she sipped the red wine that Alessandro told them was made from Nebbiolo grapes, she detected hints of cherry and toasted oak, with a honeyed, earthy finish that held the aroma of leather. “Bold, rich, and dry,” she said. “Someone made an excellent choice.”
“It’s one of their finest wines,” Alessandro said.
The house lights on the stage dimmed, and Ruby recalled a night, so long ago, when Niccolò held her in his arms. Resting her chin on her hand, she reminisced. “This reminds me of the first time I ever saw an opera. It was on a night such as this in Rome…Aida under the stars at Terme di Caracalla, the ancient Roman baths in Rome. Surrounded by beautiful, stylish people, fellow art lovers. It was one of the most magnificent evenings I’ve ever known.”
“Teatro dell’Opera is incredible,” Alessandro said. “We should go again. What year was that?”
Ruby smiled. Alessandro was cultured, and she liked that for Ariana. “It was 1952. A magical year for Aida.” As Ruby glanced around, she had the satisfying sense that her history had come full circle. She was meant to be here now.
Soon, Vacanze Romane got underway, and Ruby watched the delightful trio of actors in the parts originated by Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, and Eddie Albert. While the dialog was in Italian, Ruby followed with ease, as she knew the story by heart.
The scene at the café, where Princess Ann careened through the café tables, was delivered with humor and grace. Ruby smiled, recalling the feeling of Niccolò’s protective arms around her, so many years ago. Here on the shore of Lake Como, she felt closer to him than she had in years. It was as if his presence lingered here, where they had been the happiest. She pressed her hand to her heart, caressing the simple pendant she wore that represented so much to her. Niccolò would always be the love of her life.
Over the years, she’d had a few romances, but now, looking back, her emotional life was so clear to her. She had only ever loved Niccolò, and she had saved her heart for him.
In the last scene in the palace, the actors were so close that Ruby could see the tears in the Princess Ann’s eyes and hear the catch in her voice. Ruby was also impressed with the attention to detail by the costume and set designers. They had replicated even the smallest of details—such as the cut of Princess Ann’s dress, and the pot of red geraniums that sat to one side, outside of the camera frame.
Those red flowers… Ruby blinked. Had she imagined that recollection? Maybe the wine was creating pleasant false memories.
As Princess Ann was making her way down the line of foreign correspondents in the final scene, the spot where Niccolò had stood as an extra behind Gregory Peck drew Ruby’s gaze.
She sucked in a breath. Surely her imagination was playing tricks on her. A handsome, older man stood in Niccolò’s exact position. The shape of his head and the line of his profile were so familiar. And yet… Perhaps her mind’s eye was superimposing her memories on the actor.
Ruby blinked away the sudden tears that rimmed her lashes. Her vision blurred, and by the time her eyes cleared, the actor was gone. In the final scene, the lead male actor playing Gregory’s Peck role was alone on the stage.
How well Ruby understood the feelings in that last scene. Every time she watched the film, she felt the same sense of loss. For a brief time, two people had loved each other, even though they could never be together in their real lives.
All around her, cheers erupted, and the audience leapt to its feet. Ruby still felt stunned by her vision. One by one, the actors returned to the stage for a bow, and then, the entire troop assembled to thunderous applause. They acknowledged the musicians that had accompanied them. Next, with great fanfare, the director joined them on the stage. Finally, the applause intensified, and in response, a tall, elegant man with thick silver hair strode onto the stage, his face wreathed with joy.
Ruby blinked. Is my mind playing tricks? It was the same man who’d occupied Niccolò’s spot in the last scene. If Niccolò had been older, he might have looked very much like this man. Rising unsteadily, she joined in the applause.
As the man turned toward her, his lips parted as if in shock, and he blinked. Once, twice, three times. The audience cheers stirred him again, and he pressed a hand to his heart as if registering disbelief. Then, bringing his hand to his lips, he kissed his palm and stretched his hand toward her. His graceful movement was so like one of Niccolò’s etched in her memory.
“I think he recognizes you, Aunt Ruby,” Ariana whispered. “He’s quite handsome.”
Ruby’s pulse quickened. “Niccolò,” she murmured. This man resembled her beloved husband of long ago.
Of course, that was an absurd thought.
And then the man smiled at her, his vivid blue eyes crinkling at the corners just so.
So much like Niccolò. Ruby’s eyes blurred at this vision that appeared before her. Was she imagining this?
The actor smiled again, his expression conveying familiarity. Was he merely a fan, an admirer, a man who reminded her of Niccolò? Ruby blinked. But the line of his jaw, the shape of his lips, the angle of his head belied doubt
Her heart pounding, Ruby clutched Alessa
ndro’s arm for support. Could it possibly be?
Alessandro slid his arm around Ruby, supporting her as she weakened against him. “Are you well?” he asked.
“For a moment, I thought…” Or was she merely hallucinating what she yearned to see?
Ariana hurried to her. “Aunt Ruby,” she cried, supporting her other arm.
Overwhelmed with shock at what couldn’t possibly be, and yet, somehow, inexplicably was, Ruby teetered. Grasping ineffectively at the strong arms that held her, she felt herself slipping away into a void of muffled darkness.
Chapter 30
Texas Hill Country, 1954
* * *
“That’s a wrap for today,” the director called out on the set of Windswept Beach.
Ruby swept up the edge of her cobalt-blue sarong costume and hurried across the sand toward her trailer. She had a private trailer to change in now—the result of a request in the latest contract Joseph had negotiated for her.
Even though filming had been extended on this current movie—a romantic comedy set at a hotel in Laguna Beach—she’d insisted that she needed to go to Texas. It was Mariangela’s birthday, and she couldn’t miss it. The director hadn’t been happy, but it was in her contract. Her agent had also insisted on that contract clause for her, without revealing the reason.
“Ruby, wait up,” another actress called out.
“Not now, Nancy.” Ruby slipped through throngs of cast members, evading the other actress, who was obsessed about picking apart her performance, as well as Ruby’s. Ever since Nancy had started taking the diet pills the set doctor had prescribed to reduce her weight, she’d been jittery and nervous. She exhausted Ruby with her incessant talking.
The morals clause was still intact in the contract, so Ruby had to be extra cautious about revealing anything about Mariangela. A weight clause was another humiliating addition to the agreement. Every week, a nurse conducted a weigh-in of the actresses on set. Their weight could not fluctuate more than five pounds up or down from their beginning weight. Ruby carefully managed her food intake, heaping her plate with vegetables and passing up bread. When she had the time, brisk walks on the beach helped, too.