Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3) (16 page)

While Beth wanted to see the world and explore her options, these women settled into small town life happily. Whether that was by choice or if they just didn’t believe it was possible to do anything else, she wasn’t sure. Perhaps her ambitions were farfetched, but she couldn’t give up on her dreams. If she didn’t return to acting, she would become a teacher, maybe attending college in Portland like her father suggested and relocating to another big city after graduation.

After gathering all the items on their grocery list, Beth and her mother made their way to the checkout. A fair-haired young woman stood in line, carrying a basket of produce. Gentle in her features, dainty in poise, and dressed in a conservative cotton dress, she radiated warmth and beauty that made even the cloudiest morning in Clarkson seem like a Southern California afternoon. Not Hollywood beauty, but honest–to–goodness prettiness that didn’t require cosmetics or designer clothing for one to recognize and appreciate it. Beth couldn’t believe her eyes. Emma Stacy hadn’t changed one bit since high school.

“Emma!”

Emma’s hand flew to her chest.‎ “Marie! It’s so good to see you!” She blushed. “Forgive me. Perhaps I should call you Elizabeth.”

Beth hugged her. “Marie is fine.”

“Goodness. There’s so much to catch up on.” Emma released her. “How long are you in town for?”

Beth’s smile wavered. “I’m not sure.”

“Well, we must meet up soon. How about we have shakes at Mr. Kent’s drugstore? I can give you my telephone number and you can ring me up when you’re free.”

Mrs. Bates stepped forward. “Marie, you and Emma should catch up now. I’ll finish here and meet you back at the house.”

Beth motioned to her mother’s overflowing basket. “Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you to put all the groceries away on your own.”

Her mother nodded. “Of course I’m sure.”

“I can drive you home,” Emma said. “I have the car because Neil is busy fixing our eaves trough. It’s been leaking since God knows when—probably the turn of the century when the house was built!”

“Neil?” Beth’s eyes widened. “Not Neil Russell?”

Emma giggled and raised her left hand to show off an engagement ring and a wedding band.

“My, we do have a lot to discuss!” Beth kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you, Mama. I’ll see you at home.”

Emma paid for her produce and they left the store.

Mr. Kent’s drugstore was a smaller establishment than Schwab’s Pharmacy and didn’t attract celebrity clientele, but his chocolate malts were the best Beth had ever tasted.

They claimed their usual seats at the far end of the counter and set down their belongings. Mr. Kent rushed toward them. He’d always reminded Beth of James Stewart in
It’s A Wonderful Life
. Not only did he resemble the actor in appearance, even though he was much older, but he was also gregarious and kind and always willing to go out of his way to help anyone in town like George Bailey did in the film.

“Marie, what a surprise! You look so grown up.” He gestured to her with gusto. “Last I heard you were living in Los Angeles. What brings you back here?”

Again, Beth kept her reply simple. “I missed Clarkson.”

“Really? I can’t imagine you’d find anything interesting here after all the exciting things I’m sure you’ve experienced since leaving town.” Mr. Kent placed two napkins on the counter. “So what’ll it be? The usual?”

They nodded.

“All right. Two chocolate malts coming right up.” Mr. Kent left to prepare their orders.

Beth was curious about what brought Emma back to Clarkson, but she also hoped taking control of the conversation would keep the focus off her. “Please tell me everything that’s happened since we last saw each other.”

Emma’s eyes twinkled. “Well, I attended the Portland Teaching School for Women for one year with the intent of staying in the city after graduation. But fate had other plans. I was walking home from class one afternoon and ran right into Neil—literally. My books fell to the ground and he helped me retrieve them. He asked if I would like to have a soda with him and the rest, as they say, is history.”

“What was he doing in Portland?”

“He was on a delivery. After high school, he committed to working full time at his family’s furniture business. I never gave him the time of day growing up—we seemed very different—but that afternoon changed everything. We got married six weeks later.”

“Six weeks!”

Emma giggled. “Yes. We knew we were going to be together forever, so why not? After our wedding, since I was still in school, he visited me every weekend. Then two weeks before I graduated, he informed me that Mrs. Cooper passed away.”

Beth gasped. “Oh, no. She was so lovely.”

Emma nodded. “When she died, a position opened up at the Clarkson schoolhouse. I applied and they offered me the job right away. It was perfect because Neil’s job is based here, so I would’ve had to return regardless. I didn’t mind moving back to town, really, even though it wasn’t my initial plan. I’d follow him anywhere.”

“How do you like teaching?”

Emma’s expression brightened with almost the same intensity as it did when she spoke about her husband. “Oh, Marie. Teaching is superb! I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. It’s been such a rewarding experience, and it’s helped me become more comfortable around children, which I hope will come in handy when I’m raising my own kids someday.” A frown crept upon her lips. “Neil and I have been trying to conceive for over a year. Unfortunately, we haven’t been successful.”

Beth placed her hand over Emma’s. “Not too worry. I’m sure it will happen for you soon.”

“Thank you, Marie. You’re such a dear friend.” Emma shot her a smile, which made her smile, too.

When Emma left for Portland after high school graduation, they parted on positive terms and wished each other well in their future endeavors. Two months later, Beth left for Los Angeles. She assumed they’d never see each other again. She felt so relaxed around Emma—as if they’d never separated. Why hadn’t they kept in touch? It was such a shame. She would ensure it didn’t happen again.

Mr. Kent delivered their chocolate malts and two spoons and then greeted a young man who had just entered the drugstore.

“Enough about me.” Emma picked up her spoon. “Tell me all about Hollywood!”

Beth’s eyebrows drew together. “Life in Los Angeles is more fast-paced than in Clarkson. There’s vibrant nightlife, everyone dresses fashionably, and the weather is beautiful all year round. It’s a large city, but the entertainment industry is actually a close knit community, so in that regard, it’s similar to small town living.”

Emma plucked the cherry off the top of her malt. “Neil and I went to San Francisco on our honeymoon and really enjoyed it. The vacation cost much of our savings, but it was worth it. Maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to visit L.A., too. You know, before Neil and I have children.” She shook her head. “Gosh. How rude of me. I’m sorry for redirecting the conversation away from you.”

Beth scoffed. “Are you kidding? I love hearing about your life.”

“That’s sweet of you to say. But I bet my life is boring compared to yours.”

“It isn’t boring. It’s magnificent. You have a husband who loves you and you’re working in your dream profession.”

“Yes, but tell me about your dream, Marie. I was shocked when I heard you were working at a motion picture studio. Although, after watching
Sparkling Meadow
, it’s clear you belong in the movies. Your performance was incredible, and I think your looks rival the most beautiful stars in the industry.”

While many people praised others to be polite, Beth could always trust Emma to speak frankly. Consequently, she felt at ease offering a more candid view of Hollywood life than she’d shared with others previously. “Thank you for the compliment on my acting. As for my appearance—well, you’d be surprised what professional hair, wardrobe, and makeup teams can do to someone average like me. Mostly, beauty in Hollywood is an illusion. Although, there are exceptions. Actresses like Constance Murphy, Ava Gardner, and Elizabeth Taylor look as stunning in plain old trousers as they do in lavish evening gowns.”

“I’d truly love to hear what working for a movie studio is like.” Emma leaned closer.

Beth swirled her spoon in her glass. “Well, the studio system is very structured. Everything is controlled, from the photographs and articles printed in the papers, to how we dress, what films we make.”

“Still, Hollywood seems so glamorous. I wouldn’t mind having a flashy car, wearing fashionable clothing and expensive jewelry, and attending fancy soirées every night.”

“That’s what I thought, too, but…” Beth shrugged. “It’s really isn’t that great.”

“But you get to hang out with famous movie stars. That must be fun. Although, now that you’re a famous movie star yourself, I suppose it’s pretty standard fare, right?”

Beth dropped her spoon into her glass. She’d lost her appetite. “Sure, there are some people I was truly honored to meet, but overall, the images presented to the public are just that—images. I know it’s difficult to understand because most pull off their personas so well, but movie stars are just like everyone else, except we have faces that are known all over the world. Our true personalities, though, are not so public. We are whatever the studio wants us to be.”

Emma frowned. “I see.”

Beth didn’t like dashing her friend’s high hopes, but after putting on an act for everyone at the market, she preferred to tell the whole truth this time. “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. Most of my time in Hollywood was wonderful. It’s just not the idyllic paradise it’s made out to be.”

“Are you happy you became an actress?”

Beth’s answer was immediate. “Absolutely.”

Emma pushed aside her glass. Sympathy softened her gaze. “Marie, I’ve known you since we were four years old. Please tell me why you’re really back in Clarkson.”

“Well, um…” Beth dabbed her teary eyes with a napkin.

Emma placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

“No, it’s fine.” Beth sniffled. “To be honest, my time at Starlight Studios has come to an end.”

Emma gasped. “Why?”

“There was an incident…” Beth gathered the strength to elaborate. “It shattered the Hollywood dream for me and stressed that although I love acting, I hate the studio system and the controlling studio boss.”

“Is it possible to act without a contract?”

Beth placed her napkin on the countertop. “Actually, yes. I know of a man—my beau, in fact—who successfully acted in Hollywood without one, though his circumstances were unique.”

Emma clasped her hands. “A beau! That’s swell, Marie.”

“Well, former beau.” Beth released an unsteady breath. “After the incident, he left and I haven’t heard from him since.”

“Did you love him?”

“Yes. And I still do with all of my heart.” A fresh batch of tears sprung to her eyes.

Emma took her hand and squeezed. “Then everything will work out.”

Beth regarded Emma hopefully. Her mother had said the same thing. What did they know that she didn’t?

“How can you be certain?”

“Because you’re a good person, and it’s only a matter of time before this man realizes he made a terrible mistake.”

Beth dipped her spoon into her milkshake and collected the thick, chocolaty dregs at the bottom of the glass. It would be a shame to let it go to waste. “I pray you’re right, Emma. I really do.”

“Well, golly!” The young man who was seated at the other end of the counter approached them. “You’re Elizabeth Sutton. Aren’t you?”

Beth hesitated. Was she? Or was it time to forget about her for good and start over? For simplicity, she responded positively. “Yes, I am.”

He removed his fedora. “I’m honored to meet you. You’re my favorite actress.”

Beth drew back from him. “Me?”

“Yes, Miss Sutton.” A blush tinted his cheeks. “My name is Nelson Crop. I’m a traveling vacuum salesman. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would cross paths. You’re so talented—and if you don’t mind me saying so—pretty, too. Pardon my curiosity, but what are you doing in this small town?”

“Well, I…” Beth frowned. How much did she want to reveal to this stranger?

When she had first arrived on the Starlight Studios lot, she never considered that the film industry wouldn’t live up to her expectations. The young man looked so excited, she didn’t want to damper his mood like she did to Emma. Instead, she took a page out of Connie’s book and committed to the glamorous image he had of her.

“Thank you, Nelson. You’re too kind.” She extended her hand and he shook it readily. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. As for why I’m in Clarkson, I’m visiting friends before I fly back to Hollywood.”

“To make another fantastic motion picture, I imagine.” Wonder flitted across his face. “You’ve truly made my day. Actually, this is hands-down the best experience of my life. May I have your autograph?”

Beth presented her best red carpet smile. “Of course.”

The young man produced a pen and an Electrolux receipt pad from his pocket. Beth signed her name, accompanied by a personalized a note.

He tucked away the items. “You’ve sure made me happy, Miss Sutton.”

“Please call me Elizabeth.”

“Wow, really? Thanks!” He placed his fedora on his head. “Enjoy your time in Clarkson, Elizabeth.”

After he left the drugstore, Emma sighed. “Gosh. It must be nice to have such a positive impact on someone.”

Beth focused on the front door as it closed, leaving her and Emma as the only patrons in the drugstore. Her smile widened. And it wasn’t an act, either. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

While they finished their chocolate malts, they discussed what their fellow schoolmates were up to since graduation and other various goings-on in Emma’s life. From time to time, Beth’s encounter with the vacuum salesman entered her mind. Now the idea of returning to L.A. enticed her. Connie had urged her to think about rallying together with others to change the studio system. Was it at all possible?

When their glasses were empty, Beth offered to pay the check, but Mr. Kent declined her money. To compensate, she dropped a few bills into the tip jar when he wasn’t looking.