Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3)

by Alexandra Richland

  “He refuted the idea immediately, but in today’s newspapers, there’s a statement from him, announcing his retirement.” Pride permeated Nathan’s posture. “It was inevitable he’d heed my warning, in spite of his arguments to the contrary. The accusations alone, whether they could be proven or not, would raise questions. There’s no way he’d risk public denouncement, not after how hard he worked to create the studio.”

  Beth couldn’t believe it—a Starlight Studios without Mr. Mertz. What did this mean for the future of film industry? Would creative freedom no longer be impossible for actors? These were loaded topics. She made a simpler inquiry. “Is someone going to take Mr. Mertz’s place?”

  “Three senior executives are vying for his job, but based on the number of studio employees trying to break free from their contracts, I don’t know how long the old system can be maintained.”

  “You never made a salary.” Olivia twirled her engagement ring around her finger.

  Nathan lowered his gaze. “Yes, I’m afraid even your ring was bought by Luther.”

  Olivia removed the ring and threw it in the garbage. Nathan grabbed at his chest as if she’d dumped his heart along with it.

  She shrugged. “Well, then. You’ll just have to get me another one. That is, if you still want to marry me.” She peered at him hopefully.

  “Oh, darling. Of course I do.” Nathan made a move to embrace her but stopped before following through on it. “I have nothing to offer you financially. I’m confident I can find work elsewhere, but it will take me some time to get back on my feet. Even then, I cannot guarantee we will live in luxury like you’ve been accustomed to this past year, especially while I’m making payments to Bellevue.

  “If not for my meager savings of my allowance, I couldn’t even have afforded the fare for the cab rides to and from the airport. I was only able to purchase my airline ticket and Beth’s ticket and hotel reservation because I made the arrangements using the studio’s expense account before I announced my resignation.” His shoulders hunched. “I’m sorry I’m not the man you thought I was.”

  Olivia wrapped her arms around him. “Nathan, when you asked me to marry you, I said yes because I’m in love with you. I couldn’t care less about material possessions. Plus, I have my own money. I don’t need yours.”

  “I will do whatever it takes to ensure you never regret your decision.” Nathan placed a kiss to her temple. “And I will buy you another engagement ring. I promise.”

  Olivia shook her head. “Forget what I said earlier. I don’t want one.”

  He caressed her cheek. “Liv, you would honor me if you wore a ring I purchased with my own money. Please reconsider.”

  “All right.” A smile graced her face. “I would also like to meet your mother.”

  “But she—”

  “She’s your mother. It would be a privilege.”

  Nathan pulled her close, holding her like he’d never let her go. “I love you.”

  She clasped her hands at his nape. “I love you, too.”

  Nathan dipped his head and the couple shared a kiss.

  “Is this great?” A grin sprung to Matthew’s face. “Nathan’s back. He and Olivia made up. Life couldn’t get any better, huh?”

  Sorrow spiraled through Beth, annihilating her delight over Olivia and Nathan’s reconsolidation. She blinked rapidly, spilling tears down her cheeks.

  Matthew stepped toward her, his expression warped with woe and shame. “I’m sorry, Beth. That was really insensitive. I was just so happy to see them back together. I wasn’t thinking.”

  Beth accepted Matthew’s handkerchief and dried her eyes. She placed her hand over her beau’s, searching for the slightest sign he wasn’t lost forever, longing for the day he’d return her touch.

  “An apology isn’t necessary. Aidan and I will get our happy ending, too.” She focused back on her friends. “Why don’t you all take the night off? There isn’t much going on here. Plus, there’s not enough space for all of us to sleep in the room comfortably. Nathan, you and Olivia can use the suite you reserved for me at the Blackstone.”

  Matthew folded his arms across his chest. “Forget it. We’re not leaving you alone.”

  Beth pitched a fond look at Aidan. “I’m not alone.”

  Matthew traded hesitant glances with the others, gauging, deliberating. Finally, he sighed in acquiescence. “We’ll return first thing tomorrow morning. Okay? Call me and Connie at the Talbott Hotel if you need anything.”

  “All right.” Beth walked her friends to the door. They gathered their belongings and hugged and kissed her good night. They even said good-bye to Aidan, strengthening her hope that he’d get better soon.

  Once they were gone, Beth grabbed a blanket and a pillow from the linen closet and returned to Aidan’s bedside. She was too tired to change into evening attire but removed her shoes for comfort before creating a makeshift bed out of the chair. She’d eat the food her friends bought for her later.

  “I love you, Aidan. And I’m here for you always.” She brushed her fingers through his hair and then settled in her seat for the night. Despite her efforts to stay awake, she ultimately gave into her fatigue and slept soundly.

  Low mumbles stirred Beth from her slumber. She opened her eyes and waited for them to adjust to the dark. She was not sure how long she had slept, but moonlight seeped into the room through the open blinds covering the window. Incoherent murmurs spilled from Aidan’s lips. His right hand twitched in hers.

  Tears streamed down her face. “I’m here, Aidan. It’s Beth. Please come back to me.”

  A shrill alarm blasted from the cardioscope—so ghastly in pitch she was surprised her ears didn’t bleed. She jumped to her feet. Aidan stilled. The cardioscope’s screen displayed a green line with low blips.

  “No!” Panic launched Beth out of the room. Her eyes burned from the fluorescent corridor lights. “Somebody help him! Please!”

  The door at the end of the hallway burst open, revealing a horde of doctors and nurses pushing a cart of medical equipment and medication. They stormed past her and entered Aidan’s room.

  “Summon Dr. Billings from the on-call room immediately,” a young physician yelled. “Tell him we have an emergency involving Mr. Evans!”

  Beth’s legs gave out. She flew into the doorframe as a nurse left to locate the staff physician. After what seemed like an insurmountable amount of time, Dr. Billings raced into the room.

  Beth charged at him and grabbed a fistful of his lab coat. “Save him! Please!”

  The cardioscope’s staccato alarm converted to a continuous beep. The line on the screen fell flat.

  Dr. Billings shrugged her off. “Get her out of here!”

  A nurse pulled Beth toward the doorway. She fought back, screaming for clemency, until two more nurses helped extradite her from the scene. The door slammed shut, sealing the medical team inside Aidan’s room, leaving her alone in the corridor.

  Sobs retched from Beth’s throat as she collapsed to the floor. “Please don’t leave me. Please don’t leave me.” She pulled her knees to her chest and rocked back and forth. “O glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of Aidan’s soul and the ills that afflict his body…”

  “Carotid pulse remains faint,” Dr. Billings shouted. “Administer epinephrine one milligram!”

  Beth peered toward the ceiling, her face streaked with tears.

  Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world; spare us, O Lord.

  “He’s seizing. Lorazepam seven milligrams now and prepare for endotracheal intubation!”

  Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world; graciously hear us, O Lord.

  “Forty units of Vasopressin, stat!”

  Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us.

  “We’re losing him!”

  Beth squeezed her eyes shut.

  Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world…

  The car
dioscope fell silent.

  Grant us peace.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sunlight streamed into the kitchen as the sheer curtain billowed over the open window above the sink. The quaint room was familiar; so was the view of the meadow surrounding the property.

  Aidan’s brow creased in puzzlement. He was in his childhood home in Fairfield, Indiana. But given the worn blue jeans and white T-shirt covering his tall, muscular frame, he was a twenty-three year old man, not a boy.

  Tentatively, he explored his surroundings. There was no dust, no clutter. No blood. No screams. The house was immaculate and quiet.

  He peered through the kitchen window. Sparrows fluttered outside, chirping a merry tune while the grass swayed in the zephyr. The luscious land seemed to stretch on forever, nothing but vibrant greenery and colorful flowers.

  Life.

  A warm gust of wind blew into the kitchen, ruffling his hair. He grinned. He’d forgotten how peaceful it could be here.

  Drawn to the meadow, he left the house through the back door and traveled across the porch to stand under the cloudless blue sky. Tilting his head back, he closed his eyes and reveled in the heat of the sun against his face.

  “Aidan?”

  He gazed out at the field. His grin widened.

  Beth stood barefoot in the meadow, wearing a pristine white sundress. Her brown hair was set in loose curls, framing her rosy cheeks and broad smile. He jogged over to her.

  “There you are!” She giggled. “I’ve been looking for you.”

  Aidan brushed the hair from her face. “You found me, baby.”

  Beth took his hand. The wind played with her dress, the cotton fabric drifting behind her in an elegant train of white as she pulled him across the meadow.

  Releasing his hand, she extended her arms and twirled around, her twinkling brown eyes lifted toward the sky. Aidan watched in wonder as she spun faster and faster, her laughter ringing like church bells as her hair danced across her cheerful face. She was a spectacular vision in white. His little dove, innocent and pure.

  With a frisky leap toward him, Beth clasped her hands behind his neck and pressed their bodies together, treating him to a loving gaze. At once, Aidan captured her in his arms and kissed her. Their lips remained joined as he lifted her off the ground and spun, enveloped by the gentle breeze.

  Dizzy with devotion, Aidan paused and guided her closer. Beth’s head flew backward. He sprinkled kisses along her throat. Amidst their passion, they lost their footing and tumbled to the earth, cushioned by the grass as they relaxed and caught their breath.

  Aidan plucked a pink flower from the soil and trailed its petals down Beth’s face. She smiled and settled in his embrace. Her eyelids wilted as the sparrows continued their sprightly song in the distance. He tossed the flower aside and traced his fingers up along her hip and one supple breast, coming to rest at her nape. As she rested safely, he studied her quietly, her soft breaths swathing him in serenity.

  “It’s lovely here.” Beth sighed and opened her eyes. “Must we leave so soon?”

  “What do you mean?” He combed his fingers through her hair. “We can stay as long as you wish, little dove.”

  Her lips formed an alluring pout. He preferred her smile.

  “Oh, how I wish that was true.” She slipped from his arms and stood, brushing grass and dirt from her dress.

  Aidan linked his hands behind his head and squinted against the sunlight. A grin stretched across his face. “You’re beautiful.”

  Beth averted her gaze. A frown decorated her mouth. “It’s time.”

  Without another word, she dashed toward the house.

  Aidan leapt to his feet and ran after her. He took only a few steps and then halted midstride.

  “Mother?” His voice carried on the wind, lost amongst the rustling foliage.

  It impossible. There was no way…

  He blinked once. Twice. Beth vanished, as though only a mirage. His mother remained. She stood in the meadow, her wavy auburn hair and flowery frock shimmering in the sunlight.

  Somehow, he managed to walk up to her. She welcomed him with a smile. Before speaking, he took some time to commit her youthful appearance to memory. He wanted—no, needed—to remember her this way. Healthy and carefree.

  “I’m sorry.” Tears flooded his eyes.

  “There’s nothing to be sorry about, my son. I love you and I am with you always.” Her smile adopted a wistful twist. “She’s exquisite.”

  Beth.

  A grin tugged at Aidan’s lips. “Yes, she is.”

  “Go to her.”

  Dread catapulted his heart against his ribcage. “What about you?”

  She cupped his cheek. “You cannot have both, my son.”

  A knot formed in his chest.

  “I love you.” Aidan placed his hand over hers for a moment, relishing their reunion, and then sprinted toward the house.

  Inside, Beth hummed the tune he wrote for her. His heart swelled. He was home.

  A blinding white light greeted him as he yanked open the back door. He winced and swung his arm across his face, shielding his eyes.

  “Aidan…”

  He dropped his arm and blinked rapidly to try to clear his vision. Disoriented, he stepped into the light. Hopefully, he wasn’t too late.

  “Aidan…”

  “Aidan…”

  “Aidan…”

  Fighting against the haziness that enveloped him, Aidan opened his heavy eyelids and met a dark brown, watery gaze that looked familiar. Beth leaned over him, her features drawn together, exposing prominent lines of worry.

  A thick piece of her hair danced in front of his face. He attempted to lift his hand to brush it aside but was unsuccessful. His arms felt like they were cased in cement. In fact, now that he was more lucid, he realized that his nose hurt, his chest hurt. Damn it. It even hurt to move his eyes.

  Aidan racked his brain for answers. He remembered confronting his father, leaving the house, wishing to return to Beth right away, and then…nothing. As he blinked hard, the details of his surroundings came into focus. Olivia, Connie, Nathan, and Matthew gathered behind Beth, their expressions alight with hope. His mother was not among them. His time in the meadow had been a dream.

  Then where exactly was he? He was lying on an uncomfortable bed—that much was clear—but his thoughts were jumbled and he couldn’t put the rest of the puzzle together. Maybe this was a dream and the meadow was his reality.

  Beth wiped away her tears. Aidan moved his fingers, but it was still difficult for him to lift his arms. It pained him not to be able to hold and comfort her. Nathan said something to Matthew, which Aidan couldn’t make out, and then Nathan disappeared from his field of view. He heard a door shut soon after.

  Aidan swept his gaze down his body. Something was taped over his nose, and a tube ran into the back of his hand. The blankets draped over him secured him so tightly he didn’t have room to maneuver—which explained why he could wiggle his toes but not raise his legs—and wires slipped under his bedspread, connected to a machine that had a screen with green peaks traveling across it.

  He opened his mouth to speak, but his tongue felt thick and dry and his voice wouldn’t cooperate. He closed his eyes as dizziness overcame him.

  “It’s all right, Aidan.” Beth touched the top of his head. Panic eased out of him, even though his mind raced with questions.

  He moved his mouth in a chewing motion, desperate to wet his palate. Beth’s hand disappeared. Fear plowed into him; something nearby emitted a rapid series of beeps. The machine with the green peaks, maybe?

  “I’m here,” Beth said from somewhere in his vicinity, and then he sensed her beside him again. The beeping ceased. “Have some ice chips.”

  Aidan licked the ice greedily, tasting not only water but also a coppery tang that reminded him of…blood? His lower lip stung, but his dehydration prevailed and he finished everything she offered him.

  Prying his eyes open, he
finally found his voice. “Beth.”

  Her hand flew to her mouth. “You know who I am.”

  His eyebrows furrowed. “Where am I?”

  Beth set down the cup of ice and leaned over him, grazing her hand to side of his face. “Chicago Memorial Hospital.”

  The machine with the green blips exploded into a chorus of high-pitched beeps again as Aidan struggled to sit up, haphazardly reaching for the wires and tubes connected to his body.

  Matthew darted to his side. “Whoa. Easy there, buddy.”

  He placed his hands on Aidan’s shoulders and tried to ease him onto his back again.

  “Why…hospital? No.” Aidan struggled against Matthew’s grip. The effort left him winded.

  Beth’s chin quivered. “Please, Aidan. Don’t strain yourself.”

  His heart shattered at her sorrowful expression. The back of his head found the pillow and Matthew released him. Aidan was much too exhausted and sore to fight him anyway.

  With his resignation, the machine next to him stopped beeping. The peaks traveling across the screen—did they correlate to his heartbeat?

  He blinked rapidly, fighting against the fluorescent lights above him. “I…don’t…understand.”

  Beth’s eyes shimmered with tears again. “You were in a car accident.”

  He flinched. A car accident? Was that why he couldn’t remember anything after he left his father’s house?

  He cleared his throat. “How long have I been here?”

  Beth wrapped her arms around her midsection. “You’ve been in a coma for almost three days.”

  Chicago Memorial Hospital. How ironic that he was brought to his father’s workplace following their confrontation. He didn’t have to worry about running into the man again, though. It wasn’t like his father would stop by with a get-well card and flowers or anything.

  Aidan screwed his eyes shut, hoping to clear his thoughts. After a few moments, he opened them slowly. Beth’s angel pendant glistened like a prism, casting a rainbow of colors across the sheets covering his broken body. His gaze jumped to his left hand. He blew out a sigh of relief. The ring she gave him was still on his middle finger.