‘Time and again.’
‘But we’ve had plenty of foreign actresses make it big here. Hedy Lamarr is Austrian, Marlene Dietrich is German, Greta Garbo is Swedish—’
‘But none of them are Australian. Name one big-name Hollywood actress who has made it over here who is Australian?’
‘I can’t.’
‘My point exactly. All the actresses you mentioned have gorgeous, exotic accents. Then you have mine.’
‘Your accent is as beautiful as you are.’
‘Those who hire don’t think so.’ She crossed her legs. ‘Wow. I never knew letting all this out could feel so good.’
‘You’ve kept all this bottled up? No one has ever known the true you?’
Lena bit her lip, fearing she may have opened the Pandora’s box just a little too far. This was more than enough information for now. When the time was right, she’d reveal more.
‘Never in a million years could I pick you were from anywhere other than here.’
‘I have a good ear and acting comes naturally.’
‘Obviously.’ Reeves slid back on the chair and put his hands behind his head. ‘But it does make me wonder what other things have fallen under your acting skills.’
‘If you’re referring to you and me, rest assured it is not an act.’ Indignation tumbled out with her words.
‘I never doubted that.’
‘I’m glad,’ she said.
‘Does anyone else know?’ he asked.
‘My agent and a couple of others but that’s it.’
‘Yvonne and George?’
‘It doesn’t matter who, the thing is, I’m trusting you with my career on this. I hope you don’t prove me wrong.’
‘You have that little faith in me?’ he asked.
‘No, I … it’s just that … Oh!’ She shook her head. ‘I’ve spent so long living this lie that I don’t know how to be me. I don’t even know who me is!’
Reeves knelt in front of her, his hand reaching for hers. ‘Then let’s find out.’
The moment their lips met, any worry about fallout from her revelation flew into the ether. Reeves left a trail of soft, warm kisses along her neck and collarbone, her body giving in to the desires she’d tried to suppress. Maybe now, in the arms of the man she couldn’t resist, Lena might finally find out who she truly was.
CHAPTER 31
1952 – Hollywood
Once more, Reeves had exited Lena’s bed before the sun had made an appearance. She touched her lips, lost in the memory of yet another night of ecstasy spent with the man she was falling for. Had fallen for. As much as she wanted to deny it, Reeves Garrity was under her skin.
Resistance was futile.
A shot of panic pierced the bliss. She’d just told Reeves one of her biggest secrets and if he ever chose to leak it, she would lose credibility instantly. He may have understood her reasons, but she doubted her adoring fans would. By now, she’d proven herself to be reliable and talented, regardless of nationality. However, no one liked being misled. Even though fans were smart and knew reporters sometimes printed lies, they’d still feel betrayed by a falsehood as big as this one. She’d worked too hard and too long for any spanners to be thrown in the works.
Lena showered and dressed, then decided to skip breakfast. An uneasiness in her stomach made her nauseous and she wished she could will it away. Regardless, she had to get on set to start the day’s filming.
Driving through the streets towards Fortitude Studios, Lena pondered how things would play out when she saw Reeves today. She’d been petrified yesterday, but after yet another night of lovemaking and their talk, she felt she could hide her affection for him whilst on set. She could do this. She was a professional.
She was in love.
Lena sucked in her breath.
No. No, no, no. Absolutely no way.
But …
She slowly let the air out of her lungs.
There was no denying it.
Her heart was his. Well, as much as she could give.
She turned onto the lot and waved at Barney who had opened the gates. After parking in the space near the studio, she walked into the dressing room, expecting it to be deserted at this early hour.
‘Enjoying my life, are we?’
Lena’s purse dropped on the floor, the contents spilling across the boards.
‘Jeanne? What … how … what …’
‘What am I doing here? I’m out for good behaviour.’ Her laugh sounded hollow. ‘I’m gone for six weeks and you move in on my role. I am far from impressed.’
‘Jeanne.’ Lena tried to keep her voice steady. ‘They couldn’t stop the production, it would have been too costly.’
‘They’ll lose money with you at the helm, anyway. Who wants to see you in place of me?’
She tried to push Jeanne’s words aside. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘Oh.’ She moved around the dressing room touching everything like she owned it. ‘Just checking on things.’
‘I’m sure there’ll be a new role for you soon.’
Jeanne ran her finger along the top of a painting then screwed up her nose. ‘Given they thought I would be on my vacation longer, there’s nothing in the works.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ And she was. It couldn’t be easy walking back on set and finding someone had replaced you in the role in what was being billed as the movie of the year. ‘It’s good you were able to come back from your vacation early.’
‘Ugh!’ Jeanne threw her hands in the air. ‘Let’s stop tiptoeing about. I’ve had my eye on you for a long time and I’ve seen you using your wiles to get what you want.’
‘Excuse me?’
‘You know exactly what I mean.’
‘I’m afraid I don’t.’ Lena wasn’t willing to let Jeanne win this without a fight.
‘Your rise to fame was swift. One minute you’re doing bit parts then the next you’ve got your own movie.’ She narrowed her eyes. ‘Don’t tell me there weren’t any back-room shenanigans. You cheated me out of that musical theatre production all those years ago, don’t think you can keep doing it.’
‘You can’t be more wrong. Just because you—’
‘Now, now. No need for mudslinging.’
Although that was exactly what Jeanne was up to.
‘I hear your friend George Barrett is in a spot of bother.’
‘That’s none of your business.’
‘I make it my business to know what’s going on around here. I may have been away but it doesn’t mean I’m not apprised of the latest developments.’
How long had Jeanne known about Lena taking on her role? Perhaps that was just the fire Jeanne needed in her belly to get herself out of rehab and back to Fortitude Studios.
‘Such a shame George is a communist. Just like his ex-lover Oscar. You know, they say like enjoys the company of like and you and George are such good friends. I understand you’ve had a visit from the gentlemen of HUAC.’
Who was the snitch? It had to be someone with their finger on the pulse at the studio.
Lena clenched her fists as a band of pain spread around her head. ‘It’s way too early in the morning to deal with this nonsense. I’m asking you to leave.’
‘I’m not going anywhere until you hear me out.’ Jeanne stepped forward, her face inches from Lena’s. ‘You may be the studio’s darling right now but rest assured, your star will not shine for long.’
Lena resisted the urge to step away. Instead, she held her ground. ‘Your empty threats don’t scare me.’
‘They are far from empty.’
‘Hey Lena, you’re in … Oh. Hello, Jeanne.’ Yvonne entered the room. ‘You’re looking well.’
Jeanne twisted her dark pink lips and turned to Lena. ‘This conversation is not over.’
She stormed out the door. Lena collapsed onto a nearby chair.
‘Whoa!’ Yvonne’s eyes were wide. ‘Are you all right?’
‘Yes, yes,’ said Lena. ‘I was caught o
ff-guard, that’s all.’
‘She’s hard enough to deal with at the best of times, let alone a surprise visit. I guess it was only a matter of time before she confronted you.’
‘You knew she was out of rehab?’
‘I’m sorry, Lena, I thought you knew.’
‘Good morning, ladies!’ Vanessa swanned in and wrapped a cape around Lena then stopped and cupped her hand under Lena’s chin. ‘Gee. You really need to get some sleep.’
‘I’ve had a lot on my mind,’ she muttered.
‘Looks like I have my work cut out for me. Best get to it!’
* * *
Reeves grabbed Lena’s hand and they danced up the stairs, a chorus of men and women singing around them. She glided across the set with Reeves, their steps in sync, their voices blending beautifully. Never in her life had she felt so at ease in front of the cameras.
With one last twirl, Lena fell into Reeves’s arms as he dipped her and planted a kiss on her cheek. The electricity that sizzled up her spine almost caused her legs to give way but Reeves held her tightly.
‘Beautiful,’ he whispered, and she had no idea if he meant the performance or her. Either way, she didn’t mind.
‘Cut! Print!’ yelled Henry. ‘Absolutely perfect! Let’s take a break.’
Reeves helped her to a standing position while the cast filtered towards the makeshift canteen just outside the sound stage. Various members of the crew went to re-set for the next scene.
Lena moved to go to the canteen but Reeves grabbed her hand. She turned to face him, his fingers gently squeezing hers. ‘I’ve missed you.’
‘We can’t do this here.’ She removed her hand and stepped away.
‘I can’t stop thinking about you.’
‘Reeves, I …’ She quickly closed her mouth when Jeanne stepped from behind a tree at the side of the set.
‘I knew it.’ Her voice was low, fire shining in her eyes. She shoved a manicured finger under Lena’s nose. ‘I knew I couldn’t trust you and now you have my man?’
‘Jeanne,’ Reeves started.
She held up her hand in front of his face. ‘I don’t need to hear it. I’ve seen more than enough.’
‘No,’ Reeves stepped forward, ‘you need to hear this. You and I broke up a long time ago and there was never going to be a reconciliation. We talked about this. We agreed to continue the charade but that was all.’
‘You will change your mind once you get tired of that—’
‘You and I are over. We have been for a long while,’ Reeves said, his tone serious.
Jeanne lifted her chin. ‘We will see about that.’
She stalked towards the open door of the sound stage then paused and turned to face the workers who were busy doing their jobs.
‘Just so you know,’ she said loud enough for the crew to pause what they were doing, ‘I’m back, and I will be starring in Lawrence Doherty’s next project, which will be nothing like this second-rate rubbish you’re filming here.’
A few crew members raised their eyebrows or exchanged looks with each other. Perhaps Jeanne had been expecting a round of applause or … who knows. Either way, Lena felt sorry for Jeanne as delusion of her own importance seemed to be clouding her judgement. Jeanne flounced out the door and Lena stood rooted to the spot, not sure what to say or do.
‘She needs a zip code for her ego.’ Henry walked over to them.
‘Looks like she’s recovered,’ said Reeves.
Henry rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Indeed. The timing couldn’t be worse, we haven’t finished and she gets to see what she’s missed out on.’
‘I thought she was supposed to be on vacation for weeks, possibly months,’ Reeves said, playing along with the charade.
‘We all know it wasn’t a vacation,’ said Henry. ‘I hope it’s true that Stuart has her working with Lawrence again soon because I don’t want her hanging around here causing trouble.’
‘I’m sure Stuart has something up his sleeve. He’s always got plans A and B ready to go,’ said Lena, hoping this was the case.
‘We’ll see, we’ll see,’ said Henry. ‘Right-o. Let’s get started.’
‘Sure,’ Lena and Reeves said in unison then laughed.
If Jeanne hadn’t shown up, Lena could have claimed today as being close to perfect.
* * *
‘Wow,’ Anna May said to Lena. The young chorus girl walked around the first of eight bedrooms in the house Lena had recently purchased. Anna May picked up a book about the craft of acting and turned it over in her hands. She put it down then smelled the spray of orange and red flowers in the vase next to the bed. ‘This is beautiful!’
Anna May left the room and Lena followed. Her cheeks ached from smiling. It had taken Lena less time than expected to find the right house and decorate it. Now a group of sixteen women, two to a room, could share and bond and support each other as they took their first steps in their Hollywood acting careers.
Anna May entered the second bedroom and opened the doors of the wardrobe. Inside were dresses and suits of various colours and sizes. She turned to Lena, her eyes wide.
‘I called in a few favours,’ said Lena. ‘Other actresses have donated outfits, shoes, handbags, beauty products and the like to help you all with auditions. I remember one of the hardest things when auditioning was having the right clothes to wear to suit the role, so hopefully these will make it easier.’
‘This is incredible.’ Anna May gently stroked a turquoise cashmere sweater. ‘I can’t believe your generosity.’
‘It’s not just me, there are plenty of people who were willing to help. We’ve all been in this position and understand how hard it can be.’
‘But none of you have to do this.’
‘We don’t have to, but we want to.’ As promised, Reeves had partially funded the house with the proviso that his donation remained anonymous. And as soon as Lena had put the call out to affluent actresses and actors for donations, she’d been surprised by the positive reactions. Clothes, beds, books, sofas … anything and everything that could possibly be needed by young women had been donated. Nearly every single woman Lena had approached thanked her for looking out for the new arrivals then proceeded to tell Lena about their early days, when they’d felt powerless and at the mercy of people who wanted to take advantage of them. It had broken Lena’s heart, but it had also reinforced why this project was one that was badly needed.
‘Thank you,’ said Anna May, her elfin face still in shock.
‘There is one thing, though,’ said Lena, ‘and feel free to say no.’
Anna May’s face fell. ‘What is it?’
Lena reached for Anna May’s hand. ‘You’ve been in Los Angeles for some time now and, I suspect, you are well-versed in the lay of the land. These girls are going to need someone to look up to, someone they can go to for advice.’
‘Like a big sister?’
‘Yes, exactly. So,’ said Lena, praying she’d get the answer she desired. ‘I would like you and one of your friends with similar experience to be the big sisters to these girls.’
‘Really?’ Her mouth fell open, her eyes wide.
‘You’re perfect for the job. And I’ll be available if you need me. Also,’ she said, ‘I’ve organised for some actresses and myself to come and give free acting and singing and dance lessons as our schedules allow.’
‘Really?’ Anna May laughed. ‘Sorry, that’s the only word I can think of. I’m quite shocked, to be honest.’
‘Why?’
‘I just never thought anyone would care,’ said Anna May.
‘There are plenty of people who care.’
‘Thank you. Thank you so much!’ Anna May wrapped her arms around Lena and squeezed her hard then pulled away, her expression one of horror. ‘Oh, I’m so sorry!’
‘Why?’ Lena laughed. ‘You’re excited. Hugs are great!’
‘I will be the best big sister, just you wait!’ Anna May’s excitement was contagious. ‘Does thi
s place have a name?’
‘Why don’t you name it?’ said Lena, joy spilling over.
‘What about Stepping Stones?’
‘I love it! Stepping Stones it is.’
CHAPTER 32
1952 – Hollywood
Lena stood in the study, the telephone pressed to her ear. She’d been expecting this phone call for hours and finally, after much hand-wringing, it had arrived.
‘Thank you,’ she said, trying to take it all in. ‘I’ll let George know.’
Lena hung up and turned to face her best friend who waited on the leather Chesterfield. She replaced her earring and sat next to him, taking his hands in hers.
‘The lawyers haven’t got any further.’ The words were so very hard for her to say.
George hung his head, his shoulders sagging.
‘I’m sorry, George.’
‘I can’t even begin to thank you for all the trouble you’ve gone to.’ He sniffed.
‘You don’t need to thank me. I just wish there was something more I could do for you. If our team can get one of the Hollywood Ten’s lawyers on board, we might get more insight as to how to best fight this.’
‘But they lost.’
‘Their experience could help us figure out what should or shouldn’t be done this time around.’
‘It’s worth the chance.’ This was the first time George had shown a glimmer of hope since HUAC had started sniffing around.
‘I think it’s a chance worth taking,’ she said, still not entirely convinced. Given the severity of the outcome if it went the other way, everything was worth a try.
‘You know you helping me could incriminate you,’ he said.
‘I really don’t care.’ Although she cared a lot, especially as everything else in her life had fallen into place and, for the first time, she had a sense of who she was. ‘You’re my best friend and I would never desert you.’
‘If you did, I’d understand.’
‘Nonsense.’ She waved her hand dismissively. ‘We’ve always been here for each other, so why would we stop?’
‘Because you could end up being accused like me and the studio could drop you and your career would be dead in the water. Or you could end up in jail.’
The Cinema at Starlight Creek Page 30
