Starlight

by Alexandra Richland

  “So you wanted to become a school teacher, huh?” Aidan wondered what other things he’d read about Beth were exaggerated.

  She nodded. “Yes, English, preferably, but Nathan’s invitation for a screen test ended up being a blessing. After signing with Starlight Studios, I discovered I actually enjoy acting. I’ll never be as talented as you and the other members of the Actors Studio, but Method acting especially intrigues me.”

  “You’re very talented,” Aidan said, “and I really thought you fit in well at the Actors Studio. I couldn’t believe it when you told Gadg you’d only been working for Mertz since June.”

  Beth’s eyebrows drew together. “Gadg? You mean, Mr. Kazan?”

  Aidan held back a grin and nodded. The director didn’t really like his nickname, but he hated Mr. Kazan even more.

  “Thank you for the compliment.” Beth tossed a timid look in his direction. “I would love to learn more about Method acting so I could apply it to my upcoming projects at the studio—that is, if Mr. Mertz extends my contract.”

  “When does your probation end?”

  “Early December.”

  “Well, Mertz would be stupid to let you go.” Aidan shot her a sideways glance.

  Beth blushed and looked down at her feet.

  Given that this was her day off, Aidan didn’t want to bombard her with questions about work.

  “So you came to L.A. from a small town in Oregon called Clarkson?” He hoped she wouldn’t mind his interest in her background.

  Beth’s excited expression eased his worry. “Yes. My mother is a homemaker and my father is the town’s shoe repairman. He works out of the garage next to our house.”

  “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

  “No, I’m an only child.” She shrugged. “I don’t mind, though. My parents never made me feel like I missed out on anything. They’re truly wonderful.” The corners of her mouth dropped. “I miss them a lot.”

  Aidan couldn’t help but notice the contrast in the way they were raised. Beth obviously had a very joyous upbringing, while his was anything but joyous after his mother died.

  “When was the last time you saw them?” He asked his question carefully, sensing it was a sore subject for her.

  Beth’s frown deepened. “Not since I came out to Los Angeles a year ago. But when the Sparkling Meadow company stops in Portland near the end of the tour, my parents are going to come out and see me.”

  “That’ll be great.”

  “Yes, I can’t wait.” She met his admiring gaze. “What about you? Do you have any siblings?”

  “Nah, it’s just me.” He chuckled. “Trust me—the world is much better off with only one Aidan Evans running around.”

  “I beg to differ.” Beth cleared her throat softly. “So, do you see your parents often?”

  Aidan went rigid. The fallen leaves crunched under their feet, peacefully breaking the tension-filled silence between them, but inside his head was a whole other story. The pounding in his brain sounded like a jackhammer.

  Beth gave him a perplexed look after several moments passed and he still hadn’t answered. He chose his next words circumspectly.

  “I, uh, haven’t seen my father since I left for New York a few years ago.” His voice sounded rougher than he intended. “And my mother …” He exhaled a shaky breath. The air around him suddenly felt dense—suffocating—and his throat felt like it was closing up on him.

  “My mother died when I was ten years old.” He purposely avoided using the term murdered. He wasn’t ready to go there yet—not today—not on Beth’s day.

  Beth stopped in her tracks, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh my, Aidan … I didn’t mean … Goodness, I’m so sorry!”

  He shook his head. “It’s okay. You didn’t know.”

  Beth nodded sheepishly and they continued walking. Smiling couples strolled past them holding hands, engrossed in each other, and Aidan guessed they were probably having nice, normal conversations. Meanwhile, he couldn’t share more about himself with Beth without risking a panic attack. It was pathetic.

  “What was your mother’s name?”

  Beth’s question caught Aidan off guard. His heart thumped erratically.

  “Catherine.” He chanced a glance at her, hoping she couldn’t see the sadness in his eyes.

  She smiled. “That’s a lovely name. Was she the one who taught you how to play piano?”

  Aidan grinned. “Yeah, she did. I used to sit beside her at the piano every evening after dinner and copy the notes she played. She never took any lessons, you know. She possessed a natural musical gift.”

  Beth stopped walking and turned to him. Her hair fluttered around her face in the faint breeze. Aidan couldn’t resist the urge to touch her any longer and tucked an errant curl behind her ear. Her skin felt like silk against his coarse fingertips.

  Beth closed her eyes as his hand lingered near her cheek, her body trembling ever so slightly but enough to catch his attention. He dropped his arm to his side, hoping he hadn’t crossed the line. When she didn’t back away, he assumed everything was all right.

  “I bet you play beautifully, too.” She opened her eyes and looked up at him.

  Aidan swallowed slowly as he took in her smile. When he finally spoke, the steadiness of his voice stunned him. “Like I said that afternoon in the rehearsal theater, I really would like to play for you one day.”

  A blush rose in Beth’s cheeks. “I look forward to it.”

  As they continued on their journey, she asked Aidan about his time in New York, and how he met Nathan, and he asked about her favorite foods, books, and music. Beth also shared entertaining stories from when she worked at Schwab’s, and told him how she met Olivia. Everything she said interested him and time just flew.

  When they arrived at a fork in the path, Aidan knew exactly which route to take, even though he hadn’t been that far into the park in a while. As they approached their first destination, he hoped she would be as impressed with it as he was.

  “Beth?”

  She stopped walking and peered over at him. “Yes?”

  The sun felt hot against Aidan’s back as he looked down at her standing in his shadow. “Do you trust me?”

  Beth took her lower lip between her teeth and nodded. The desire to kiss her overwhelmed him. With his heart pounding frantically, he leaned in and brushed his lips to her ear. “Please, close your eyes.”

  She obeyed immediately.

  He placed his hands on her shoulders from behind and led her off the path. Her steps were hesitant.

  “Don’t let me bump into anything,” she said with a giggle.

  Aidan lowered his face to her hair, breathing in her vanilla scent and enjoying the heat that ignited between them. “I’d never let any harm come to you, Beth.”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “I know.”

  They took a few more steps, and then Aidan stopped her. “Okay, open your eyes.”

  He studied her face, awaiting her reaction.

  Beth gasped as she focused ahead. “Oh, my. How gorgeous!”

  “That’s the Bethesda Fountain.” Aidan looked at the vast terrace below and the people scattered throughout. The large stone fountain sat in the middle of the courtyard, its murky water glinting in the mid-morning sun.

  “Can I get a closer look?” Beth’s eyes flickered with intrigue and amazement.

  Aidan felt the tension ease out of his body. Her reaction was better than he’d expected. “Of course.”

  Taking Beth’s hand, he escorted her down the stone steps to Bethesda Terrace. When they reached the bottom, she took the lead, eagerly tugging him toward the fountain. Aidan followed her willingly with a large grin on his face, reveling in her innate ability to cheer him up with just one positive glance in his direction.

  Beth stopped before the fountain and pointed to the statue in the middle, which poured water into the basin below. “The angel is beautiful.”

  With Aidan’s hand in hers, she
took a few more steps and sat down on the lip of the fountain. She reached toward the water but he stopped her before her fingers made contact.

  “That’s not a good idea.” His lips held the hint of a smile as he noted her confusion. “The water is pretty dirty.”

  Beth blushed. “I apologize. I was just so impressed … I wasn’t thinking.”

  “You don’t have to apologize. I’m just glad you like it.”

  “Oh, I do,” she replied. “I really do.”

  Aidan admired how beautiful she looked with the sunlight dancing across her face.

  “Do you wanna know the story behind the fountain?” he asked. He had read up on it during a visit to the New York Library soon after he arrived in the city from Chicago.

  Beth squeezed his hand gently. “Yes, please.”

  Aidan caressed her knuckles with his thumb. He’d never held a girl’s hand with so much sentiment before. He wished he could tell Beth just how special she was to him, but words failed him.

  “The statue is known as the Angel of the Waters,” he said, trying to focus on anything else but how right her hand felt in his. It was his only hope in remembering the story successfully. “The angel symbolizes and celebrates the purifying of New York City’s water supply when the Croton Aqueduct opened in 1842, bringing fresh water to all New Yorkers. In one hand, the angel carries a lily, the symbol of purity.”

  Beth squinted against the sun, studying the statue.

  “According to the story, her other hand blesses the water below with her healing powers. The idea is that the water has the power to save people from whatever physical or mental ailments they suffer from.”

  Beth swept a few strands of hair away from her face, her mouth curved into a smile. “How lovely.”

  “The inspiration for the statue came from the Gospel of Saint John, chapter five,” Aidan continued, “which tells the story of an angel touching down and bestowing healing powers on the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.”

  Beth dropped her gaze, concentrating on their linked hands resting on the rim of the fountain. When she spoke, her tone was soft and thoughtful. “So you’re saying the water in this fountain, like the one in Jerusalem, has the power to help people get over whatever troubles them?”

  Aidan looked down at Beth’s pensive reflection in the rippled, sun-kissed water.

  His Angel of the Water.

  “It’s just a story.” He focused on the glinting copper pennies at the bottom of the basin. “Nothin’ but a bunch of hooey.”

  Beth slipped her hand from his. “Oh.”

  “Anyway,” Aidan gestured to the statue, “if you look beneath the angel, you’ll see four smaller figures. They symbolize Temperance, Purity, Health, and Peace.” He dusted his hands off on his pants and stood. “So, yeah, that’s pretty much it.”

  Beth rose to her feet as well. “It was a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with me.”

  Aidan raked his hand through his hair, searching for a way to lighten the mood again. “You’re welcome.” He looked at her hopefully. “So, do you wanna continue on the tour?”

  Beth smiled. “I’d love to.”

  Aidan held out his hand and she took it, much to his relief. Her growling stomach broke the silence between them.

  She giggled. “How embarrassing. I suppose I should’ve had breakfast before I left the hotel.”

  Aidan cursed silently. He’d been so excited to show her around town that he completely forgot to ask her if she wanted to eat something first.

  “How about we grab a bite somewhere now?”

  Beth blushed. “If you don’t mind.”

  Aidan frowned. “Not at all. I’m sorry I didn’t ask sooner.”

  “It’s all right. I didn’t even think about it until now.” Her words did nothing to ease his shame.

  As Aidan led Beth, his joyous angel, across the terrace, he felt relieved his negative remarks on the legend of the fountain hadn’t ruined their day completely and he had another chance to prove she could depend on him to take care of her. He didn’t act like a pessimist purposely. Given his history, it was just difficult for him not to feel negative most of the time, even in the company of a wonderful, sweet girl like her.

  Aidan valued Beth’s optimism, he really did, but even if the story behind the fountain was true, the tragic fact was he felt he’d sinned far too severely in his past for salvation now, anyway.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Beth thought Central Park was remarkable so far, but it was holding Aidan’s hand that made the experience especially wonderful. Although it was inappropriate to allow him to do this early on without risking being labeled a loose woman, the way he treated her implied he respected her and didn’t view her that way at all. She also believed his intentions were honest and pure.

  On their walk through the park, she learned about Aidan’s love of classical music and his appreciation for novels that she, too, enjoyed. Much to her delight, he asked her many questions about her past, hobbies, and work, indicating he was interested in learning more about her as well.

  Beth’s biggest shock was finding out Aidan’s mother had passed away when he was only ten years old. His childhood was obviously a touchy subject. However, his devotion to his mother was evident. She wondered how his mother died, as well as what troubled him during the filming of Spike Rollins and the evening of his premiere, but it wasn’t right for her to ask.

  His father was another matter entirely. Aidan’s demeanor hardened when he spoke of the man, but again, it wasn’t Beth’s place to inquire further. Ultimately, she hoped that as they got to know each other better, he’d feel comfortable opening up to her more without being prompted.

  “So where do you want to eat?” Aidan asked.

  “How about there?” Beth pointed in the direction of a hot dog vendor stationed on the perimeter of the Bethesda terrace.

  “He sells hot dogs,” Aidan said, as if he was telling her something she didn’t know already.

  She shrugged. “I don’t mind.”

  “I can take you to eat anywhere in the city. You don’t have to settle on a hot dog. Plus, it’s not exactly proper breakfast food.”

  “But I like hot dogs, especially with ketchup. Besides, I want to eat something quick so we can continue our tour. I want to make sure we get to everything on your list.”

  Aidan lifted his eyebrows. “Are you sure?”

  Beth nodded.

  “Okay. I guess it doesn’t matter since we’re going to a sit down place for dinner anyway—” He winced.

  Beth’s interest piqued. “We are?”

  Aidan avoided her gaze. “We are what?”

  Beth giggled. “You just mentioned taking me to a sit down place for dinner.”

  Aidan placed his hands into the pockets of his windbreaker, his face sporting a boyish grin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Beth swatted his arm playfully. “For such a talented actor, you’re a terrible liar.”

  Aidan chuckled. “Fine, you win. I’m taking you to a nice place for dinner.” He folded his arms across his chest. “But that’s all you’re getting outta me.”

  She smiled. “All right, that’s fair.”

  “Unless you have to get back to your hotel earlier,” he said quickly.

  “No, I’m all yours.” Her face heated up at her unintentional double entendre.

  Aidan’s grin widened. “I’m glad.”

  Beth refrained from showing too much excitement, but she was truly ecstatic their day together would continue into the evening. She wasn’t properly dressed for dinner, though, which meant she would have to sneak into her hotel room later to change without Henry spotting her. This posed a problem, but if it meant spending more time with Aidan, she’d gladly take the risk.

  Aidan popped the collar of his windbreaker, his green eyes sweeping the terrace. “So you really want a hot dog?”

  “Yes, please.”

  His grin divulged his amusement. “Okay, l
et’s go.”

  They walked up to the hot dog stand. The vendor greeted them with a warm smile. “What can I get you two folks?”

  “Two hot dogs with ketchup,” Aidan replied.

  The vendor’s eyes widened. “Hey, aren’t you that actor from Spike Rollins?”

  Aidan shifted on his feet. “Uh, no.”

  Beth shot him a confused look.

  “Really? I could’ve sworn …” The vendor shrugged. “My mistake.” He began preparing their hot dogs. “Have you seen that new motion picture? All my daughter talks about is the lead actor. Oh, what’s his name?” He snapped his fingers. “Aidan, that’s it. Anyway, all my daughter talks about is Aidan this, and Aidan that. I can’t remember his last name …”

  “Aidan Evans is his full name.” Beth peered over at Aidan prudently. “And yes, I have seen the film, and I, too, think he’s an extremely talented actor. I can understand why your daughter is so impressed with him.”

  Aidan’s expression softened, revealing a superlative smile directed solely at her.

  “Okay, two hot dogs … that’ll be thirty cents,” the vendor said, drawing their attention.

  Beth opened her purse. Aidan placed his hand on top of it before she could pull out her wallet.

  “Don’t worry,” he said, “I got it.”

  “I want to pay my share,” she replied. “It’s kind enough that you’re showing me around the city. I don’t expect you to pay for my meals, too.”

  “This is your day, Beth. Please, let me pay for your hot dog.”

  She sighed. “I’ll get the next one, then.”

  Aidan’s lips lifted into his trademark smirk. “We’ll see.”

  He pulled out a worn, black leather wallet from the back pocket of his jeans and handed the vendor a one-dollar bill.

  Beth took their hot dogs. Aidan received his change and several napkins.

  “Where do you want to sit?” she asked.

  He tucked his wallet away. “Wherever you want.”

  Beth zeroed in on the pond behind the fountain. Couples in rowboats glided across the glistening water. “How about we eat next to the pond?”