Read Online Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3) by Alexandra Richland - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Alexandra Richland
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a couple.”
“That doesn’t mean I click my heels together and everything is perfect. In films, love conquers all and the good guys win. Real life isn’t so black and white. It’ll take a lot of hard work to deal with everything that happened to me. It’s daunting, and I’m scared to revisit it all, but I’m not giving up. And that’s my advice to you, Beth. Although, it took me years to get to this point, I’m making positive changes nonetheless, and that’s the important thing.”
Beth moved over to provide space for Connie to sit on the bed properly. “I’m sorry I’ve been so selfish with everyone besides Aidan. What I’m going through pales in comparison to your journey. It was insensitive of me to treat you poorly when you showed up here. Thanks for not giving up on me. You’re a great woman and a great friend.”
Connie kicked off her shoes and settled her back against the headboard, stretching her legs in front of her. “Do you know why I was cold toward Aidan right from the beginning?”
Beth considered the question for a moment. “I always assumed it was because of the whole studio-trained actors versus Method-trained actors rivalry in the film industry.”
Connie shook her head. “It’s because Aidan secured a prestigious leading role in Hollywood in an honest way whereas they convinced me I had to sleep my way to the top. I was jealous that it was so easy for him to stand his ground, make demands, and get everything he wanted.”
She frowned. “Beth, I know Nathan arrived and drove you home before anything happened between you and Luther. However, when I heard the news, I felt ill. Maybe if I’d spoken up early on, I could’ve stopped him from going after you—and other actresses, too. I will always regret putting myself first.”
Beth patted her shoulder. “You’re not alone. I felt uncomfortable when Mr. Mertz touched my knee during a meeting that happened weeks ago, but I didn’t say anything to anyone. Imagine how many other women have done the same.”
“There was a time when I wanted to go to the police, but I never went through with it.” Connie’s expression crumbled with the arrival of more tears. “What was I supposed to tell them? Sure, what Luther and his cronies did was immoral, and using bribery to obtain my consent was despicable, but I had, in fact, consented. There were no grounds for charges to be laid.”
“Oh, Connie.” Beth pulled her in for a hug.
Connie cried into her ear. “I’m so sorry. My comments about your relationship with Aidan weren’t meant to be hurtful. I came here today to help you, and to see you so distraught because he’s gone…it breaks my heart. Aidan may enrich your life, but without him, you’re still worthy. If it’s meant to be, you’ll reconnect. In the meantime, you shouldn’t lock yourself in his house and fade away.”
Beth sniffled. “You’re right, but how can I move forward? Golden Gloves is terminated. My film career is over.”
Connie grasped her hands. “Listen to me. My career isn’t finished, your career isn’t finished, and neither is Olivia’s. We’re strong women, and we don’t need to depend on Starlight Studios anymore.”
Beth tossed her a dubious look. “Even Aidan, who wasn’t signed under contract, was forced to make films at the studio. That’s where the money comes from. It’s impossible to green light a project without Mr. Mertz’s involvement and approval.”
Enthusiasm sprung to Connie’s eyes again. “I know it’s a long shot, but I have the courage to try to assert my independence now. It can start with you, Olivia, and me. Things may not change overnight, but if we rally—”
“Putting the broken pieces of my personal life back together is hard enough, Connie. I don’t know if I can salvage my career, too, and be independent in the industry.” Beth retracted her hands. “You know how it is in this town. The three of us—three women, no less—cannot change a studio
“That doesn’t mean I click my heels together and everything is perfect. In films, love conquers all and the good guys win. Real life isn’t so black and white. It’ll take a lot of hard work to deal with everything that happened to me. It’s daunting, and I’m scared to revisit it all, but I’m not giving up. And that’s my advice to you, Beth. Although, it took me years to get to this point, I’m making positive changes nonetheless, and that’s the important thing.”
Beth moved over to provide space for Connie to sit on the bed properly. “I’m sorry I’ve been so selfish with everyone besides Aidan. What I’m going through pales in comparison to your journey. It was insensitive of me to treat you poorly when you showed up here. Thanks for not giving up on me. You’re a great woman and a great friend.”
Connie kicked off her shoes and settled her back against the headboard, stretching her legs in front of her. “Do you know why I was cold toward Aidan right from the beginning?”
Beth considered the question for a moment. “I always assumed it was because of the whole studio-trained actors versus Method-trained actors rivalry in the film industry.”
Connie shook her head. “It’s because Aidan secured a prestigious leading role in Hollywood in an honest way whereas they convinced me I had to sleep my way to the top. I was jealous that it was so easy for him to stand his ground, make demands, and get everything he wanted.”
She frowned. “Beth, I know Nathan arrived and drove you home before anything happened between you and Luther. However, when I heard the news, I felt ill. Maybe if I’d spoken up early on, I could’ve stopped him from going after you—and other actresses, too. I will always regret putting myself first.”
Beth patted her shoulder. “You’re not alone. I felt uncomfortable when Mr. Mertz touched my knee during a meeting that happened weeks ago, but I didn’t say anything to anyone. Imagine how many other women have done the same.”
“There was a time when I wanted to go to the police, but I never went through with it.” Connie’s expression crumbled with the arrival of more tears. “What was I supposed to tell them? Sure, what Luther and his cronies did was immoral, and using bribery to obtain my consent was despicable, but I had, in fact, consented. There were no grounds for charges to be laid.”
“Oh, Connie.” Beth pulled her in for a hug.
Connie cried into her ear. “I’m so sorry. My comments about your relationship with Aidan weren’t meant to be hurtful. I came here today to help you, and to see you so distraught because he’s gone…it breaks my heart. Aidan may enrich your life, but without him, you’re still worthy. If it’s meant to be, you’ll reconnect. In the meantime, you shouldn’t lock yourself in his house and fade away.”
Beth sniffled. “You’re right, but how can I move forward? Golden Gloves is terminated. My film career is over.”
Connie grasped her hands. “Listen to me. My career isn’t finished, your career isn’t finished, and neither is Olivia’s. We’re strong women, and we don’t need to depend on Starlight Studios anymore.”
Beth tossed her a dubious look. “Even Aidan, who wasn’t signed under contract, was forced to make films at the studio. That’s where the money comes from. It’s impossible to green light a project without Mr. Mertz’s involvement and approval.”
Enthusiasm sprung to Connie’s eyes again. “I know it’s a long shot, but I have the courage to try to assert my independence now. It can start with you, Olivia, and me. Things may not change overnight, but if we rally—”
“Putting the broken pieces of my personal life back together is hard enough, Connie. I don’t know if I can salvage my career, too, and be independent in the industry.” Beth retracted her hands. “You know how it is in this town. The three of us—three women, no less—cannot change a studio
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