Sally Wentworth - Set the Stars on Fire Read online

  'I've got a better idea,' Lori answered lightly. 'Let's ditch the car and walk back along the beach.'

  'Are you kidding? In these clothes?'

  'You can take your shoes off, can't you? Come on, don't be so stuffy.'

  'Me? Stuffy?' he exclaimed indignantly, then leaned forward to tell the driver to stop as soon as they reached the coast.

  The beach was more or less deserted; all the sun loungers collected into stacks and covered with tarpaulins, the thatched shades standing like rows of open umbrellas, only a few hardy people taking a midnight swim or stroll before turning in. At first they talked of the things they had in. common, but gradually Lori drew Dean out to talk about himself. She learnt that he had been on the fringe of acting for a long time and then had landed a good part that really looked as if it would lead somewhere, but the show had been a flop and he was worse off than before with the stigma of a bad show on his record and a girl-friend who had jilted him because of it. Then had come the serial and with it instant fame, but his earlier failure had left him vulnerable, he wanted to seize the fame with both hands and yet was in constant fear of losing it again. Once started it seemed as if he couldn't stop talking, as if he'd been bottling it all up for a long time. And Lori sensed that he was only truly happy when he was working because he could cope with that easily, knew exactly where he was, it was in his private life that he was tense and strained, not knowing how to handle his newly won stardom, seeking friends yet at the same time afraid that people only wanted him because he was famous. They stayed out very late that night, sitting on the terrace of the hotel in the dark, in a corner sheltered from the breeze. Lori let Dean talk himself out, just saying an odd word of encouragement here and there. As she listened, it came to her that Lewis must have already known or guessed at most of this. He must have seen that Dean was heading towards some kind of crack-up, either continual drunkenness or a nervous breakdown, both probably, and worried about what he could do to prevent it without it becoming common knowledge. Her respect for Lewis increased; as the director it was his job to look after the actors and keep them happy, but she had no idea he had so much in sight. Then she gave an inward laugh of self mockery; if Lewis had so much insight why was it he had been so hopelessly wrong about her?

  At length Dean came to an end and they sat in silence for a while until he said remorsefully, 'I'm sorry, you should have stopped me way back. I'd no right to beat my life story into your eardrums all night.' Impulsively Lori put out a hand and touched his. 'I'm glad you told me; that's what friends are for. And you don't have to worry, it won't go any further.' She smiled at him in the moonlight. 'But fair's fair, now you'll have to listen to my life story,' she said teasingly. Dean laughed. 'Okay, that's a promise. How about tomorrow night?'

  'All right, tomorrow. But now I'm going to bed while I can still move out of this chair.'

  And so began a friendship that came to mean a lot to them both, with neither of them making any demands on the other; they never even kissed other than in a friendly way. Although no one but themselves knew how platonic it was, the whole of the crew, as soon as they got wind of it, watched them carefully to see if there was any electricity generated between them in their off-screen encounters, the thought of the love scene they would have to play together uppermost in everybody's minds but their own. And that their friendship pleased Lewis it was clear; his eyes would settle on her and give a smile of approval, knowing that she had succeeded in keeping Dean away from his drinking companions. Lori was happy now that she had offered to help and glad that she had managed to hit it off with Dean and that Lewis was pleased with her. She found that she wanted the director's approbation and was continually looking for his quick smile of approval when she had played a scene well, or the glint of amusement in his grey eyes when she made some remark that made him laugh.

  The next couple of weeks were among the happiest in her life; the sun seemed to fill her heart and she sparkled with youth and zest for living. The film was going to schedule and the crew working as a well-knit team, there was no more antagonism towards her and she was on friendly terms with everyone—everyone except Tony Rodgers, that was. The spiteful lies he had told about her had gained him no credit in anyone's eyes and now, when he tried to repeat or enlarge on them, he was told in no uncertain terms to shut up.

  Tony being Tony, this only increased his resentment against Lori even further, and so it was with a great deal of satisfaction that he shattered her present happiness.

  He came over to her one morning when she was sit ting alone in the courtyard outside the palace of the Grand Master, going over her lines once more before a rather important scene. `How's the poor man's answer to bane Fonda this morning?' he asked sarcastically.

  `What do you want, Tony?' Lori asked coldly.

  He sat down in Dean's vacant chair, his eyes stripping her. `What makes you think I want anything?' he answered, the way he said it making it a definite insult. Lori didn't answer, refusing to give him the opening he so obviously wanted, until in exasperation he said, `I merely wondered how you were making out with your opposite number-the Golden Boy of the motion picture industry himself, Dean Farrow. Tell me, have you slept with him yet?’

  'That's none of your business,' Lori retorted shortly. `Oh, but it is. It's everyone's business. A film's success always depends to a large extent on how hot the sex scenes are.' He paused to lend emphasis to his next sentence. 'But then I expect Lewis explained all that lo you when he told you to have an affair with 'Dean.'

  The colour slowly drained from Lori's cheeks and she stammered, 'What-what did you say?'

  The look of satisfaction on Tony's face deepened and he smiled derisively. 'Why, I really believe he didn't tell you at all. How incredibly devious of our noble director! But then he has got a great deal of money tied up in this film one way and another.' 'Will you please say what you came to say?' Lori got out, her throat feeling tight and restricted. Maliciously Tony took his time, getting the most out of it. 'It's common knowledge in the film world that a director-any director-likes to have emotional involvement between his romantic lead stars, that way when they play the love scenes, the screen really sizzles.

  And everyone knows what a stickler for authenticity Lewis Brent is-he cares so much for this film that he'll probably have the two of you making love right there in front of the cameras!'

  Forcing herself to look at him steadily, Lori, her voice cold as ice, said, 'You're completely wrong; Dean and I are just friends, nothing more. Not that I expect you to believe that, your mind's so foul you'd believe the worst of anyone. Well, now you've stirred up the dirt why don't you go, back and crawl down the hole you came from?'

  Realising that he would get no more satisfaction out of her, Tony gave her a venomous look and took himself off.

  Numbly Lori raised her head and watched a lizard climbing the wall of the palace, he would run a few steps and then stay very still, as if afraid that someone might have seen him move and attack him. Not that he had much to fear so high above the ground and bleeding in with the wall so well as he did; the birds were his only predators. For a long while Lori watched him, her lines forgotten. She tried to tell herself that Tony was just making the whole thing up, that Lewis's motive in asking her to go out with Dean had been purely altruistic with nothing but Dean's good in mind, but the seed had been sown and the nagging doubt stayed in her mind, making her feel wretched and uncertain.

  She went to the skull session for the big scene and sat next to Dean and opposite to where Lewis sat near his blackboard with the camera and actors' movements all drawn up on it. He started talking to the technical people first as he usually did, but soon stood up to indicate something on the blackboard.

  He always did this, too full of restless energy to stay sitting down for long. Dean Leant back in his chair and put a casual arm along the back of Lori's, his hand Lightly touching her shoulder. Lori felt the warmth of his hand. She looked up at Lewis-and then knew with a suddenness tha
t sent her senses reeling just why the thought of Lewis deliberately pushing her into a love affair with Dean had appalled her so much. Other thoughts came in a tumbling chaos and left her breathless: the way she'd warmed to the approval in Lewis's eyes when she'd pleased him, the tension she felt whenever he touched her, and most of all the hurt she had known when he had misjudged her. These and a hundred others jumbled through her mind. She was in love with the man and hadn't even realised it!

  `Lori ?'

  She came back to earth and realised that they were all looking at her expectantly. She blinked and looked round at them rather dazedly, trying to gather her wits. 'Are you all right? You look pale.' Lewis was looking at her, his eyes frowning in concern.

  'Yes, I-I'm fine-really. It's just…' she sought desperately for something to say that wouldn't give her away. 'It's just that it's my first big scene and I think I've got stage fright.'

  They all burst out laughing, and Lewis shook his head at her, his eyes amused, but there was warmth there too. 'Halfway through the film and the girl develops stage fright! And I thought I'd heard everything!' But he took her to one side after the skull session and took pains to go through the scene carefully with her so that she knew everything she had to do. 'Just remember what I've told you and you'll be okay,'

  he encouraged her.

  Lori nodded, but her eyes were on his face, studying each feature as if with new eyes: the firm mouth and the strong line of his jaw, the grey eyes that were regarding her under slightly puzzled brows. Had he really intended her to have an affair with Dean? Had he? She put out a hand to touch his sleeve and said tentatively, 'Lewis?' but then bit her lip and looked away. 'No, it's nothing.'

  'You're sure? If you have any questions about the scene…'

  'No.' She managed to smile. 'It wasn't anything important.'

  He nodded and stood up. 'Okay, then let's get to work.'

  The scene was to be shot in two parts: the first where Dean, as Sir Richard, still thinks she is a boy and is angry with himself and with her for his growing feelings for her, and comes home to his lodging one night ironically—having had her down when she goes to help him. The second part would show his remorse and his clumsy attempts to try to help her staunch from a cut on her face, the break the make-up department time wound and blood.

  Just before they were about to too much to drink, and the blood flowing in the middle to give to apply the necessary begin Lewis came �over to her. `How's the butterflies? All gone now?'

  Lori managed to smile and speak confidently. `Of course. It was only for a moment.'

  `Good.' His voice softened. `That's my girl!'

  She gazed after him in pleased astonishment as he walked back to his position by the cameras, hardly able to believe her ears. It was the nearest he had ever come to showing any feeling for her and right now it gave her the most wonderful boost to her morale just when she needed it the most. He must have cared something for her to say it, and if he did-a surge of happiness welled through her veins-if he did then he could have had no ulterior motive when he asked her to help Dean. He had said he wasn't asking her to get involved and he had meant it.

  Lori played the first part of the scene better than anything she had ever played in her life; she was the girl, and she felt every emotion the girl would have felt; the to disclose her true identity and fee lings and the fear that if she did the Knight would send her away and she would never see him again. And Dean too, perhaps reacting to some spark in her, played the scene brilliantly, so that when it was over and Lewis had called 'Cut!' there was a silence among the crew and then an unprecedented ripple of admiration and applause.

  Still flushed with success and the heady emotions she had discovered within herself, Lori went into the house near the set and sat down in a chair to let the make-up man make her suitably gory. Lydia Grey, the wardrobe mistress, stood nearby, waiting to dirty her costume and make sure she was dishevelled enough.

  'That was a great scene,' the older woman complimented her. 'You've really taken to film-making.' Lori smiled her thanks, unable to speak for the moment as the make-up man stuck an imitation cut on her cheek, but while he went off to mix up some blood the two women chatted together, a friendly acquaintance having grown up between them over the weeks of constant costume fittings.

  It was curiosity more than anything else that prompted Lori to ask, 'You know everything there is to know about films, Lydia; do directors normally have it financial interest in the films they're making?' The woman gave a slight shrug. 'Little-known men often only get their salaries, but someone of Lewis Brent's fame, someone who can pick and choose what films he makes, is almost bound to be on a percentage of the box-office takings. Why do you ask?' 'Oh, it was just that I heard someone mention that Lewis had a lot of money tied up in The Siege.'

  'Well, I suppose he has. Not only did he write the original story but he also formed a company, in partnership with the producer, especially to make this film. He had to get financial backing from one of the major international companies as well, of course-no small company could possibly have done it alone. And I suppose if it was a flop he would stand to lose a great deal of money, he might even be bankrupt.'

  `I see,' Lori murmured rather hollowly. 'No wonder he goes to such lengths to make sure it will be a success.

  'Yes,' Lydia agreed. `I shouldn't think there's much he wouldn't do.'

  But there's one thing he wouldn't stoop to, Lori thought determinedly. She was sure of that. But it would. be nice to have it confirmed by someone else.

  She glanced at Lydia and said casually, `I have heard of some directors who try to encourage their romantic leads to fall for one another, just so that the love scenes come across more realistically. Does that really happen?'

  Lydia raised her eyebrows. `Of course it does-all the time. And. Lewis Brent is no exception; he's done it before and he's doing it now. Why else do you think he's thrown you and Dean together so much?' She looked at Lori in astonishment. `Good heavens, don't tell me you didn't realise that that was what he was conniving at? The whole crew's been having bets on the outcome ever since shooting started. And it's worked , too, hasn't it? You've really hit it off with Dean, if the amount of times you've been out with hire is anything to go by. Most of the men bet that Lewis would get what he wanted-he usually does, some way or other.' She chuckled. `And now all the men on the crew are fighting to get the best places when you do the love scene; they're expecting something really torrid, especially after the way you acted with Dean today.’

  Then she must have seen the expression on Lori's face because her voice softened. `Oh, don't look like that: It isn't the end of the world because everyone knows you're having an affair with Dean.'

  'I'm not!' Lori interrupted forcefully. 'We're just good friends.'

  Lydia grinned. 'Now where have I heard that before? All right.' She held up her hands as Lori opened her mouth to protest. 'So maybe you haven't got as far as having sex with him yet, but it's bound to happen eventually.' She laughed again. 'You're going to have to go to bed with him in the love scene anyway. So how realistic you make it depends on you-although it wouldn't surprise me if Lewis didn't persuade you and Dean to do it together in reality beforehand just for the sake of the film, of course.'

  Lydia turned away as the make-up man came back, and there was no time for anything further as they mussed her up and got her ready for shooting. Everyone was in position and waiting for her as she went to take her place on the set with Dean.

  She found that she couldn't look at Lewis, but he followed her on to the set and smiled at them. 'That last scene was the best you've done in the whole film. I'm proud of you both.' He reached out to put a hand on each of their shoulders. 'You two certainly seem to have some sort of chemistry going for you, the sparks really flew in that scene. Keep that up and we're really going to have a hit on our hands!'

  Lori listened to him with a sick feeling in her stomach. Of all the low-down, hypocritical…! She shrugged away
from his hand, unable to bear to have him touch her. How could she have been so naive, so childish as to believe him? And what was far worse, how could she have been so stupid as to fall in love with him? Miserably she went to take up her position on the floor and let the make-up man apply more imitation blood.

  The second part of the scene was an utter mess; Lori had lost all her former brilliance and her acting was wooden and automatic, she fluffed her lines and forgot her moves, so that they had to take it time and time again. Everyone was very patient with her, but the sun was high in the sky now, the stone walls of the room in which they were working retaining the heat and adding to that of the lights over their heads. The weight and thickness of the chest flattener made her droop and she began to perspire freely under the wig. After the ninth take the make-up man came yet again to blot her forehead and repowder it. Irritably Lori jerked away from him. `Leave me alone, can't you? I'm sick of having my face clogged up with that stuff ! she snapped.

  'I'm only trying to do my job,' he answered defensively.

  Immediately Lori was contrite. `I'm sorry. I know you are. I'm-I'm just rather hot, that's all.'

  Lewis must have heard the exchange, because instead of going ahead with another take he called out,

  'All right, everyone, we'll take an early lunch-break today.'