“Does Papa know he’s here?”
Cal shook his head. “I haven’t told anyone else but you.”
“Please don’t say anything, Cal.”
He shrugged. “It’s your funeral.”
I left the soundstage, hoping no one noticed I was missing, and made my way to the executive office building. My heart was hammering as I opened the door and stepped inside. What would cause L.B. Mayer to come all the way to our studio to talk to me alone? Was it about Spencer, or was it about his offer? It had been over a month since he’d made it, and I wasn’t even sure if it was still good. I didn’t want to be obligated to him, but I also didn’t want to burn a bridge ifLittle Womenwas a flop and our family became desperate.
I needed more time.
The offices were quiet as I walked toward the conference room. Mr. Mayer stood at the window, looking outside. The sunset was brilliant as it lit up the sky over Hollywood.
“Can I help you, Mr. Mayer?” I asked as I walked into the room, my body trembling.
He turned, a big smile on his face. “Hello, Miss Bennett. It’s good to see you again.”
At least he wasn’t angry at me about Spencer.
I returned the smile, though I was certain I probably looked like a frightened animal. Mr. Mayer was one of the most powerful and important people in Hollywood. The fact that he had come to Bennett Studios to see me was astonishing. “Is there something I can do for you?” I grasped the back of a chair. “Are you here because of Spencer?”
He paced away from the window. “No. Spencer is doing fine.”
I licked my dry lips, wishing I appeared more confident.
“I’m here for an answer, Miss Bennett. I don’t make serious offers and then expect to be ignored for six weeks.” He moved closer. “And I never lower myself to beg.” He stopped and tilted his chin down to look at me. “A thousand young women would kill to get the chance to work with me, and a million more would do anything to make the money I promised you. I don’t know why you would hesitate.”
“I think you know why.”
He motioned to the room. “This? It’s going away faster than you think. Your father is so far in debt,Little Womenwill never get him out, and he won’t have enough money to make another film. It’s the simple truth.”
“Why did you loan Spencer to the film, then?”
“I needed you to help him.” He waved the problem aside. “This isn’t about Spencer. I want an answer from you right now, Miss Bennett. I plan to start working onAnna Christiesoon,and I need a yes or no.”
I nibbled my bottom lip, knowing that if I said yes it would helpmy family, but it would kill Papa and I would hate it. My heart was no longer in Hollywood. Even if I stayed in 1929, I didn’t want to act anymore.
The truth was so obvious, I almost laughed with relief.
I was done making movies.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Mayer. I appreciate the offer, but I will have to decline.”
He stared at me for a heartbeat and then shook his head. “You’re as stubborn and foolish as your father. It will be the ruin of this family. And because I never beg, I will not make the offer again.”
“There will be no need.”
Without another word, Mr. Mayer left the conference room.
I stared at the opposite wall as I tried to calm my breathing. Had I just made the biggest mistake of my life? Or had I finally done what I should have done years ago? Taken control of my life.
I left the office building and made my way back to the soundstage. Though there were still so many unanswered questions and so much was hanging in the balance, my heart felt lighter knowing I didn’t have to consider Mr. Mayer’s offer anymore.
If I stayed in 1929, I wanted to pursue teaching. I loved it in my other path, and it was the thing I was born to do. I knew that now.
But it was more important than ever thatLittle Womensucceeded.
When I stepped into the soundstage, Papa was waiting for me. “Finally. Where did you go? Spencer has been here for ten minutes.”
