“I’m sorry.”
Despite my best attempts to be unaffected, my stomach still did a little somersault when I saw Spencer talking to Vicky. He was just as suave and confident as always, flashing a big smile, as if nothing had happened.
“There’s Ally,” someone said from the set.
With a passing glance, he hardly acknowledged me and then returned his attention to Vicky.
I wanted to be upset at Spencer, to still be angry that he tried to use me, but the truth was, our agreement was over, and he didn’towe us anything. But he was here. He had shown up, even when he didn’t need to.
“Let’s get these pictures taken,” Papa said as he nodded at the photographer.
“Everyone should continue to look casual as you chat with Mr. Hayes,” the photographer said. “I’d like to get a group photo and then some individual ones with Miss Bennett and Mr. Hayes.”
I knew he meant me, but I wasn’t sure if I could look casual with Spencer.
Cal entered the soundstage as the photographer snapped pictures. His face was grim as he held a newspaper in hand. He clearly wasn’t coming with good news. I just hoped he wouldn’t tell Papa that Mr. Mayer had visited.
When he pulled Papa away, I watched Papa’s expression turn to surprise and then dread.
A few other people must have been watching because the set slowly went quiet as all eyes turned to Papa and Cal.
“What’s the trouble?” the photographer asked as he looked in the direction we were staring.
Cal said something to Papa and then handed him the newspaper before stepping back. Papa took a deep breath and approached the stage.
Was this about Mr. Mayer?
“What’s wrong, Grant?” Mama asked as she and Grace walked over to him.
No one made a sound as Papa stepped onto the set, looking like he had aged a decade in just minutes.
“I don’t know how to tell all of you this, but the stock market crashed again today.” He lifted the newspaper that Cal had given him. “The reports coming out of New York are dire. Over fourteen billion dollars were lost today alone. And it looks like it’s not getting better any time soon.”
The stock market had crashed several times that week, and though I didn’t understand much about it, it was all anyone had been talking about for the past few days. Many wealthy families,like the Rockefellers, and leading national banks had tried to purchase enough stock to keep things afloat. Apparently, it hadn’t worked.
“What does that mean?” Vicky asked.
“It means that the economy is going to take a hit, and things are going to be tight for a while.” Papa sat on his canvas director’s chair, looking weak and defeated.
Mama reached for the newspaper to see for herself. “For how long?”
“There’s no way of knowing.” He shook his head. “The stock market has never crashed like this before. It could be months or even years.”
“Years?” Grace asked.
“People will still come to the movies,” Lydia said from the back of the room, her voice hopeful.
Papa shared a look with Mama, but neither of them answered.
“Will this affect the premiere?” I ventured to ask.
“No—at least, I hope not. Everything is set for November 1st.” Papa nodded at the photographer. “Did you get what you wanted?”
“I still need a few photos of Mr. Hayes and Miss Bennett.”
“Fine. Everyone else can head home. We’ll see you in a couple days at Grauman’s Theatre.”
There were murmurs of concern as everyone made their way outside, leaving Spencer and me alone on the stage with the photographer.
