The veranda was stunning with a large pool and breathtaking views of the beach and the ocean beyond. A manicured hedge lined either side of the patio around the pool, but the third side was open to look at the water. Chinese paper lanterns were strung across the top of the veranda, swaying in the wind and offering a soft glow.
“Welcome,” a woman said as she stood from the table where food and drinks had been laid to wait. “I don’t think we’ve ever been properly introduced. I’m Margaret Mayer.” She had a pleasant face with dark eyebrows and hair. I’d seen her at events around Hollywood, most recently the Academy Awards, but we hadn’t met.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Mayer. I’m Ally Bennett.”
“Please, call me Margaret.”
“Won’t you have a seat and enjoy some refreshments?” Mr. Mayer asked.
Spencer held out a chair for me, and I took the seat, though my confusion continued to increase. Why had Spencer brought me here, and why had Mr. Mayer wanted the meeting?
More importantly, why didn’t they want my parents to know?
The Mayers made small talk, commenting on how they didn’t use the veranda as much now that their two daughters were grown. Spencer filled a plate with appetizers and accepted a lemonade from one of the maids who brought out a tray of drinks.
I had been starving before we arrived, but my stomach was in knots now, and I picked at the meat, cheese, crackers, and vegetables they had spread out on trays.
“You’re probably curious why we had Spencer bring you here,” Mr. Mayer finally said when they’d exhausted the small talk.
I sat up a little straighter and pushed my plate back on the table. “I’m very curious.”
“I’ll check on dinner while you talk business,” Margaret said, excusing herself.
Business? What kind of business did Mr. Mayer have with me?
He leaned forward on his chair, staring at me from behind his thick glasses. “I like your work, Ally. You’re not only talented, but you have that spark—you’ve gotit. People are either born with it or they’re not. The camera loves you, and so does your audience.”
Spencer’s tender regard matched Mr. Mayer’s words.
But the praise was starting to make me feel a little uncomfortable, so I adjusted in my seat. “Thank you, Mr. Mayer.”
“Call me L.B.”
I nodded, though I wasn’t sure I would ever feel comfortable calling him L.B.
“I know you’re tied up at the moment with your father’s film,” he continued, “but I asked you here because I have a role coming up and I think you would be perfect for it.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but he held up his hand.
“Hear me out, please.” He continued to lean forward, his gazelocked on mine. “I just acquired rights toAnna Christie, and I think you would be perfect for the starring role. The play won a Pulitzer Prize a few years ago, and the studio believes it will be the best picture made next year, perhaps worthy of the Academy Award if done correctly. There is no one else I can think of who would play the part so well, Ally.” He took a breath. “I know you work for your father, but let’s be frank, shall we? Even ifLittle Womenis a raging success, the chance of it saving Bennett Studios is small. He’d have to have another success and another success if he wants to make a go of it. All that to say, I do not think you will have a career with Bennett Studios for much longer, and if your father can string things along for a few years, you’ll be giving the best part of your career to his dying company.”
I stared at him, appalled at what he’d said about my father. “I’d rather give him the best years of my career than betray him.”
Mr. Mayer held up his hands again. “Hold on, there. I wasn’t suggesting you betray your father. I have work for him, too. We need a good director, and he’s one of the best in the business. I’d even be willing to sign your sister Victoria on for a seven-year contract and see what we could do with her.” He finally leaned back and steepled his hands together. “I’m prepared to pay you well, Ally.” He paused. “How would two hundred thousand a year sound? More ifAnna Christiedoes well.”
My mouth dropped open.
Spencer, too, lowered his fork, blinking in surprise at the extraordinary offer.
“Why would you do this?” I asked, stunned.
“Because you’re a rising star, Ally, and to be honest—after all, we said we would be—Bennett Studios might not survive long, but until the company folds, they are getting in my way. Your father is one of the last holdouts when it comes to anything in Hollywood, and I’d like to be done with that problem. We’re on the brink of a new era with talking films, and Hollywood is poised to soar. If I can pay you well enough and provide a decent income for him and Vicky, I think we all win.”
I was too shocked to even comment.
“I’ve given you a lot to think about,” he said. “But I’d like for you to make this decision on your own. I’d rather you didn’t discuss it with your parents or sister just yet. Mull it over, ask yourself what you could do with two hundred thousand dollars a year, and if you decide it’s the best move for you, then let me know and we’ll talk to your parents together. How’s that?”
I had never kept anything from my parents. But the truth was, this was a good deal for all of us. And if I talked to Papa about it now, he’d find a way to dissuade me. “I will take some time to think about it.”
