This time I couldn’t respond because I knew the truth, even if I didn’t want to admit it. What I felt for Sam was different. It was more than a crush.
“If you’re falling for Sam, why are you toying with Spencer?”
“I’m not toying with him.”
“What do you call that?” She motioned to the chaise.
“Hekissedme.”
“It didn’t look like you tried to stop him. You’re giving him false hope.”
“Spencer Hayes is not in love with me, and I have given him no reason to have false hope.”
“That’s not what the magazines are saying.”
“You know those magazines are garbage. As soon as this movie releases, I’ll probably never see Spencer again.”
“Then let me have a chance.” Vicky put her hand on my arm to stop me. “You might not be in love with him, but I am, Ally.”
My lips parted, compassion for my sister filling my heart. “You’re in love with him?”
Embarrassment colored her cheeks, and she lowered her eyes. “Every time I think I’m making progress, you swoop in to steal the show. If you’re not in love with him and you’re not falling for him, then step aside. Please.” Her face was serious and more vulnerable than I’d seen in years. “I detest begging and admitting that I can’t win him unless you’re out of the picture, but that’s how desperate I am for him to notice me.”
I pulled back just slightly. “Youarein love.”
She swallowed. “I hate how much.”
I was quiet for a moment. I’d never been in love before, but I knew it would be torture if the other person didn’t love me. “I’m sorry, Vicky. I really didn’t know. I already agreed to go with him to theGold Diggers of Broadwaypremiere tonight.”
“Ask him to take me instead.”
If I did and the magazines saw him there with Vicky, they’d start to speculate that Spencer had betrayed me with my sister. It would ruin all the progress we had made to restore his reputation. But Vicky didn’t know about our contract.
“I’m sorry.”
She pulled back, hurt and confusion in her face. “At least I know where we stand.” She started to walk away.
“It’s not what you think.” I ran after her. “I have to go with him, Vicky. I don’t have a choice.”
She didn’t stop walking toward the door as she said, “Why? Are you under—” She paused and turned to me, comprehension shining from her eyes. “Mr. Mayer worked out a deal with Papa, didn’t he? We got Spencer if you agreed to date him.” She shook her head. “Of course. Why didn’t I realize it before?”
I stared at her, unsure what to say. “No one must know, Vicky.”
“Is that all this has been?” Shock, relief, and then satisfaction played across her face. “A show for the magazines?”
“You can’t say anything.” I put my hands on her arms. “If this information leaks, it will enrage Mr. Mayer and hurt Papa. Mr. Mayer could even break the contract and not let Spencer finish the picture.”
“Oh, I understand.” She smiled to herself. “Don’t worry, Ally. Your secret is safe with me. I’m just happy to know Spencer is fair game.”
“But he’s not. If the magazines think he betrayed me with you—”
“I’m done sacrificing for this family.” Anger and bitterness edged her words. “Papa is going to lose Bennett Studios no matter what we do. And at the end, what will we have left? I need to take what I can now so I’m not alone and penniless when Papa finally fails.”
“How can you say such things? Mama and Papa have sacrificed everything for us.”
“No.” She pressed her lips together. “They’ve done it for this studio and for themselves. We’re the ones sacrificing. Don’t fool yourself, Ally. Take what you can before it’s all gone.”
With that, she left.
