Joseph went on. “Once the press gets hold of this story—and believe me, they will—I won’t be able to book you for dog food commercials, let alone with top directors. I beg you, Ruby, don’t throw away your shot. It won’t come again. Not in this town. I know you need the money, so I’m giving it to you straight now.”
Tears slid down Ruby’s cheeks, and she kept her face to the wall. Behind her, she could hear the soda jerk flirting with another pretty young cast member. Ruby lowered her voice.
“Tell Mr. Wyler I can’t do it, but ask him to keep me in mind for the next one.”
Joseph blew out a breath. “Please tell me you’re not keeping this baby.”
“I am. But I’m going to need to work after it’s born.”
A long pause stretched between them.
“Ruby, when this comes out, it’s going to be uglier than you can imagine. Someone will give up your real age. A neighbor, a relative—a lot of people are thrilled to see their name in the paper, and they don’t care if it destroys you. In fact, they feed on it. See, you can’t keep this baby. If you were my daughter…” Joseph hesitated. “Before you make any decisions, talk to your parents. They’ll know what to do. And forget that guy in Italy. You’re young. You have time to start over. Come back in June if you can. September at the latest.”
“I’ll think about it.” Ruby hung up and hurried from the drugstore, her mind churning with anguish.
Joseph had echoed what her aunt had warned her about—and then some. If she couldn’t work in films, how could she possibly earn the amount of money her family needed? Or provide for her child?
This dilemma wore on her, and by the time filming wrapped, Ruby had a difficult decision to make. She was growing increasingly worried about Niccolò. This silence wasn’t like him. Unless he planned to surprise her in a few days at Christmas, she had to tell her parents soon and make plans.
Her waistline was beginning to thicken. By spring, she would be a mother.
Chapter 23
Lago di Como, 2010
* * *
As soon as Ruby opened her eyes, she saw the bell tower in the distance across the lake and smiled. When she’d first seen the villa’s interior, this view from her bedroom had been the deciding factor.
Time was a strange phenomenon; this view had not changed over the years. Yet, one glance in the mirror told her that although the love in her heart had not aged, its vessel certainly had.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She reached for it, wincing as she stretched. Simple movements weren’t as easy as they’d once been. “Hello?”
“Good morning. I hope you’re up.”
Ruby smiled at her houseman’s voice.
“I am, and I’m enjoying the most spectacular view. You really must come for a visit. How are things in Palm Springs?” Still in bed and wearing a pink silk gown, Ruby stretched to relieve the nighttime soreness that had set into her muscles.
“The house and garden are fine,” Stefano said. “How is your Italian adventure redux?”
“Marvelous, darling. Even better the second time. On today’s agenda, I have a long walk by the lake, followed by a hot stone massage and a whirlpool bath. And after that, I’ll have a fine dinner and an excellent bottle of wine with my favorite niece. That’s the best prescription for a happy life.”
“You’re working terribly hard at enjoying yourself.” Stefano paused. “I wish you would tell me what’s wrong.”
Stefano knew her too well. She’d never spent large sums of money on a whim. Ruby sat up in bed. Where would she begin with the events that had changed the trajectory of her life? Instead, she said, “At my age, what does it matter?”
Stefano wasn’t giving up. “Didn’t you tell me some of your ancestors lived to be more than a hundred? If that’s true, you still have a long way to go. To live in style, you have to feel your best. Mentally and emotionally, as well as physically.”
“Plenty of stars have managed otherwise.” Ruby chuckled at her joke, but Stefano wasn’t laughing. “This is what I want, Stefano. Don’t deny me life’s simple pleasures.”
“That’s never my intent.”
Ruby rubbed her neck. “I promise I’ll relish this beautiful day. Just as I hope you’re enjoying the high season in the desert.” The peak tourist season in Palm Springs was between January and April, which meant that the snowbirds would soon leave town for their primary residences. “Better yet, why don’t you close the house for the summer and come to Lake Como? The weather is glorious. My travel agent can book a ticket for you.”
“Can’t do it,” Stefano said. “My employer insists I look after her botanicals, and I don’t trust the plant-sitting services.”
Ruby huffed over the phone. “You just don’t want to miss your Tuesday night poker games and Saturday morning tee-times.”
“And you just want an escort to social events.”
Laughing, Ruby said, “We know each other too well, Stefano.” The truth was, she missed him. “By the way, has Mari called or sent anything to the house?”
“If she does, I’ll let you know. Does she have your address in Bellagio?”
“She does.” Ruby sighed. What was taking Mari so long to address Ruby’s letter? She had sent it by express mail so that Mari would know it was important. Ruby had received an email stating that it had been delivered. Who waits weeks to reply to a clearly urgent communication? But Ruby couldn’t rush her or even question her. She had sworn as much to Patricia, and Ruby would not dishonor her in death.
After saying goodbye to Stefano, Ruby hung up the phone and rubbed her stiff neck.
As an actress, Ruby couldn’t let feeling bad get in her way. Pushing through discomfort to perform was part of the job.
She recalled the audition she’d had for Diary of a Pioneer Woman. She’d struggled through that audition with sheer fortitude even though she was desperately sick. Not only had she landed the part, but she’d also won a prestigious acting award for it.
After that film, her career had ignited. Her agent had been right about that, but she regretted following Joseph’s advice on personal matters.
A warm bath, a brisk walk, and a good massage followed by a glass of wine were all she needed. Ruby was sure that she could rise above any minor inconvenience. She had lived a long life—longer than many. Overall, it had been a good life, although she’d had her regrets.
Now, she had to tend to the family matters Patricia had left to her. Her sister had been the kind one, while the challenges fell to Ruby.
Patricia had always said that Ruby was more fit for the task. You’re the strongest of us all, Ruby.
That wasn’t quite true. Ruby’s strength was that she took action, yet she still suffered the heartbreaking aftermath of difficult decisions.
As for Patricia, she was the steady one. Unflappable in the face of any adversity.
With another sigh, Ruby pushed through her stiffness to swing out of bed. She put on her silk robe and slippers and padded across the floor to the picture window that opened onto Lake Como. As if she could touch the bell tower in the distance, she traced it on the glass, recalling that day, and how Niccolò had kissed her at the altar. They hadn’t let anything deter them from following their hearts.