The Starlet's Fake Boyfriend: A 1940's Romance, #2

By Rose Andrews

Portland, Oregon

November 1946

Lila Stevenson, former Broadway singer and actress, has devised a plot to make her ex-boyfriend jealous. A fake relationship arrangement with her coworker starts out as the perfect opportunity for revenge. But his chiseled good-looks are hard to resist and every pretend date stirs her heart with an undeniable warmth. What is a girl to do when love is the last thing she expected to get out of a silly plan? Cut out the act and decide if she wants to play for keeps.

Kent O'Connor, handyman and stagehand, has agreed to help his crush get back at her ex in order to be close to her. But the leading lady's sultry appeal and vivacious mannerisms put him in a spin. Realizing faking it won't cut it, he tries getting her to see it's him she wants. Determined to win her heart, his tender patience begins to unravel her from the past standing in the way of their future. Convincing her what they share is genuine might just be the hardest task he's ever faced.

Brought together by a friendly arrangement, this pair will discover a love more real than any they could ever fake.

*Book #2 in the A 1940's Romance series featuring characters from The Widow's Second Chance. This story contains steamy scenes of physical intimacy.*

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Andrews Mythobooks Publishing
• Release date: Dec 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386361213

Rose Andrews

Rose Andrews writes about marriage, mountains, and adventure. She enjoys crafting stories about arranged marriages, marriages of convenience, and mail-order-brides in Western and 20th Century Historical Romance. Her sweetly toned, faith-inspired stories are about sassy heroines who wed good-humored heroes and live happily ever after. She is fascinated with history, especially the vintage years and the Old West.  She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and family, reading historical and fantasy romance novels to her heart's delight. Connecting with readers is her favorite part of publishing fiction. 

Book preview

November 1, 1946

Portland, Oregon

From the little sewing room in the downstairs floor of Rex Theater, a former Broadway performer’s voice could be heard, practicing various show tunes from memory, singing and dancing as she warmed up for her big audition just minutes away.

You can do this, Lila. You’re a tiger. Tigress, I mean. Can’t no one sing like you. Ain’t nobody more talented than you. Lila Stevenson sucked in a deep breath and stared back at her reflection in the vanity mirror, meanly pinching an eye shut. "This part is yours. Star of the show. You. Only you."

Pep talk, complete. Now, all she needed to do was head upstairs, tune into the performer part of her, and get the lead role in Sweethearts And Jazz: A Musical.

Lila swiped her script off the vanity.

Oh, but who was she kidding? It had been ages since her last performance on Broadway. A year to the date, to be exact. And a lot had happened since then to keep her out of practice. At one time her singing and acting abilities had been highly sought after but now she was a nobody forgotten by the sands of time. Truly though, she had no one to blame except Robert.

A tap on her shoulder served to distract her before she could indulge in thoughts of her heartache.

Miss Lila, are you coming? Millie, the director’s assistant, pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose with a pencil and impatiently tapped her heel on the floor. We’re ready to begin auditions and you’ve been down here dilly-dallying for the better part of fifteen minutes.

I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure I had all the lines memorized.

Millie pointed to the door with her pencil. Upstairs with you. Now.

Lila reined in her temper lest it get the best of her. She needed to land this part for more reasons than she could count in the moment but the most important being her career as an actress. Having gotten fired from Broadway definitely hadn’t served her right. Here was her chance to make it all worth it again.

So she’d have to treat everyone at Rex Theater sweet as pie. Including Millie.

I really appreciate the opportunity to try out for this role, she said in a honeyed tone as she followed Millie up the stairs and into the main part of the theater. You have no idea just how much I’ve missed the stage. I promise you won’t regret having given me the chance. Nope. Not one bit.

She always blabbed more than was necessary when feeling nervous. It was part of who she was—the actress in her, occasionally pretending to be someone she was not. Most of her romantic troubles had spurred from a love for the stage but she hadn’t yet given up hope. Robert may have gotten engaged to that passing fancy of a girlfriend he had but it wouldn’t last. She’d make him see what he was missing out on once he saw her singing on stage. Oh, yes. Landing the starring role would place her front and center in his face. Her acting career wasn’t the only thing she was hoping to improve by scoring this gig.

The narrow, winding staircase spilled out into her favorite part of the entire building: the stage with its bright, haughty lights and plush velvet curtains in rich maroon. Management had just approved the go-ahead for new wooden planks on the floor, which would be under construction throughout the upcoming weeks of practice. But by the time it was finished the theater would look amazing. And she’d be right there to enjoy its breathtaking beauty.

Break a leg, Millie said and jumped off the stage to take her place beside the director Mr. Arnold Sullen and his other assistant, Opal.

Sitting on a desk in the aisle next to the director’s seat was a gramophone, there to provide the music for the audition.

Lila stood at the center of the stage, blinking under the blinding heat of the lights. The three most important faces determining her fate (and the that of her romance life as well) stared back at her with curiosity.

Mr. Arnold flipped through a handful of pages. So you’ve acted on Broadway, huh?

Her cheeriness flipped on like a switch. In only the greatest musical of all time, which just so happens to be Oklahoma!

She cleared her throat and posed a wide smile, hoping she seemed cool and confident on the exterior. Inside, however, she was screaming. Her last audition had gone off without a hitch partly due to the fact that she’d been acting more regularly then. Now? She’d have to rely on instinct and good old-fashioned luck.

Mr. Arnold raised an eyebrow. Really, now? Why, that’s impressive

Thank you, sir. Broadway is one of my greatest accomplishments.

He stroked his goatee. How intriguing, Miss Stevenson. I assure you we’re no Broadway but if you’re bringing that kind of talent to Rex Theater then we’d be foolish to let you get away.

She squirmed in her shiny black pumps. I’m ready whenever you are, sir. My voice is good and warmed up.

He motioned Opal over to the gramophone. Alright, Lila. Once the music hits you’re it.

Opal switched on the gramophone and carefully lowered the needle, her tongue sticking out of her mouth as she concentrated on the task.

Lila closed her eyes and channeled the singer-actress inside of her. Remember, just like you used to do when you were a kid right in front of the mirror. Just like you did downstairs—

Saints Alive. That couldn’t be Robert moving boxes in the back of the auditorium!

But it was. And his presence made her freeze right in those brand new pumps she’d purchased for this very occasion.

Lila’s heart pulsed dramatically in her chest, the beats forming a lump in the back of her throat. Palms clammy. Breath wavering. He glanced across the auditorium and locked eyes with her. Those blue, once loving eyes now the coldest she ever witnessed. They made her entire body stiffen.

She missed her cue.

Mr. Arnold raised his voice. Are you paying attention? We need you on point.

I... Lila sighed, her nerves twisting into a knot in her stomach as she watched Robert’s blonde head disappear back out of the auditorium. I’m sorry, sir. It was just—nevermind. I’ll try again.

But he didn’t look pleased. Start it from the top, Opal.

Opal started the record over and Millie furiously scribbled notes on her pad.

Lila tried to get herself together but she couldn’t stop thinking about Robert. How he’d dumped her back in Boston even though they’d been planning on getting married. How she’d chased him across the country to Portland, leaving everything and everyone she held dear just to be with him but he was already dating someone else by the time she found him. None of it was fair and she was angry. Sad. Frustrated. And thoroughly failed her cue a second time.

She froze like an Alaskan ice sculpture in the middle of the stage, crumpling up the script in her hands, wide-eyed, anxious, and entirely heartbroken. He hadn’t even given her a second glance. And the first look he’d sent her way had been a scowl.

Mr. Arnold called her name three times before she answered him. Do you need a moment to get collected and come back to us?

Millie and Opal stared at her like she was a fool, whispering who knew what between themselves. It made her tear up a little.

Yes, she said in more of a squeak. I just need a moment. Think I might be nervous.

* * *

Kent O’Connor stacked the last box of costumes in the theater’s storeroom. He checked his watch. Quarter to five. In another fifteen minutes, he’d get to clock off and have the whole evening free to do as he wished. Would it be another Spam sandwich and radio night? Or would it be Marvel comics in bed after he grabbed a Philly Cheese Steak sub from the diner near his apartment? Come to think of it, he hadn’t eaten a Polish sausage in ages. The hot dog cart just across the street from the theater sold some juicy, spicy ones.

He salivated at the thought. Yeah, sausage and comics. Ice cream for dessert?

What’s buzzin’, cousin?

His friend, Robert McKenna, nearly startled him to death as he leaned against the wall smoking a cigarette.

I didn’t see you there, Kent said, a little annoyed at having smoke blown in his face. Do you have to do that here? There’s a smoker’s patio outside, you know.

Robert grinned and crushed the butt under the heel of his boot. Bah. What are they going to do? Fire me? I volunteer my time, remember?

Not sure why you would even bother, Kent commented. With that fancy real estate gig you have and all. Don’t you have any hoity-toity dinner parties to attend?

The dame. Simply put. Robert smirked and tapped a new pack of cigarettes against his palm. "Given her kid—I mean—our daughter now since we’re getting married, is attending acting lessons here. She thinks it’s a good idea to give back to the community and such. Can’t say it’s anything less than a waste of time but I like keeping my doll happy and this is a small way of doing it."

Kent shook his head and removed his work gloves. That seems like a lot to do for one dame.

Robert laughed. Wait until you find the right gal though. You won’t be able to fight off what hits you no matter how hard you try.

You know I’ve had it hit me with a two by four and that it went to hell in a handbasket.

Really now? Robert’s interest piqued with the raising of an eyebrow. And what’s this heartbreak story Quiet Kent’s been keeping to himself?

Quiet Kent. His nickname at the theater because he didn’t like to talk much while he worked. It merely had to do with the fact his father had taught him the value of hard work and he found it difficult to focus while chatting at the same time. Just the strange way his brain worked.

There’s not much to tell, Kent said with a light shrug. She was a high maintenance knockout who was hard to please.

Robert whistled. Boy, I’ve had one of those. Can’t seem to get rid of her either no matter what I do or how much I wish it.

Kent understood he was referring to no one other than Lila. He’d heard all about her attempts at trying to win Robert’s heart back after breaking it. Secretly, however, he found her story somewhat intriguing if not humorous at the least. And he couldn’t look away when she came into the room.

She’s an actress, Kent said, trying to sound uninterested. You know how flighty they are.

Trust me when I say that dame is one you want to stay far away from. Robert’s warning came in a disapproving tone with a pointed finger. Lila’s nothing but trouble. Hear me out, friend. You keep your distance from that pretty face because it comes attached to lying lips. There isn’t a well-behaved bone in that body of hers. She’ll chew you up, spit you out, then ask if you want seconds.

I’m no sucker, Kent retorted. Not saying you are. Good grief, no. The last thing I need though is a troublesome babe.

Although a girl like Lila would help break up the monotony of his ordinary life. But safe was good, right? Nights shut-in might be boring and lonely but at least he didn’t have to deal with the stress of pleasing a woman. He’d never figured out the key to that either.

Yeah, well there’s plenty of fish in the sea so don’t ever fall for the lies of one when you can easily get another who’ll be honest. Robert struck a match and lit a cigarette, sucking in a deep drag and blowing it out a breath later. Anyway, want to grab a pint down at the Irish pub on fifth?

Kent glanced down at his watch again. Right at five. Damn it. So he’d wasted fifteen minutes chatting. This is why he avoided—

The clacking of heels echoing down the stairs caught his attention. Long legs wrapped in a navy blue pencil skirt. A cream blouse tucked into a narrow waist. Soft, feminine curves swaying in rhythm to a series of graceful steps. Red lips. Black eyeliner like an Egyptian. Blonde hair down to her shoulders, curled under and parted to the side. Pearls decorating her slender neck. Features similar to Lauren Bacall.

Lila.

I better go, Robert said and flicked the tip of his cigarette. Before she sees me and I’m done for. I’ll be at the pub if you decide to join me.

He slipped down the hallway before Lila could catch up to him but it wasn’t as if she hadn’t already seen him.

She narrowed her eyes and came to a stop next to Kent, an unlit cigarette in her fingers. Must he always run away from me like that? It makes him look childish. By the way, do you have a light?

Kent didn’t smoke but he dug in his pockets anyway. Nope. Fresh out it seems.

Lila sighed. Figures. I was going to ask Robbie for one but he’d sooner light himself on fire.

There’s the mart across the street. They’re sure to have matches there. I was about to visit their hot dog cart. Maybe I could get you a book?

It was innocent enough. The dame needed a light. And helping her out might just get her mind off poor Rob long enough to let him drink his beer in peace.

You’d do that? Her smile could brighten a room. Here. She dug a nickel out of her purse. Keep the change if there is any. I’ll wait for you on the patio.

And so it was that Kent crossed the street, bought Lila a matchbook, got himself a Polish dog loaded with onions at the hot dog cart, then sat beside her munching on his supper while listening to her go on about how she hadn’t scored the lead role in the play and instead had to sing backup vocals.

But you got some part at least, he said encouragingly. It’s better than nothing.

They don’t know what they’re missing, she said, her blonde curls shaking with her dramatic mannerisms. If only I hadn’t ever left New York. Where might have my career taken me next? She smoked her cigarette ever so gracefully. Maybe I wasn’t meant to be a star after all. Someone else always gets the lead in every part of my life.

It can’t be that bad. There will be other plays.

He was glad to provide her with some encouragement, although this was the first time he’d actually spoken to her longer than five minutes. She always seemed to have someplace to go and someone better to talk with other than him. He had to admit he was curious if she was really as intense as he’d heard. How did that saying go? Curiosity killed the cat. But he wasn’t a cat. Maybe he just wanted a bit of adventure.

Glancing down at his watch though, he realized Robert had probably been waiting for ages.

I best get going. Kent’s eyes watered from the smoke blowing his way with the breeze. My Friday night awaits.

And what dazzling young thing is waiting on you? Lila’s asked in a teasing tone, her red lips pursed with curiosity.

Ah… He scratched the back of his dark head. I ain’t got anybody if that’s what you’re thinking.

She grinned