Introduction

Lizzie brought me into Angelino Heights like I was one of those trophy things she had won as the best actress. I recognized Emma, who stood by the pillar and waved once when she saw me. Next to her was a boney young man with a boyish but handsome face. He was leaning against the post, looking bored, and didn't bother to lift his eyes. Thomas, however, lit up a cigarette and walked up to me. 

"Thomas," he introduced himself. "Welcome."

"Anne," I said nervously. No introduction was needed, for I unmistakably knew who he was.

"All right, Anne," he cleared his throat. He spoke quietly and politely. "First and foremost, I ought to ask if I have ever patronized you?"

The young man snickered while Lizzie mumbled 'oh please' under her breath. 

I looked in his direction. His eyes met mine. The snicker froze; he swallowed and swiftly turned away. Emma nudged him, and he blushed.

"Not that I can remember," I said, "no."

"Good, good." He took a puff. "A young woman like you shouldn't be doing that line of work anymore."

"I hadn't been for a while, and I'm not planning to," I said, "I'm married."

"Were," he corrected, "you were married. But we don't talk about your past here. Understood?"

I nodded.

"A smoke then?" He offered me his cigarette.

"I quit," I said.

He gave what could be described as a blend of sneer and scorn. He was amused by reasons I wouldn't have known then.

-----

In the beginning, Emma and I developed a close friendship. It was rather curious since she and I barely shared any common characteristics or interests. I attributed it to the fact that we were of the same age and neither had much to do. I had just begun to be inducted into the business and bore no significance. Lizzie didn't like me much then – not that she liked me a great deal now – for I was rather timid and overly wary. She was already a mother then, juggling the familybusiness while trying to make herself a household name in Hollywood on the side. Later, she told me she regretted not paying much attention to me. She wondered if she did, it might have never gotten out of hand the way it did.

On a cold fall afternoon in 1927, Emma sat in front of the 1877 Steinway & Sons grand piano in Angelino Heights. I was beside her, unsure if I was allowed to be there.

"Let me teach you the chords," she chirpily instructed. "It's not that hard. Now put each of your fingertips on a key. Curl up your palm as if you're holding an egg and be sure your wrist is leveled with the back of your hand."

I did what I was told, and my teacher was pleased. She gently lifted my right index finger and pressed it down. The key made a sound that echoed in the ballroom. I was startled but oddly excited.

"Go on," she encouraged, "try the other ones."

It was strange to touch something more expensive than all my possessions combined. And it was even stranger that I was sitting in a mansion, creating nonsensical sounds on the piano instead of doing work. I had a hard time finding my place then. I was neither a servant nor a member of the family.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed a figure standing by the door. Frightened and anxious that it was Thomas, I stood up instantaneously. 

"Oh, Mr. Lawrence," I was relieved yet flustered, "I didn't see you."

"What are you calling him Mr. Lawrence for?" Emma laughed.

"Please, just Laurie," he smiled. "Only Thomas calls me Lawrence, and I don't like how formal he makes it sound."

I nodded, unsure what to say: "Well, I guess I should get going. Sorry if I was a bother."

"No, wait," he stopped me. Walking up to me, his steps were light and casual. I couldn't bring myself to face him, for I was inexplicably intrigued by him. Not in the same sense as how I was intimidated by Thomas, but in the way that I was indescribably nervous whenever he was close to me, and I had no choice but to look directly at him. "The piano certainly doesn't get played enough. What would you say if I asked you for a dance? Emma can play a tune for us."

"Is that how you demand things from your older sister, you spoiled little brat?" Emma humorously rolled her eyes.

"Please?" He added puppy eyed.

"Fine," she pretended to be annoyed. Yet, she landed her long, slim fingers on the keys and a smooth, calming melody came about without delay.

I didn't have time to answer. His hand was already gently holding mine, and his arm was around my waist, touching just the slightest. Though inexperienced, I was glad that the man from before had taught me how to dance, the man I had stopped thinking for good until now. The thought of him was no longer on my mind as I focused on the spins. This was the first time I was this close to Laurie, and I didn't want the moment to end.

When it did end, I felt at a loss. I couldn't tell what kind of loss, but it was a loss, nevertheless. Laurie squeezed my hand before letting me go, then he smiled.

I liked that smile.