21
Hollywood, 1952
Ruby stepped off the bus in front of the studio lot, which loomed before her like a self-contained village. Clutching her purse, she stood in a line of people at the front gate. While she waited, she tamped down the churning feeling in her stomach. Silly nerves, she told herself. When it was her turn, she stepped up to the guard at the gatehouse.
“I’m Ruby Raines, and I’m here for an audition with Royce Blackstone.” She relayed the details her agent had given her and waited while the guard found her name on his list. He handed her the lot address of the building, along with a map of the studio lot.
Ruby joined the flow of aspiring actors and crew members streaming onto the lot for auditions. She was thrilled to be among fellow artists, writers, and performers. Many p
