SUNDAR SINGHDESPITE ABRA’S FEARS, a crowd waited to see the premiere at the Fox Village Theater. She and Franklin arrived in a black limousine and stepped out to flashbulbs and microphones. She posed in her forest-green satin gown while Franklin held her mink stole, then posed again with Tom Morgan, the leading man. Franklin moved in and told her it was time to go inside.The movie wasn’t a work of art, but most guests seemed to enjoy it. One critic turned around and spoke to Franklin. “The movie is a piece of rubbish.”“But . . . ?” Franklin grinned, undaunted.The man laughed. “You’ve done it again, Franklin. She’s star material.” He winked at her and turned back to watch the rest of the movie.Franklin was high on her success. They went to the producers’ party to celebrate. He toasted her with a glass of champagne. “Well done, Lena.”Abra had been too nervous to eat anything all day, so Franklin went to the buffet and prepared a small plate of food. She ate and had another glass of champagne.
