Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 33: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE at O’Brien’s saloon to honor Larry and wish him well. Philip balked like a mule when she suggested the Association mem- bers be invited. He’d go to just about any length for her but that was too far. If the Association knew Larry was a piano player in a Third Avenue tavern they'd withdraw even their normal support. “All right, then,” she said when she saw he was determined, “whom do you want to ask?” “I don’t want to ask anybody to go to a place like that,” said Philip nettled. “But the arrangements have all been made. O’Brien is going to have a table set for twelve.” “Invite whom you like. Some of the troupe would like to go no doubt. Rob Walker and Ginger Doss will be glad to come, I know.” ' For once Philip felt that Connie had gone too far. He was displeased and made little attempt to hide it. Thus far he had gotten stuck for all the bills for the recital. And if that weren’t bad enough, Connie was arranging a dinner which in all likeli- hood Philip would have to pay for as well. There was a limit somewhere and he had just about reached it. Connie was smart enough to know this. She said no more except to tell him to go ahead and invite Walker and Ginger Doss if he wanted. She called Jack Clayton and asked him to round up some of the boys and girls of the ballet for the dinner after the show. The party lent a festive air to O’Brien’s that night. With such a gay and glamorous crowd from the Ballet du Roi, O’Brien outdid himself. He brought several rounds of drinks on the house and before long everyone but Philip was beginning to enjoy himself. Larry did a splendid job of entertaining at the piano. Connie herself announced that tomorrow night he would present the new ballet music to the world and proposed a toast to his suc- cess. They all drank. This time even Philip joined in but he showed no enthusiasm, Sitting between Connie and Ginger, he got far more attention from the blonde than he did from Connie. Jane Vollmer, one of the waitresses assigned to the table, watched these goings-on with more than a little suspicion. She 64 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE saw that Connie Carter had eyes for nobody in that room but her boy, Larry. She was provoked that these people should barge in like this and upset the quiet order of O’Brien’s saloon, and of her own satisfactory life. She got so nervous while serving the meal that she set a plate of noodles in front of Philip who finally had to complain to the manager that he ordered a steak as well and would not pay his bill until he got it. The people from the ballet got lively by one-thirty and began dancing in back of the saloon to Larry’s music. Robbin Walker took one look at the tempting bosoms and flashing legs of the ballerinas, drained his glass and joined them. Connie sat ai the piano beside Larry, The only ones who remained seated at the table were Philip and Ginger Doss. “There’s something more going on here than meets the BYE Ginger commented. “A lot of expense. I know that much,” Philip muttered de- jectedly. “Unless I’m mistaken your girl friend has got a yen for that piano player.” This was not a new thought to Philip. It had been a growing source of irritation and annoyance in the back of his mind for a couple of weeks. But because it was an unwelcome thought he had tried to ignore it. Ginger’s remark had come at a time When Philip’s morale was at a low ebb. Suddenly it struck him that here was the cause of all his recent troubles. “They've been doing a lot of work on the new ballet,” he said, glancing toward the piano. Larry was smiling at Connie as he played. *“That’s not all they’ve been doing, if I’m any judge.” Philip stared gloomily into space as Ginger watched him care- fully from the corners of her eyes. The blonde knew that her words had struck home. She smiled to herself as she prepared to take full advantage of this opportunity. “You’re the most considerate man I’ve ever met, Philip.” she _ said presently. _ He looked around at her and smiled wanly. “Sometimes I wonder if it pays to be that way.” “Of course it does. I think you’re sweet and it’s a downright Shame that you’re not having any fun tonight. How would you like to dance with me?” Connie ooOolkS.c@ im “Vr