Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE Connie was still pondering the enigma of Ginger showing up at Sardi’s. She couldn’t figure the angle. There was no point in her going there with the idea of muscling in on Larry’s party, What if she did? It still wouldn’t mean anything. She sighed. “Yes, I'll have one.” He made two drinks and sat down beside her on the large divan. “You have no idea what this means to me, having you here tonight.” z “It means you fork over the dough for that party at O’Brien’s, for one thing. And I told them at Sardi’s to mail you the tab for the party tonight,” said Connie crisply. “Tt’s worth it, my dear,” he said, patting her knee, “I’d pay for a dozen more parties if it makes you happy. I’d pay for a hundred. I think you know that by now.” “Yes. I believe you would.” “Here’s to us, Connie,” he said lifting his glass. She joined him in the toast, not because she agreed with it, but because she wanted a drink. She needed several in view of what lay ahead of her. Watching Philip just now had con- vinced her more than ever that she had found her true love at last in Larry Brooks. But Connie had to remain practical until she had gotten what she wanted. The room was full of morning sunlight when she awoke. A disgusted look came into her eyes. “Good morning,” Philip smiled, as he came in, Connie looked at him. “You needn't get up, Philip. Go back to sleep.” “That wouldn’t be very hospitable of he,” he said. “Can’t we have a cup of coffee before you go?” “Oh, sure, sure. I guess so,” she said. They went to the dining room where he instructed Burkins to bring them some coffee and toast. “And how about some morning papers?” Connie called to the valet. Burkins brought her a paper. Excitement leaped into Connie’s eyes as she took it and turned quickly to the entertainment page. She flung her arms apart, opening the paper, then closed them again as her glance settled on the account of the recital last night. 16 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE i. isten to this!” she exclaimed. seen account out loud for Philip’s benefit. The writer _ wasn’t impressed by Larry’s ability as a pianist but he had ae taken by the music he had Ones Soa a ore up by redicting cess for any ballet set to rey é ee ee put down the paper and grinned at Philip. i be? Po noueg v : ae ite ace, The critics could have murdered us if they had wanted to.” “Us?” Philip glanced at her obliquely. : “Sure. They’re talking about us. The Ballet du Roi Associa- tion. If they hadn’t liked Larry they'd nave panned us for sponsoring him. This justifies our faith.’ . “I’m not convinced that it justifies all the money I’ve put out,” he said drily. : Bae a te Ss 4 3 our money back,’ she replied in , ) Bee age ballet we But on will be the biggest thing since Libretto, You've got to admit, Philip, that my judgment in such matters hasn’t gone far wrong in times past.” “ “Forget I mentioned it,’ he said as Burkins came in with - their breakfast. “This morning I don’t regret anything. Connie buttered a piece of toast and bit it grimly. Half an hour later she was ready to go. “Shall ‘ call for you tonight?” he asked as Burkins held her coat. ve “No. This is one night ’'m keeping for myself,” Connie lied. “Pye been on the go for days. Tonight I’m going to rest and . take things easy.” a “Very well, my dear,” he said, kissing her tenderly. “T’ll call a cae eee j out the door she felt a great relief j {| Connie was ou i 2 be Met riaued her end of the bargain with Philip. Fe coulda t complain. From now on she was going to have things more her own way. Quickly she walked to the elevator. Yvonne let her in when she reached her Own spon twenty minutes later. Connie greeted her gaily and pera anyone had called, thinking that Larry might have endex to reach her that morning. 17 COMIGHOOKS GO