Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 50: what you’re looking at

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

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE He stood up and walked over to her, an amused smile on his lips. “Won’t Philip get angry?” “Maybe he will, but I don’t care.” Their eyes met. Connie’s clear, dark gaze was yearning with tenderness, Speaking her love more clearly than words. Larry’s were bright and bemused at first. Then slowly he sobered at the radiant light glowing in her eyes. He glanced away in confusion. “T’ve never met a girl like you before. I guess that’s why I don’t understand you.” “Tm no different from any other girl,” “Then how can you look like that at me when you belong to Someone else?” he asked in despair, “I don’t belong to anyone else, Larry,” she said quietly, “and I’m going to prove that to you.” “Why should you want to? That's Something else I don’t understand.” “Guess.” A gentle smile crossed her mouth. Larry threw up his hands, “If we’re going to have a drink—” “Tl get dressed right away,” said Connie getting off the chair. She started across the stage. Halfway to the other side she Stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Well, are you coming?” Larry was at a loss. He followed her helplessly to her dressing room, knowing that her charms were about to get the best of him. She was simply irresistible. He couldn't afford to fall in love with her, yet how could it be avoided if this sort of thing continued? “Mind?” she asked, turning her back to him. He looked at the zipper down the back of her leotard. Larry took the small metal clasp between his thumb and forefinger and pulled the zipper down. That did it. He turned towards her and crushed her lips with his. Connie’s feelings were unleashed at last. She pressed against him with hurricane force. For a long moment they stood there glued together, their lips enmeshed. Carried away by the tenderness of the moment he caressed her and murmured his endearments. “But look,’ he said finally, “we can’t stay here forever, much as I’d like to.” “I’m ready for a cocktail myself,” she giggled, Larry arose and went over to his coat for a cigarette. Connie 98 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE sat up on the studio couch. A sly grin lighted her face. He couldn’t very well deny this first step in her campaign to con- vince him of her love. Larry sat watching her intently as she arose and dressed. “What time do you have to be back at the theater?” he asked. “We're closed tonight.” “Fine! Then let’s not only have cocktails but dinner too.” “Td love it, Larry.” Darkness had already descended on the city as they stepped out onto the street. A brisk wind scurried through the canyons of steel and masonry urging human beings to step lively. They made their way through the crowds of Times Square to a small restaurant on Forty-fourth Street. “Does this suit you?” Larry asked suddenly when they were seated at a small, secluded table. “Of course,” Connie smiled. “T know youre more accustomed to the razzle-dazzle places but even with the raise I got I’ve got to be a little conservative.” “Quit apologizing. I like this place, I told you once before that I’ve eaten at every hamburger joint within half a mile of Broadway.” “T’d forgotten that, Connie,’ he said and turned with a smile to the menu. ye They had three cocktails and followed it with an appetizing dinner, Afterward they smoked and sipped their coffee, dis- cussing the changes Larry was to make in his music. Without thinking or considering possible consequences he ordered two after-dinner drinks. : “Holy smoke!” Larry exclaimed, glancing at his watch at nine o’clock. “I’m due over at O’Brien’s. Can I take you some- Where from here?” : “Nope,” she shrugged. “You mean you haven’t a date or something?” he asked as he handed their waiter a ten dollar bill. Connie smiled and shook her head. “Why don’t you come over to O’Brien’s with me?” ‘ She glanced at him coquettishly. “Don’t mind if I do. Twenty minutes later they arrived at the saloon. They hur- ried in, O’Brien was delighted to have the famous dancer among his guests for the evening. He provided her with a table close to Larry’s piano and set her up to a bottle of champagne. 99 Cconnicloooks.Comn)