Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 57: what you’re looking at

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

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE Connie eyed the girl disdainfully. “I’m not the least bit con- cerned with your opinion.” Jane had on her coat, obviously prepared to go out. She started toward the door but Larry stopped her. “Please, Jane, for the last time. I don’t want the damned job.” “Just the same, I’m not going to let them get away with it.” At that remark she glared at Connie. “You and your friends!” The next moment Jane was gone. Larry kicked at an imagin- ary obstacle on the floor, thrust his hands deeply into his trouser pockets and stared gloomily at the far wall. “What’s she up to?” Connie asked. “Oh, she’s got the idea that she’s going to see Hathaway and make him take me back as piano player in O’Brien’s. She’s crazy because I don’t want the job. I’m glad he had me fired.” “You know then that he bought the place.” “Naturally.” There was an aloofness in his tone that Connie didn’t like. “Tm awfully sorry for all the trouble I’ve gotten you in, Larry,” she said penitently. “Don’t worry about it.” “T’ve come here to try and straighten things out.” He gave her a harassed glance. “I’d be in a lot less trouble if people would stop trying to help me.” “Tf you didn’t mean so much to me, Larry, I wouldn’t be here.” “Look, Connie. You're wonderful. In spite of what hap- pened last night. In spite of everything. I think you're the most remarkable girl I’ve ever met. But you live in a different world. I can’t possibly—” “I don’t live in a different world any longer. I’m through with all of that,” she said quietly. “What do you mean?” he asked, alarmed. “T’ve told Philip Hathaway that I’m through. Less than an hour ago I notified him that it was all washed up between us. Does that prove anything?” “But you're still the great Constance Carter, the darling of New York, the most famous dancer on Broadway.” Connie smiled. “I’m not sure but that I’m even out of that. Philip got rather difficult. When he tried to force me to his will I told him I was through with the ballet.” “My God!” Larry cried. “You can’t give up all of that for me.” “Can’t 1?” 112 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE Larry ran his hands through his hair and began pacing the floor. Connie sank to the edge of the bed. Her large, disturbed eyes followed him as he moved back and forth. A disquieting thought pushed itself to the forefront of her mind. “T love you, Larry,’ she said presently. “I had hoped my actions would prove that.” He stopped and looked at her. A forlorn expression was on her face as she sat there, one knee mounted upon the other. To him she was the most beautiful girl in the world, but also the most astounding. “You sure must if youre willing to give up everything,” he said in bewilderment. “Well then—” She hesitated but Larry only looked at her. Finally she came right out with it because she had to know. It was now or never. “Don’t you love me in return?” Slowly he came to her. He sat beside her, his eyes caressing her face. “How could I help loving you? You're everything a man could desire, Connie. You're love itself.” His eyes searched hers. “But I’m not the guy for you. I’m just a nobody. I could never make you happy.” ‘ “The point is, don’t you think I could make you happy,” she remarked, feeling a stab in her heart. “You could, you could! But—” “That’s all the happiness I’m seeking.” She yearned toward him. Larry felt a bit dizzy from her powerful, magnetic nearness. With a little cry of despair he eathered her into his arms. For a moment he knew anguish for he could see no way for them ever to be equal. Then, as in the past, he put the thought aside and accepted with gratitude the love that she offered. This was the happiness she wanted. This was all that mat- tered. She’d sacrifice everything in the world if she could have Larry like this always. All else palled before the shining glory of their love. “T love you!” he cried. ‘Love you with all my heart.” Connie sighed with supreme happiness. She would dedicate her life, spend the rest of her days giving him happiness and love. That would be her mission from this moment on. “Larry. I’m yours forever,” she gasped. As they returned to the mundane world a long time after, TECOMMIGIOOKS COM —_—aoo