Crossroads of Desire by Amos Hatter — page 9: what you’re looking at

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

CROSSROADS OF DESIRE is downright mediocre and their drinks are quite commonplace. Really, my dear, I don’t think you’d enjoy it at all.” Philip saw the tiny sparks that leaped into her eyes. And he knew from the tone of her voice that her mind was made up. He was still fearful, though, that she had made a mistake about O’Brien’s and wanted to head her off. She would be more out of sorts than ever if she couldn’t have a good meal tonight. And for reasons of his own Philip didn’t want her that way. “It’s not even considered a second-rate place. Nobody goes there,” he argued gently. “Are you going to take me there,” Connie glared at him sud- denly, “or would you rather I went by myself?” Philip retreated before this outburst. His eyes were round and startled, He had seen her in a temper before. Too many times. And he knew the consequences. He recovered and spoke to her as softly as possible. “Naturally, darling, if it means that much to you, I’ll gladly take you.” Connie sprang to her feet. She paced across the small dressing room. “Okay, okay,” she cried impatiently. ‘Now get the hell out of here so I can get dressed. We’re going to O’Brien’s and that’s that!” “Yes. Of course.” Philip fumbled with the doorknob. Just before he left he turned. ‘Would you mind if Robbin Walker and his friend join us?” “IT don't give a damn if you invite the stagehands and the ushers and the orchestra for good measure. Get out of here!” she lashed back at him. “Get out! Do you hear me?” Philip pulled the door shut and stood in the small corridor outside. He took out a handkerchief and mopped his brow. What on earth had gotten into Connie, anyhow? Still confused and utterly bewildered he went to seek out Robbin Walker and invite him and his girl friend to go with them to O’Brien’s. Connie continued to pace her dressing room until her anger had subsided. She knew she had acted badly with Philip. But how much of him could she stand? It wasn’t that she had no regard for the guy. She just never had had very much to begin with. His money was something entirely different and, the trouble was, she had to take him along with it. She conceded that he had some things in his 16 CROSSROADS OF DESIRE favor. He was attentive, dependable and considerate at all times. Too considerate to suit Connie’s idea of a man, She dismissed him from her mind as she began getting dressed. With some anticipation she looked forward to her visit to O’Brien’s and a well done steak with a glass of beer on the side. Forty-five minutes later, a tiny, dark veil drawn over her lustrous eyes, her mink coat hugging her body, she left her dressing room and went out to join Philip and his friends. They were waiting for her in the foyer. Philip looked at her carefully as she came up to them and was relieved to see that she had ealmed down. He introduced her to a large, flashy blonde named Ginger Doss; and to Robbin Walker, a middle- aged man whose wavy hair had turned gray but whose delicate features gave him a young look. “Pve heard a lot about you, Miss Carter,” said Walker politely, “and after seeing you dance tonight I can understand why. It was most entertaining.” “Thank you,” said Connie. “Entertaining and in some respects educational,” Ginger Doss spoke up with a wide grin. Connie looked at her. The girl had more in mind than her words revealed. And Connie suspected that it was not entirely complimentary. ; “Tm sorry I’ve kept you all waiting so long. Shall we go now?” They went out to Philip’s limousine which was waiting at the curb. He gave the chauffeur the address. They rode across town and turned north on Third Avenue. A few moments later the car stopped and they got out in front of a shabby looking tavern, A small neon sign hung in the window indicating that this was O’Brien’s, “Who suggested coming to a dump like this?” asked Ginger Doss, staring at the place. “Connie heard about it from somebody,” Philip explained. “Somebody who had it in for you?” The blonde smiled at her obliquely. ~ Connie gave the girl a sharp, deadly glance but said nothing. She started for the entrance and the others followed. Robbin Walker held the door open for them. “Appearances are sometimes deceptive. The food may be excellent,” he said cheerfully. Whatever O’Brien’s was, it was certainly nothing fancy. It “COnnieoooks, conn