Chapter 2
It's-why, it's definitely your kind of dress, Gail. It looks like you do-different, exclusive-unique."
Gail turned slowly, a self-satisfied smile on her strawberry-tinted lips. "Yes, I think the saleslady at Elaine's was right. Chartreuse is my color." Her hands felt of the softly shimmering silk, following the heart-shaped neck line. "And I bought a coat to match the dres's."
"You mean you bought the outfit at Elaine's?" asked Louise with awe. "Then it must bean original. She charges like hell I've been told.
"It will be worth the price-I hope," Gail smiled mysteriously. "You see, Louise, it will help me get what I want-a husband." She took off the dress and hung it in the closet. She sat down on the couch and patted the place next to her. "Sit down Louise, and listen. And then, forget what I told you."
Louise did as told, her yellow eyes aglow. "I can keep a secret, you know that. A husband? Is that why you came here, Gail? Who is he? Are you in love with him? And does he love you?"
"Too many questions, Louise. I'll try to answer them. Yes, that's why I came here, to get the man I want. The man my sister thinks she's going to marry ... As to being in love-I don't know." She frowned. "I don't really believe in love; it's an emotion that tries to make people appear different from what they truly are by glamorizing them and fitting them into your dream picture. Me? I'm a realist. I want Jack Michaels so badly it hurts. And I hope the power of my wanting is great enough to make him want me."
"You mean-" Louise opened her mouth, then closed it and took a deep breath-"you're snatching him away from Myra? But why, Gail? He's hers ... there are plenty of other men. Why hurt your own sister?"
"Because I-because I hate her, Louise. She always came first; they all love her. Everybody. She's so sweet and perfect, and no one can resist her. Well, I can. Oh, Jack likes me well enough but I want him really to see me, to want me-want me so much that Myra doesn't exist any more." Her green eyes were burning and in her pale face the mouth looked voracious.
"But Gail that's evil-it won't bring you happiness. And-yes," she stared at Gail's passionate face-"even if you get him-and you might be able to make him lose his head-you won't be able to keep him.
For passion is a fleeting thing, and caring, deeply caring, another."
"Maybe I don't care about-keeping him." Gail shrugged. "I don't think I'd ever be able to want a man-in fact, anything-forever. Possession kills enthusiasm. But right now while I ache with wanting, and as long as I feel that way, I must have him."
"But the wedding-your sister's wedding-was to be an elaborate affair. Isn't the bridegroom right now on his way to Plymouth Falls?"
Gail laughed harshly. "The bridegroom, my bridegroom, will be in Chicago tomorrow expecting to meet Myra in the Drake Hotel. You see, he changed his plans; he wants to be married quietly and without fanfare here and take the bride along with him to Oakland ... Only, the bride never received the letter explaining the change in plans...."
"You mean-you intercepted the letter? But how will you explain-"
"Oh, I have my explanation-in fact, I'm Myra's ambassador who has changed her mind...."
It was so monstrous, Louise found nothing to say.
"Think you can get away with it, Gail? He might want to contact Myra...."
"I intend to make him forget about Myra," said Gail, her eyes blazing, her cheeks flushed. "You see, not being emotional, I have studied Jack's character. Oh, he seems easy-going enough on the surface. And he'll give a girl leeway in small matters. But in the main issues he wants his way; his ego demands it. Well, I shall butter up his ego and be sweet, yet forceful. And I'm quite certain that in his busy days filled with lawsuits, Jack has wasted precious little time in ladies' boudoirs. He's full of suppressed fire and never having let off enough steam, he can be subdued by the senses."
Louise shook her head. "I'm surprised to see you in that state, Gail. How you have changed, you were always so cool and aloof. Even with Richard. Or, do you recall that second lover of yours at all? I know, Carl, your first one, was just a means to discover what sex was all about. I remember even now the way you described this affair-which was as far as you were concerned not one of the heart. 'I'm enjoying Richard's raving and rantings vastly; his intoxication amuses me and although at times he gives me great pleasure, after it's all over, when I zip up my dress, I feel untouched-as if it never had happened.'...."Yes, those exactly, were your words."
"Oh," Gail stamped her foot, "who wants to think of that dolt Richard? He took me nice places and brought me presents. Also, he was very clean. I like things hygienical ... And I'm still cool and collected-figuring how to get what I'm after...." She looked at Louise hard and long, wondering whether she dared shock her...."Want to know what makes me so hot for Jack?" She smiled more to herself, and closed her eyes to see the picture more clearly. "It was after one of our stuffy family dinners, with heaps of food and Burgundy for the solemn occasion-lots of Burgundy. Everybody had retired, and I had been watching Myra and Jack embracing from behind the door, furious with anger and jealousy. You see, Jack had the upstairs bedroom; between his room and mine was the bathroom. Well, after my nightly toilet, I left the door leading to my room slightly ajar. I had the bedlamp on and was reading, when I heard someone in the bathroom. I tiptoed to the door and peaked inside. Jack was standing there, smoking a cigar-stark-naked. Apparently, kissing Myra had gotten him aroused ... Well, he was still all up in the air. He flexed his arm muscles and breathed deeply, smiling stupidly at his manliness reflected in the mirror ... It was the most exciting spectacle ever, Louise. I trembled and hot and cold shivers chased down my spine ... What a man! was my first thought. And my second one, I must have him! I must tame this virility, subdue this regal animal and make him subservient to my desire...." She opened her eyes and laughed. "Well, there you have it. From that moment on all I did was scheming...."
Louise looked at Gail aghast. "You're crazy, Gail. For one fleeting moment of desire ... to tie yourself-if you succeed-to a man you'll tire of quickly. And what about your painting? And your yen to play the piano? I simply can't see you cooking dinner, washing dishes ... Babies...."
"Who's going to cook? Not me. We'll have a maid. And babies are out. There will be plenty of time for my painting. In this marriage things shall go my way."
"And what if-things don't go your way? You can't coerce a man into marriage."
"That possibility I'm not considering," stated Gail loftily. "Remember, a girl can get what she wants when she uses her head and her body."
But entering the subdued elegance of the lobby of the Drake, Gail wasn't quite so sure of herself. What if Jack refused to listen, didn't believe her, and took the first plane out to chase after the missing bride? Nonsense, she admonished herself, Jack is a man; his vanity will be hurt. Play it right, and you have him.
She didn't walk up to the desk but looked for the house phone. He would be waiting in his room. Take the bull by the horns, she told herself, lifting the receiver.
"Mr. Jack Michaels, please." Her tone was self-assured; the sound of her voice gave her courage. She waited, her hand clutching the receiver.
"Jack Michaels speaking."
"Jack," she had to stop for a deep breath, "this is Gail-Gail Harris. May I come up?"
"Why Gail, how nice. So you came along with Myra. Come right on up, both of you."
What self-assurance, thought Gail, stepping into the elevator. Stepping right out again. What a nuisance, now she had to confront that desk clerk after all. She walked up to the desk, smiling her off-hand, haughty smile.
"Mr. Jack Michaels' room number, please." And, as he frowned at her behind thick-lensed glasses.
"He's expecting me."
He rotated the room index. "Six twenty five, Miss."
"Thank you."
In the corridor, she took the mirror from her black patent leather purse and scrutinized her face. Beneath the chartreuse beret the red curls framed her pale face. She passed her tongue over the deep-red lips, put the mirror back and snapped the purse closed. There, now to confront her destiny.
The door was ajar; she knocked lightly.
"Come right in."
"Darling!" Two tweedy arms were wrapped about her and a hungry mouth ground into hers. Abruptly he let go of her, frowning, a helpless look in his dark eyes. "Gail! Sorry to be so impetuous. I thought it was Myra...." his eyes looked over her chartreuse shoulder. "Where is she?"
"Calm down, Jack. And no need being sorry. At least not for me." She looked him over, now almost hopeful he wouldn't appeal to her. But he had not changed; his lean face with the strafing eyebrows and the wide, sensuous lips looked to her as desirable as ever. The brown tie matched his eyes.
"Gail, where is Myra? Is anything wrong? She isn't sick?"
The concern in his voice and eyes angered Gail.
"Not when I last saw her, she wasn't. But, won't you invite me to sit down?"
"Of course, sorry, but I'm really worried now. Here." He steered her to the brown couch and she sat down.
"You better sit here by me, Jack." She patted the couch. "Close," she invited, hoping he would like the expensive scent she wore.
He sat down, a perturbed look on his face. "You do look wonderful, Gail. Better than ever. But, where is Myra? She must have gotten my letter-else, how could you be here?"
"Always the legal mind at work," she smiled. "Yes, she did get your letter, and-"
"And what?"
"And she sent me to-explain matters to you."
"Explain? What is there to explain? We are getting married here, and I'm taking my bride to Oakland-it was all in the letter."
"That was your plan, Jack-but it didn't seem to fit in with hers ... You know how Myra is, she had her heart set on this big wedding ... Now, if it were me, I would just sneak off with my man and get married and follow him to the ends of the earth...." She paused, watching him pale.
He arose and went to the window, standing with his back to her. After a long pause he said. "So she isn't coming and she sent you to explain."
"Oh, she wanted to send a wire, but I spoke up and made myself her ambassador. I even invented a visit to a girl friend here ... You see," she stepped' up behind him and touched his shoulder, "I thought it would lessen the hurt-I just hated to see you get hurt, Jack," she whispered.
He turned around and looked at her closely. His voice sounded brutally non-concerned.
"Thanks for your sympathy. But why should you care?" He started pacing the rug, Gail seemed forgotten. He was talking to himself. "What does she expect? For me to dash back to Plymouth Falls, neglect the Wertheimer case, mess up my best client just to have some priest bless our union in her home town?" He came to halt in front of Gail. "Well, you can tell her from me that the wedding is not going to take place-any place. And thanks for coming all the way to tell me, Gail. It was thoughtful. But then; I always knew you for a fair person."
She arose, it was her cue to leave. But she had no intention of leaving him. "Jack," she touched his arm, "what are you going to do?"
"Do?" He looked at her, anger flashing in his eyes. "I'm taking the next plane out, back to Oakland. And," he lifted her hand and touched his lips to it, "thanks to a gallant lady. I always sensed you'd be on my side, Gail. If you ever need advice-legal or otherwise...."
"Thanks, Jack. I would always take the advice of a man like you. But," she smiled into his dark eyes, "I have a favor to ask of you-maybe it sounds childish...."
"Go ahead and ask."
"Well, this is my last night in Chicago and I feel kind of lost in the big city. Couldn't you-postpone your departure and take a lonely girl outto dinner?"
"Hm, lonely girl, lonely man. Well," he stared into her green eyes and patted her smooth cheek. "Yes, why not? It sounds attractive. In fact, I feel like celebrating my bachelorhood. But I warm you, I may get stinko. And when I do, I get nasty."
"That doesn't worry me one bit," stated Gail, slipping out of her coat. "In fact, I could use a drink right now." She dropped the coat on a chair and took off the beret. "A man of your caliber should have a bottle in his room."
"And what do you know about a man like me?" He smiled thinly. "But you're right." He opened the closet and took out a half-filled bottle. "Bourbon okay? Shall I call room service for ice?"
Gail shook her head. "Straight-that's how I like things." He poured two water glasses half full, handing her one.
"I can't get over it-you coming all the way to soften the blow. Here's to' a swell kid." He clinked his glass to hers, draining his.
Gail followed suit feeling comforting warmth coating her insides. She watched him toss down another drink, hoping it would help her cause.
"Want me to pick you up later, Gail?"
She shook her head. "I have no intention leaving you here to grieve. Besides, it's almost six now, and I haven't eaten for hours."
"Good grief! Well, in that case we better get going. But maybe I should change?"
"You look good to me Jack the way you are."
He smiled. "Well, thanks, lady. I'll just go and wash my hands."
Gail stepped up to the dresser and looked at her face in the mirror. She ran her fingers through her curls and bent close to study the expression of her eyes. Green, she thought, the color of hope. I'm on my way. She nodded at her reflection, picked up die beret and adjusted it at the proper angle on her curls.
"Did I tell you how smart you look, Gail? That color is quite becoming. I feel proud to be your escort."
"Pleasure's all mine." She smiled and slipped into the coat he held open for her. She watched him pick up his grey Fedora.
"Well, out on the town. Oh, how about one for the road?" He poured the remains of the bottle into the two tumblers and clinked his glass to hers. "Pals?" he asked.
"Pals," she said, finishing the drink together with him. She stepped up close and touched his lean cheek. "Mind me telling you I think you're swell?" Hoping this was no tactical error, she brushed his cheek with her lips.
"Same here." He caught her around the waist and kissed her smack on the lips, abruptly releasing her. "And now, let's do the town."