“Heavens, darling. I think you can do better than that. But . . .” She paused. “However it all turns out, I’m rooting for both of you.”
“Thanks, Tilly. Time will tell, which may be an understatement. But there is more.”
“Really? Do tell.” Tilly said, eager to hear the latest news.
“We, Jack and I, are thinking of . . . well, considering remaining here in 1939.”
Tilly blinked. This was not what she expected. “Good heavens. What a surprise. That’s a life changing idea.” Then she paused. “I don’t know if I agree, but I can see how it could be tempting.”
“We have to decide by Monday. We have a meeting with Fred Raymond then.”
Tilly nodded and then frowned. “But wouldn’t you miss your life and all that you would leave behind?”
Kate admitted, reluctantly, that she was right.
“Don’t worry. I know you’ll make the right decision.”
“I hope so,” Kate said. “You know,” Kate added. “If we go home next week, it will only be a few days for us and 50 years for you and Archie.”
“Oh, I know. We both will be old and wrinkly, but you must make me a promise.”
“Anything, Tilly.”
“You must come and find us. Wouldn’t that be a reunion?” She grinned.
“I promise,” Kate smiled.
Lunch continued as Tilly shared that she and Archie had gone to Romanoff’s for dinner on Friday night. Celebrities everywhere. The topper was seeing Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Kate listened to the stories that she was regaling. It all sounded so glamorous and fun.
Suddenly Tilly stopped talking and looked over Kate’s shoulder and whispered, “Goodness, it’s Marlene Dietrich. I hear she was here just the other day and wore pants. Such the scandal. But then who is going to tell her what to do?”
Kate laughed, thinking of the film icon. “I couldn’t agree more.” Kate reflected on how much the world of celebrity would change over the coming decades. Something would slowly disappear. Perhaps it was the mystery as in the early days of Hollywood movie stars were like American royalty. Carefully groomed and studio images crafted that would slip and slide and be replaced in the future with much more bold style. The element of mystery would slowly vanish. However, the glittering cloak of celebrity would continue to entice. The art of celebrity would be elusive. Few would have the fierce spirit or natural style and grace to handle the price of a very public life. In the end, Kate realized it was not really that one era was better than another was. The souls came to live out their creative imprint on the world. They would always find a waiting public hungry for inspiration,
encouragement as the world would grow and stretch over the passage of time.
Tilly had stopped talking, watching deep flickers of emotion in Kate’s eyes. “You are the quiet one,” Tilly remarked.
Kate blinked, releasing her deep thoughts. “Oh, don’t mind me. Just was thinking about celebrity life.”
“Oh, that. I couldn’t help you with that, you know. I’m just a simple English girl.” They both laughed.
Kate and Tilly finished lunch and returned to the Beverly Wilshire. They lingered a few moments in the lobby as plans were made for a cup of tea Monday morning before Tilly and Archie would leave for the airport to return to England.
Kate then approached the front desk to request her room key and was surprised as the desk clerk handed her a small ivory envelope. She opened it quickly to discover it was from Jack. She smiled reading his charming invitation to join him and some of his pals Sunday evening. The ever-observant desk clerk inquired, “Would you like to leave a reply?”
Kate nodded, quickly penning, Would love to see you at 7:00 P.M.
As Kate went to the elevators she was happy and yet curious that Jack wanted to share another side of his life in 1939.
* * *
Jack toweled off after enjoying a relaxing shower. He put on his pajamas as his mind reviewed his recent conversation with Fred Raymond. He let him know Margaret Mitchell was on her way. The book business paperwork and agreements were set for 1:00 P.M. Monday afternoon. It would allow time to place it in the small office vault in the Grauman’s Chinese office so the 1999 crew could retrieve it. What a splash the discovery of her work would make. Despite the other sequel that was written in 1991, this was certain to be loved by the public. Jack walked over to the large windows and stood a moment, looking at the full moon rising in the night. The Hollywood land sign was lit where a few silhouettes of palm trees stood silently. It was a beautiful sight. It all seemed so normal, but Jack knew, from all the years he had been working for Tyme Productions, normal was not part of the game.
He had been putting off the reality that his life was coming to a crossroads. How do you ever begin to set up a resume with time travel as your main talent? Not exactly a popular requirement. In his 40’s now, he lived more than most. Financially, he was set, but he did not want to spend the rest of his life alone. He had spent more time than he would admit going back and forth about the dilemma he and Kate faced. Could it ever work? Were they just romantic dreamers? Their attraction for each other had started it, but now their bond was more than that. They shared the unique experience of time travel that was shaping their perspective on life in ways few would ever understand. His mind wandered to the prospect of having a family, which had been unthinkable in his current situation. Would he be a good dad? The idea seemed so enormous, but he knew with the right companion that could be the magic to make it fulfilling. He also knew he was getting ahead of things. Though he and Kate needed to talk it over more, at this point she had not revealed in what direction she was leaning. This had motivated Jack to ask her to join him Sunday evening for a bite to eat and to meet some of his pals, friends, and colorful characters for the kind of night that anything could happen and usually did.
On Sunday night, Jack had suggested a quick meal in the hotel. Word had reached him his buddies were running late for reasons that were not revealed. However, knowing them, they had started early at their favorite watering holes. Serious food would be vital to surviving a night on the town with this group.
By 9:30, Jack and Kate walked out of the hotel and were greeted by a car and driver for the evening. Settled in the backseat, the driver said, “Where to, Mr. Baldwin?”
“Chateau Marmont, Joseph. Thanks.”
The driver nodded, moving the car into the night traffic on Wilshire Boulevard.
Kate knew of the hotel, its legend with the colorful Hollywood crowd, but she could only wonder what awaited her here in 1939.
They were all there. Jack grinned as he maneuvered Kate quickly to the bar and began introductions. “The man on your left is Danny. Occasional actor, man of noble deeds.” And before Kate could comment they all raised their glasses saying, in unison, “Here, here. To the man of noble deeds.”
“To my right,” Jack continued, nodding to the tall lanky Texan hat on his head. “This is Slim, a character actor and toast of the great westerns.”
“Indeed,” They all said. “To the great westerns.”
“Lastly, Frederick.” He pointed to the man beside Danny. “He’s known as Freddy the Fox with the ladies and is of noble heart.”
Kate couldn’t hold back and chuckled. He looked a bit like a tired Rudolph Valentino, but clearly, he did have heart in those blue eyes.
Then Slim stood to his full height of 6’4 and asked, “Who is this lovely lady?”
“This is Kate, my friend from back east,” Jack said.
They each tried to stand, but with little success. However, they did manage to raise their glasses to toast her. “To Kate from the eastern shores.”
“Thank you all. You are so kind, making me feel so welcome.”
They sat there grinning while Slim sat down on his stool and said, “Now, Miss Kate, what is your drink of choice?”
Instant expressions of shock, dismay, bordering on horror galloped across their faces. Kate felt like she had asked for a piss and vinegar cocktail.
“No, no, no, my dear. No frog water.”
“A bloody Mary?” Kate offered.
“No. That is for the morning after. We are in the night of.”
At this point, Kate looked to Jack for help. He managed to barely suppress a grin. “Perhaps I can be of help,” Jack managed to say.
They all nodded solemnly, waiting for Jack to set Kate on the right drinking path. “A vodka martini.”
That produced a rousing round of applause, but no one took their eyes off Kate until she said, “Great. Sounds good to me.” Kate watched as they all slapped each other on the back, reassured she was now one of them. Kate, not a
big drinker, was casually looking for bar nibbles to help sustain her.
“Where do you hail from back east?” Slim asked.
Quick on her feet, Kate answered, “New York City.”
“New York City?” Dan chimed in, producing a dreamy look that passed through his bloodshot eyes. “Ah, the pubs of New York. A place of miracles and divine hangovers.”
Again, the group raised their glasses. “To the pubs of New York.”
At that moment, the bartender produced Kate’s martini and Jack’s scotch on the rocks.
“It’s your turn, Jack,” Freddy said, “to make the next toast.”
“To Kate.” Then he added with a twinkle in his brown eyes, “May she live long and prosper.”
Despite the quick gulp of their drinks, they looked at one another and frowned. “Where did you get that one?” Freddy asked.
“Oh, an old actor who’s a friend and loves the future started it.”
“Well, very good. Very good indeed.”
Jack winked at Kate as she said, “Thank you, gentlemen. I am a lucky lady to be in such esteemed company.”
At that remark, they all practically glowed, while Jack looked on amused and delighted with Kate’s effect on his friends. Then there was a group decision to move to the long living room, the lounge area for more comfortable seating. As they all made their way in that direction Jack whispered in Kate’s ear, “They are good people. Really. But this is their fun.”
“I know. No worries.” She reached quickly to squeeze his hand.
For the next two hours, Slim regaled everyone with some of the funniest stories of a working actor she had ever heard. She couldn’t recall when she had laughed so much. In between one of Slim’s stories, the great John Barrymore sailed into the room. Jack waved at him as he came to stand by the group. He stood and saluted them. He leaned in to take Kate’s hand and, kissing it, said, “You are truly an enchanting creature, my dear. And who does she belong to here?”
Jack raised his hand, “It’s me.”
“Well done, Jack. Outstanding all around.”
Kate laughed easily, not sure when she had ever had so much male attention. Then John looked across the room spotting several eager young ladies who were giggling and smiling at him and he said, “I have to go and attend to my flock. Never good to leave them idle for too long.”
Just as those words were out of his mouth, a rough, deep, gravelly female voice cut into the conversation. Everyone looked in the direction of a somewhat petite woman that Kate recognized instantly as Tallulah Bankhead. She pushed past the young girls coming to a quick stop right in front of John Barrymore. “John, darling, where have you been all my life?” And proceeded to plant a long open-mouthed kiss. Kate reflected she wouldn’t have been surprised if she tried to squeeze the family jewels at the same time. She finally stepped back and said, “You know, we really need to talk.”
“At the very least, dear lady.” John Barrymore stood up, turned to the group, made the sign of the cross and said, “Blessings my dear ones. I am off into the night.”
The group cheered, lifted their glasses saying, “Into the night, my good man.”
Kate looked at Jack and said, “I can’t believe all this. It’s
like being in a black and white movie where everything is ad lib.”
“Exactly. And the night is young.”
Kate rolled her eyes and laughed.
Suddenly at midnight a gong went off somewhere in the building and everything changed. They all stood up, some faster than others.
“What’s going on?” Kate asked.
“It’s time,” Slim said.
“Time for what?” Kate asked.
Danny leaned in and whispered in her ear, “We are going to the morgue.”
Kate’s eyes grew large, but before she could say anything Slim said, shaking his head, “No.”
“No?” Danny repeated perplexed.
“It is to my residence first to get the body.”
Kate wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly and looked to Jack. “Really?” She stated.
“I’ll explain later. It’s okay.”
Not that Kate doubted Jack, but dead bodies and running around in a morgue in the middle of the night was beyond anything one could call a date.
Danny quickly leaned over and said to Kate, “Death in the family. Horrible tragedy.”
Then everyone moved fairly quickly out to their respective cars, while Kate and Jack proceeded to Slim’s house. On the way, Jack attempted to reassure Kate, but as they arrived, the other cars and the priest walking around did little to console her or help her to relax. Jack and Kate joined others milling around outside Slim’s house. A single-level, ranch-style house. Kate watched the group join others she didn’t recognize, but they were slapping each other on the back, giving the impression they hadn’t seen each other in ages. She shook her head in amusement. Several then moved inside entering the house, leaving Jack, Kate, and Danny outside.
Then a priest came out of the house waving at Jack. “Father O’Sullivan.” Jack greeted the priest warmly.
“Jack, it’s grand to see you. The lads are just dressing and preparing the coffin for Sylvester. God bless his soul.”
Jack nodded in respect.
“And who have we here?” Father O’Sullivan asked, looking directly at Kate.
“My friend Kate from back east.”
“So nice to meet you, Father.” She smiled at his rich Irish accent and the faint aroma of Irish whiskey deciding that must be Sunday night holy water.
“Ah, the pleasure is mine. Now, please keep an eye on the lads for me, Jack, while I help bless Sylvester into the Kingdom of the Lord.”
“Of course.”
“That’s a good lad.”
No sooner were those words delivered than a sudden commotion ensued. The front door dramatically boomed open and the previous boisterous group emerged solemn, all in black jackets, white boutonnieres and cowboy hats, carrying a small casket on their shoulders.
Kate blinked horrified. Panicking, she turned to Jack and said, “This can’t be a . . .”
Before she could finish, Slim, walking ahead in black from head to toe spoke. “Sylvester, an honored spirit, has left our lives, ladies and gentlemen.” He paused for effect. “We go to the beach for a noble Viking sendoff to honor his life.”
Kate opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Finally, she managed. “Jack, please tell me who is Sylvester?”
Straight faced, he looked Kate right in the eye and said, “The Cat.”
Before Kate could recover from that information, Father O’Sullivan was directing those carrying the small casket to be carefully placed in the trunk of a large vintage dark blue car. Everyone seemed to scramble to their assortment of parked cars. Kate, Jack and Danny were to be driven by Ralph, Slim’s friend. Jack had alerted his car and driver to follow them as all the car engines seemed to rev at once and take off into the night.
Kate, seated between Jack and Danny, said, “Where are we going?”
“Santa Monica, the beach. Don’t expect to recognize much.”
“I figured,” Kate replied.
Just then, the driver took a sudden quick turn as the three of them slid to one side of the car. Danny took a swig of his whiskey-filled flask and said, “We’re traveling now.” He grinned and offered Kate a drink.
“No thanks.” She tried to smile, but her smile muscles locked. “I don’t think we took that last turn on all four wheels.”
“Probably not,” Jack replied.
“Don’t worry, Miss Kate. Our driver, he’s a professional race car driver and does stunts for the movies. Good man.” Danny grinned.
“Really?” Kate said, looking at Jack.
“Absolutely.” But he knew Kate was far from convinced.
How long they drove, Kate was uncertain. Perhaps a bit short of an hour. Then they turned a corner, slowed down as a refreshing blast of salty air instantly entered the car windows. She could see the moonlight on the incoming waves. They had made it safe and sound. She was more relieved than she would ever admit. All the cars parked quickly as everyone piled out, stretched and stumbled about. Father O’Sullivan spoke. His Irish accent filling the quiet night as he managed the unloading of the small casket.
“Come along, lads. God is waiting to welcome Sylvester into his heavenly kingdom.”
Appearing more sober than they were, they slowly, carefully removed the casket, carrying it on their shoulders as they made their way to the edge of the shore.
Kate and Jack stopped a few feet away as they watched them reaching down to float the small casket on the incoming waves. It was just then in the very distance, a faint wail of a police siren cut into the night. Kate instantly looked at Jack. “Did you hear that?”
“Don’t worry,” was all he said when another car arrived, came to a screeching halt and it looked like a large group of children, all in black, raced across the sand to join the others.
“What are children doing here?” Kate asked bewildered.
“Not children. They are a bunch of professional actors. The little people from the Wizard of Oz.”
The Silver Screen Page 15