Season of Passion

by Steel, Danielle

  She found herself almost instantly crossing miles of green carpet, in sharp contrast to the washed-flamingo facade that had assaulted her outside. Here again people were bustling past, going to meet or discover or be discovered, discuss or disdain, destroy a career, their own or someone else's. One sensed that the business of Hollywood was being conducted near by. One could almost feel the pulse; the building throbbed with the power inside it.

  Yes? The man at the desk looked up at her with a smile. There were seven men at the desk.

  'I'm Mrs. Harper. I believe

  But of course. He smiled again as he cut her off mid-sentence, and disappeared somewhere behind the desk. But of course? How did he know who she was? He reappeared only to wave vaguely at the porter and hand him a key. We hope to see you here often. You do? Kate felt like a kid in a dream. Who were they? Who was she? And where was the Mad Hatter in all this? Surely he belonged here. But she was already following the porter down a wide hallway bordered with shops. Jades, emeralds, diamonds, mariboutrimmed bed jackets, satin nightgowns, a little white mink bolero, Vuitton luggage, suede handbags, a lizard briefcase. She wanted to stop and stare at it all, but she felt obliged to look unimpressed, to be grownup. And beneath it all, there was a wild urge to tug at someone's arm and whisper, as they raced along the hall, Look ' over there! ' and there! ' As she thought of it, she noticed three familiar faces from the movies. Even she knew who they were. Her head snapped around as she watched them laughing together, and she almost bumped into someone else, a face from television. It was fantastic! She was smiling to herself as she walked along, wondering suddenly if this was what it had been like for Tom, living in a world of celebrities. No, it couldn't have been. This was fabulous! And unique.

  They were passing a pool now, surrounded by tables and white-jacketed waiters. Women in bikinis strolled by wearing perfectly browned skins and hairdos that had not been affected by the water. Kate watched them in fascination as they too disappeared, and she suddenly found herself standing in front of a small, manicured-looking cottage. For the tiniest moment, it reminded her of Mead, and she had a wild urge to giggle, but she didn't, she couldn't, not with the porter standing there, waiting for what? A fifty-dollar bill? Surely if that other porter could make ten dollars just by opening a car door, this one would expect fifty or a hundred for walking her down all these halls, and past all these exotic sights. He opened the door to the bungalow, as he referred to it, and she handed him a five-dollar bill as she stepped inside, feeling ridiculous for having given him so much money. The door closed softly behind her, and she looked around. It was indeed very pretty. Flowery prints, chaise lounges that seemed to invite one to recline on them in one of the satin nightgowns she had seen in the shops. With a long cigarette holder undoubtedly. There was an entirely mirrored dressing room and a vanity table worthy of two hours of makeup. A pink marble bathroom and a separately lit tub set into an alcove. She was grinning to herself again. And then the phone rang, startling her. She found it on a bedstand next to the huge double bed. She noticed then that there was another phone, in a little sitting room beyond. And there was yet another entrance to the cottage. Two entrances? Why? To make a fast getaway? She laughed as she picked up the phone.

  Hello?

  Welcome to Hollywood, Kate. How's it going? It was Stu, sounding as even and unruffled as ever, with the smile built in to his voice.

  I just got here. This place is amazing.

  Isn't it though? He laughed too. He was relieved that she hadn't panicked and already left. When they had booked her into the Beverly Hills Hotel he had worried a little. For a neophyte, this was a stiff dose. How's your bungalow?

  I feel as though I should dress up as Jean Harlow. At least This time his laugh was less restrained. Katharine Hepburn maybe. But Harlow? He chuckled again.

  You'd sure surprise the hell out of the people on the Case Show.' They're expecting something else.

  They are? What? She sounded nervous again.

  You. Just as you are.

  That's good, Stu. Cause that's all I got. God, I'd love to have a swim before lunch, but I take it no body swims here.

  Sure they do. What makes you say that?

  Their hair. She said it like a mischievous kid, as she remembered what the women at the pool had looked like. But Stu was already laughing again.

  Sweetheart, I wish I'd been there when you arrived.

  So do I. Do you realize what people tip around here? They were both laughing now. Why do they do it?

  To be remembered.

  Are they? She was fascinated.

  Not for that reason. If they are remembered, it's because they're already somebody. If they're not, no one'll remember them anyway, no matter how much they tip. Do you realize, by the way, that your preferences and foibles will all be marked down on a little file card at the desk, and the next time you arrive you'll have everything your little heart needs and desires, without your even asking for it?

  What the hell do you mean? She suddenly felt uncomfortable, as though people were watching her through the walls.

  I mean, like if you'd brought that ridiculous hound of yours with you and he only ate pink grasshoppers and lemonade, next time you showed up, they'd have a full plate of pink grasshoppers and lemonade for him. Or special towels for you, or martinis very dry, or satin sheets, or nine pillows on the bed, or only French gin and English scotch, or ' name it, love, and you got it.

  Good God. Do people really get away with that here?

  They don't get away with it. They expect it It's all part of being a star.

  Which I'm not. She said it with relief, and he smiled again.

  Which you are.

  Does that mean I have to order pink grasshoppers and lemonade?

  Whatever you like, Princess. The palace is yours. But a stiletto of pain pierced her heart. Princess. Tom had always called her that. There was something in her eyes that Stu couldn't see when she spoke again.

  It feels more like Queen for a Day'.

  Just enjoy it. By the way, we're meeting Nick Waterman in the Polo Lounge at twelve-thirty. That's at your hotel.

  Who's Nick Waterman?

  The producer of the Case Show Himself, my dear. No assistants, no feeling around. He's coming to meet you and brief you about the show.

  Will it be scary? She sounded like a kid dreading a trip to the dentist, and he smiled. He wished she'd sit back and enjoy it. But in time she would.

  No, it won't be scary. And there's a party tonight after the show. They want you to go to it.

  Do I have to?

  Why don't you just see how you feel after the show?

  Okay. What am I supposed to wear to the Polo Lounge, by the way? Everyone around here seems to be wearing denim and mink.

  In the morning?

  Well, they're wearing denim, but they're carrying mink.

  Is that what you wore? He sounded amused

  I wore a cotton dress.

  Sounds refreshing. Lunch might be a little dressier than that. But it's up to you. Be comfortable, be yourself. Waterman is a very nice, easygoing guy.

  You know him?

  We've played tennis together a few times. Very pleasant. Just relax and trust me. He could hear her starting to get nervous.

  All right I guess I'll go order my pink grasshoppers and lemonade and relax by the pool.

  You do that. A moment later they hung up. He was relieved that she sounded relatively calm. The Case Show was important, a lot more so than Kate realized. She was about to be catapulted into the eye of the American public, and she was either going to be loved or hated or they'd decide they didn't give a damn. But if they decided that she was someone they cared about, someone who made them laugh and cry and know she was human, then every book she wrote would sell. She had talent, but it took more than that They had to love her. And Stu Weinberg knew that if she let herself go, they would. The big If. He had taken a big chance leveling with Waterman. Maybe he was crazy to trust the guy. Bu
t he had a gut feeling about him, and he hoped he wasn't wrong. He rarely was. They had played tennis the evening before, and had had a long round of drinks after the game. He had told Waterman that Kate had been something of a recluse, a beautiful one, but a recluse nonetheless. And he suspected that she had been that way since the death of her husband. It was important that no one hurt her now, or frighten her back into her cave. Stu didn't want Jasper Case playing with her on the show, or setting her up side by side with some Hollywood bitch. This had to be done gently or not at all. Her career depended on it. And Waterman said he'd take care of it himself. He had even agreed to come to lunch himself, instead of sending the woman who usually went. And there had been a quick shuffling in the seating for the show. The cancelation of the big female star this morning would be a break for Kate too. Stu was just praying that all would go well. And he was counting on Waterman. It was going to be an interesting lunch, watching Kate slowly step out into the world.

  Chapter 16

  She waited in the bungalow until twelve twenty-five, tapping her foot nervously on the thick beige carpet in the little sitting room. Should she be on time? Or was she supposed to be late? Should she leave her room now? Or in five minutes, at exactly twelve-thirty? And what if what she was wearing was totally wrong? She had tried on three of the outfits she'd brought, and she still wasn't sure. She was wearing a white linen pantsuit Felicia had insisted was very L.A., white sandals, and no jewelry other than her wedding band and the watch Licia had given her For courage, For valor. She pressed her hand to it for a moment as she sat there and closed her eyes. She could still smell the flowers that had arrived for her. A huge arrangement of spring flowers, with big bright red and yellow tulips, and all the flowers she loved. The arrangement was from the Case Show. And the hotel had delivered a bottle of Bordeaux, Chateau Margaux '59, and an exquisite bowl of fresh fruit. With our compliments. She liked the idea of wine rather than champagne, it seemed simpler. The thought made her smile. There was nothing simple about Margaux '59. Well, this is it. She said it aloud as she got to her feet with a sigh and took a look around the room. She was terrified. But it was time to go. It was exactly twelve-thirty. But what if he was a jerk? What if he hated her and didn't want her on the show? Or what if he did, and they were awful to her on the air? Oh shit. She said it aloud again and then grinned as she left the room.

  The walk back to the main building of the hotel seemed endless, and she caught a glimpse of the pool and the tennis courts again, and wished she were there. The suit felt cool on her back as the breeze played with her hair softly framing her face, and she wondered again if she should have worn a dress, or maybe something more glamorous-looking. Felicia had sent her a navy-blue chiffon halter dress too, but she'd never dare wear it on the show. She felt so naked in it. She just couldn't. Maybe tonight, if she went to the party. The party ' she felt as though she were running along a railroad track, with an express train rushing up behind her.

  Madam? She was already there, staring into a black pit. The Polo Lounge was a well of darkness she couldn't see into. A glimpse of pink tablecloths, a tiny bar, a series of red banquettes. After the bright sunlight she could only guess at who was there and what she saw. She could hear them though, it sounded like hundreds of people, eating and talking and laughing and asking for phones. Just outside the room there was a bank of unoccupied pay phones. Obviously they were never used. No one would dream of going outside, when you could ask for a phone at the table and impress passers-by' . Four hundred thousand? You're crazy' . The phones at the table were more fun. Madam? He said it again, looking her over. She looked pretty but not glamorous. He was used to dazzling women, like the actresses and subtly noticeable call girls she thought she glimpsed threaded into the group at the bar.

  I'm meeting Mr. Weinberg, Stuart Weinberg.

  And ' But the headwaiter was already smiling.

  Miss Harper? She nodded, incredulous. The gentlemen are waiting for you outside on the terrace. Mr. Waterman is already with Mr. Weinberg. He carefully led the way, as Kate followed him, still barely able to see. But she didn't need to see the faces. Even their voices sounded important. And there seemed to be a lot of long, blond hair, a lot of clanking of bracelets, and a lot of men with clinging, open shirts and clusters of gold around their necks. But she barely had time to look more closely in the gloom, as the headwaiter sped toward the back and led her out to the terrace with a look of enormous decorum. It was nice to be out in the Sunshine again, and it was good to see someone familiar, as she caught sight of Stu.

  Well, well, you made it. And don't you look pretty! She blushed beneath her tan as Stu stood up and hugged her in a warm brotherly way. He looked into her face approvingly and they exchanged an easy smile.

  I'm sorry I'm late. She glanced around the table, not really allowing herself to see the other man, and looking at the chair which a waiter quickly pulled out for her. And then she was seated, and Stu swept an easy hand in the direction of the man to his right.

  You're not late. And Kate, I'd like you to meet Nick Waterman. Nick, Kate. Kate smiled nervously and let her eyes stray to Nick's face as she shook his hand. It was a large, very firm hand, and the eyes were a fierce tropical blue as they held hers.

  Hello, Kate. I've been anxious to meet you, Stu gave me a copy of the book. It's terrific. Even better than your last. He showered her with what felt like a torrent of sunshine from his eyes, and she felt herself start to relax.

  You read my first one? He nodded and she looked at him, stunned. You did. He nodded again and laughed as he sat back in his chair.

  Didn't you think anyone read them? He sounded vastly amused.

  Not really, I guess. How do you explain to someone that you haven't been anywhere to find out if anyone was really reading them? Tillie had read her book, and Mr. Erhard, but she always figured they did it because she gave them free copies. It was incredible to meet a stranger who had read her too.

  Just don't say that on the show. Stu looked at her with a grin and signaled to the waiter. What'll you have?

  Pink grasshoppers. She said it in a careful whisper and grinned, Stu started to laugh again, and Nick looked bewildered as the waiter rapidly made a note.

  A grasshopper for the lady?

  No, no! And then she was laughing too. I don't know. Iced tea, I guess.

  Iced tea? Stu looked surprised. You don't drink?

  Not when I'm nervous. I'll pass out over lunch.

  Stu glanced over at Waterman with a smile and patted Kate's hand.

  I promise I won't let him attack you till after dessert And then they were all laughing again.

  Actually, I think I'm drunk already. Oh, and by the way, the flowers were beautiful. She turned to Nick Waterman and felt herself blush again. She wasn't sure why, but he made her faintly uncomfortable. There was something magnetic about him, that made you want to seek out his eyes, made you want to reach out to him, but it frightened her. It was terrifying to be drawn to a man after all these years, even if only in conversation. And he was so big, so there. It was impossible to avoid him. And she didn't really want to. That was what frightened her.

  What do you think of Hollywood, Kate? Standard, ordinary question, but she felt herself start to blush again under his gaze and hated herself for it.

  After two hours, I'm already overwhelmed. Is this really it? Or is the hotel some sort of mad oasis in the midst of a saner world?

  Not at all. If anything, this is the mainstay. It becomes crazier and crazier the further away you get. The two men exchanged a sympathetic glance and Kate smiled.

  How do you stand it?

  I was born here, Stu said proudly. It's in the genes.

  How terrible, can they operate? Kate gave him a serious look. Nick laughed and she bravely turned to look at him too. What about you?

  I'm clean. I'm from Cleveland.

  Gawd, Weinberg said derisively as the waiter set the iced tea down in front of Kate. She smiled softly.

 
I went to Cleveland once. It's very pretty. She was lost in her iced tea.

  Lady, I hate to tell you this. The voice at her side was a deep, baritone caress. But you didn't go to Cleveland.

  Oh yes, I did. She looked up at him with a told-you-so smile, and his blue eyes flashed at her.

  Not if it was pretty you didn't.

  All right, let's just say I had a good time

  That's better. Now I believe you.

  They ordered huge bowls of shrimp on ice, and asparagus vinaigrette, and there was delicious hot French bread.

  Well, Kate, shall we talk about the show tonight? Nick looked over at her with a gentle smile.

  I'm trying very hard not to.

  That's what I thought. The smile broadened

  You don't have anything to worry about. Not a thing. All you have to do is what you just did.

  Stuff my face? She grinned at him and he wanted to reach out and ruffle the carefully done hair. But he wouldn't do anything to surprise her, or she would run like a frightened doe back into the forest He had listened carefully to what Weinberg had said. When she spoke, there was no trace of skittishness about her. In fact, she was kind of ballsy, and he liked it. But there was something different in her eyes. Something frightened, something sad, something older than her body or her face. Wherever she had been hiding, it had not been a happy place. It made him want to reach out to her and take her in his arms. That would have blown it for sure. Weinberg would have killed him. He grinned at the thought and brought his mind back to what she was saying about the show.

  No, Kate, I'm serious. All you have to do is chat, laugh a little, say what comes to mind but no four-letter words, please! He rolled his eyes. They had had to bleep two shits and a fuck the night before with that goddamn comic Jasper had been so hot to have on. He had enough problems without a night full of language. But all you have to do is be you. Relax. Listen. Jasper is a master at the art. You'll feel like you're at home in your own living room.