by Joe Corso
“Make a U-turn up above and take the side road. We’ll go to the Airport Diner. It’s up a little way right before the Steinway Street exit.” Swifty was recognized the moment he entered the diner. They chose a booth by the window. At first there were murmurs, then whispers, then people began to stare at him. One brave soul came to their table and said he had seen The Prize Fighter and loved it and of course asked for an autograph.
“Sure,” Swifty sweetly replied. “How do you want me to sign it?”
“Could you sign it, ‘To my friend Frank’ from Swifty?” Swifty added a little something extra and ended it with Keep Punching, Swifty.” Before he knew it, his booth was surrounded by autograph–seekers. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, he finally put up his hands and said, “Hold on a minute,” and then asked Sue to order take out from the waitress. “Get anything you want,” he said as he slipped her a twenty dollar bill. “Tell the lady at the counter to keep the change.”
As they walked through the parking lot back to Sue’s car she asked, “Is it always like this?”
“Well, I guess,” he replied. “Kinda happens a lot now since the picture came out. Jimmy could handle it a lot better I think. I’m not cut out for this bullshit, I don’t think,” he said in a slightly frustrated voice. “Sorry … didn’t mean to say that.” Sue smiled.
“Jimmy who?” she asked.
Jimmy the Hat.”
“Jimmy who?” Sue asked, still confused.
“Jimmy . . . James Roman,” Swifty explained.
James Roman!” she exclaimed. “I loved him! You knew him?”
“Sure did. We had the same boss. Like I said, he could handle bein’ famous better than me. I’m not good at this stuff and I may just pack it all in. I’m that close to doin’ it right now,” he said as he used his thumb and index finger of his right hand to show what he meant. Swifty then realized that he might have said too much.
“Hey,” he said, “you’re not gonna talk to any newspapers or magazines about what I just told you, are you?”
“Nah,” Sue replied. “You don’t have to worry about me. I don’t repeat things. So, where do you want to go now?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Let’s go to The Starlight Club. That’s the one place where I can be myself and not have to worry too much about the public.” Sue nodded in agreement. Swifty guided her through some back roads and motioned her toward the lot across the street from the club, assuring her that her car would be safe. Inside, Red was stationed in the corner, at his favorite table, and waved as soon as he saw the two of them and motioned for them to come over.
“Susie, this is Red. He’s the guy responsible for all my success. If it wasn’t for him, I’d probably be a bum.” While Red was pleased with the compliment, he didn’t care for Swifty’s self–deprecating tone.
“How long will you be in town?” Red asked.
“Bernstein wants me to do a light comedy for my next picture and he wants The Starlight Club to be used again in the picture. It’s supposed to start shootin’ in a month.”
“That’s great,” Red said. “That means that I’ll have you to myself for a while. Maybe I’ll schedule a fight for you at Sunnyside, or maybe even Madison Square Garden. You know you’re ranked number fifteen by ring magazine?”
“No, I had no idea I was ranked that high. But I can’t take a fight. It’s in my contract – can’t take a fight up to one month before we start shootin’. They’re afraid the bruises will show during filming and my face will be all messed up.”
“Well,” Red added, “maybe we’ll schedule you for a fight two months before then. We’ll honor your contract.”
“Well, I guess it’s okay but honestly, I’ll bet that Bernstein won’t be too happy. I’d hate to see his face when he finds out.” They both laughed and Red said, “Well then, let’s not tell him.” Red got serious for a moment. “You know Swifty, this whole scene . . . you makin’ a hit movie and then comin’ back to The Starlight Club – it’s exactly what Jimmy did. It’s like history repeating itself, only we don’t have a jealous husband to worry about this time.” Red looked at Susie. “You don’t have a jealous husband we should be worryin’ about do you?”
“No,” she said smiling. “I don’t.”
“Good, then that’s settled. We’re havin’ a party here this Saturday night and you, Gonzo, and Henri are gonna be The Starlight Club’s special guests that night, so don’t make any plans okay?”
Swifty excused himself for a moment. Moose was tending bar and caught Swifty on his way to the men’s room. “You can sure pick ‘em kid. This one’s a knockout.”
“Yeah,” Swifty answered. “She seems nice, not affected by who I am. I like that. She kind’a rescued me,” he said as he laughed.
Swifty returned to the table, looked at his watch and said, “We still have time. Red, we’ll see you later.” He took Susie by the arm and led her back to her car. “Come on,” he said. “I’m takin’ you to meet a friend of ours.” He guided her through the labyrinth of streets and highways of New York City. Exhausting all possibilities of a parking space, Swifty told Sue to park in one of the hourly parking garages. Swifty asked for the receipt which he placed into his pocket as he and Sue set afoot. At eleven hundred Broadway, they took the elevator to Suite 600, naturally on the sixth floor. When the elevator door opened, they faced a large sign that said ‘Rene Dumas’. Swifty asked the receptionist, who recognized him instantly, to get Marco. The front desk girl invited the couple to have a seat as she rushed off. A few minutes passed before Marco walked in. When he saw Swifty, he headed straight toward him with open arms. They embraced.
“It’s good to see you Swifty. What can I do for you today?”
“Red’s havin’ a party Saturday night.”
“Yes I know. I’m looking forward to being there myself. His parties are always unforgettable experiences. So what is it that you need?” he said, eyeing Susie.
“I want something special for Sue. She’s comin’ with me Saturday night.” Swifty had grown up around all these guys. He had learned from the best. Whenever they met a lady they liked and invited her somewhere special, it was just something the guys did out of courtesy – they took their little lady to be outfitted. That way, it eliminated the burden and expense of her having to shop for something appropriate for this magical venue. Sue was a little embarrassed.
“Look Swifty, I have clothes. I don’t need you to buy me anything,” Sue said.
“I know,” Swifty said, “but I want you to have somethin’ special. I’m sorry to break it to you but you will be in the company of a, ah hum, screen star, and uh, well, I want my lady to look good, if you don’t mind.”
”Well, okay, I understand,” Sue said as she smiled sweetly.
In a matter of moments, a number of women paraded past Sue wearing magnificent, one–of–a–kind creations. Marco asked her to write down the numbers of the dresses she liked. It was the first dress she tried. There were several but it was the shimmering emerald green dress that stood out. Sue exited the plush dressing and headed toward the mirror in the center of the room. Swifty almost lost his breath. Damn, he thought – I’ve lost my breath from being punched in the gut but not quite from a gal modeling a dress for me.
“It’s just beautiful,” Sue said as she twirled lightly around. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. And you were right, Swifty. I said I have clothes but not like this. This dress is special.”
“Yes it is,” Swifty said as he admired the dress and everything about Sue. “Wrap it up Marco. Oh, but first, let’s find the shoes and accessories to go with it.” Sue smiled. Wow, what a treat. First a dress, and now the accoutrements. Marco reappeared with a host of necklaces and earrings and had Sue try each and every one, along with an assortment of varying colored shoes in order to achieve the perfect look.
“Voila!” Marco finally proclaimed, satisfied that his work was complete. “I’ll see you and your beautiful lady there this week-end.”
> Once in the car, they headed back to The Starlight Club. Susie asked, “Swifty, I just met you. Why would you buy such an expensive dress when you hardly know me?”
“Cause I like you,” Swifty answered candidly. “And besides, you’re my date. In that dress, you’ll be the most beautiful girl in the room.” He became quiet for a moment and looked back at her. “You’ve never been to The Starlight Club for dinner, have you?”
“No, I haven’t. With you today was the first time going there at all.”
Swifty smiled. “Well, you’re in for a treat. You’ll see on Saturday. I’d like to pick you up at five, if you don’t mind. We’ll make our way back here, have some cocktails, and join Red and his guests for dinner around seven thirty. Marco and his wife and some other friends of mine will be there. I know you’re gonna enjoy the evening.” Swifty passed her a piece of paper. “Please write down your address for me.” Sue obeyed. “Now,” he continued, “I have some things I have to do. See you Saturday night . . . in your beautiful green dress.” He smiled, his eyes smiled, and he walked back toward the street. And off Sue drove, she too, smiling, all the way home. Once home, Sue phoned her mother, her friends, and anyone who listen, to tell them the story of the hottest movie star around, Swifty Card, and where she was having dinner with him on Saturday evening.
Susie knew the problem Swifty had when he went out in public so she was surprised that he offered to pick her up at her apartment. How unselfish, she thought, sacrificing his own privacy for her. That spoke volumes.
It was Saturday night. When Swifty and Sue arrived, Red pointed them to a table by the window where Karen and Marco, and Trenchie and Mary were conversing. Sue looked stunning and Karen jokingly punched her designer husband, Marco, on his arm. “How come you never bring me home a dress like that?”
Swifty said, “Sue, you met Marco earlier and this is his wife Karen. Karen, I’d like you to meet Sue.”
Karen looked her up and down and then said to Swifty. “Well I must say that you do have good taste in women. Have a seat Sue and join the party.” After she was comfortably seated, Swifty introduced her to Mary and Trenchie. A short while later a waiter walked over to inform them that their dining room table was ready. The couples slowly made their way toward their table, shuffling in and out, between arriving guests. The Starlight Club was filling up quickly. It was typical when Red sent invitations to his ‘exclusives’ list. The invitation always had triple meaning – an exclusive event, at an exclusive venue, for exclusive guests only. Let’s just say that the ‘not attending’ list was always miniscule. The club was filled to capacity, both at the bar and in the ballroom, and the party hadn’t even started.
Swifty pulled Red aside and told him, “Look Red. Don’t pull that shit that you pulled on Jimmy the Hat. I don’t feel comfortable goin’ to every table like he did. Promise me, you won’t do it.” Red patted him on the shoulder.
“You’re gonna do it, Swifty . . . for me . . . and for yourself. You’re gonna go to every table and say hello. Shake the guys’ hands and compliment the ladies. Make everyone feel special. Some are fans so you’re gonna treat them nice. Give a smile, say something nice, and excuse yourself and go to the next table. Capiche?” Swifty reluctantly answered, “Capiche.”
“Oh my, Swifty,” Sue said as she entered the ballroom. “I never knew a place like this existed in Queens. I’ve never even heard of the place.”
“Yeah I know.” Swifty said. “Red built this palace just for himself I think. He don’t really advertise it. He’s been renovatin’ different parts of the place ever since he became the owner. And little by little, he turned ordinary into extraordinary.”
“It’s . . . special,” Sue said. “Absolutely captivating. It’s truly beautiful.” Swifty laughed. Her eyes were darting everywhere.
“It gets better after a few drinks,” he added.
The band played favorite familiar tunes. Swifty extended his hand toward Susie inviting her to join him on the dance floor. Susie gazed softly up at Swifty as they danced to the music of a slow foxtrot and said, “What a wonderful evening,” and she placed her head on his shoulder and snuggled closer to him. She could feel his heart as it beat sensually to the rhythm of the music. She wanted him. The dance ended and as they were returning to their table, Sue excused herself to the powder room. There, she took a moment to collect her thoughts, freshen her make–up and assess the emotions welling up inside of her. When she returned to the table, Swifty noticed a face of slight concern.
“You feelin’ all right?” he asked.
“Yes, yes I’m fine but thanks for asking.”
The band took a short recess and Red picked up the mike and took to the podium. “Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to The Starlight Club. I would like to inform you that Columbia Pictures is plannin’ a second movie to be made featurin’ The Starlight Club. Most of you were here when James Roman, who was a local boy who used to work for me, was our guest of honor for the night. Well, tonight I have another young man. He is a prize fighter and I just happen to be his manager. He went off to Hollywood a few months ago and like Roman, made it big with his very first movie. I’m talkin’ about none other than Queen’s own Swifty Card who starred in The Prize Fighter. Let’s hear it for Swifty.” Red pointed to Swifty and said, “Stand up Swifty.” Swifty stood, took a slight bow and cringed, just waiting for Red to announce that Swifty would be making the rounds to say hello to Red’s guests. What he heard instead was, “Thanks Swifty, you can sit down now.”
Epilogue
Present
Bobby reached for the coffee pot and poured himself another cup of his favorite drink, espresso with a healthy shot of Sambuca. He took the little cup, sat back in the comfortable leather recliner, extended the seat and put up his feet, careful not to spill the coffee on the rug.
His daughter Lynn had sat almost motionless for two hours listening to her father’s stories about The Starlight Club, Red, Swifty and the rest of the gang.
“Wait a minute, Dad. There has to be more to the story. What happened to Swifty? Did he make any more pictures? And what about June and Susie? Did he get involved with either of them? Why didn’t he get serious with June? Or did he? And Susie. She seemed like a real nice girl. Did they ever have a relationship? And what about Big Red? Did he ever go to Hollywood and open up a studio and if he did, did he ever make any pictures?” Bobby chuckled at her questions.
“Hell, Lynn, that’s a whole lot of questions that would take me a week on a quiet beach in the Bahamas to tell.” Lynn laughed. Bobby continued, “When you took me to where The Starlight Club used to be, I’ll be honest with you, it made me sad. It brought back memories of my friends, most of ‘em dead now, passed on. Lookin’ at that store was like lookin’ at a mirage, like seein’ something that another person might have said was never there. The beautiful Starlight Club, now a little grocery store, is hard for me to accept.”
Lynn still had questions. “Dad, you never explained what happened to The Starlight Club. And whatever happened to Big Red, Tarzan and Trenchie and all the other colorful men you told me about?”
Bobby rested his head on the back of the recliner and looked up at the ceiling. He saw nothing but memories.
Then he looked at his daughter and smiled and said, “Another day, dear daughter. Another day.
©Black Horse Publishing
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