Tallulah Bankhead Slept Here

by Sam Lollar

  “I’ll miss him, but I’m often in L.A., so I’ll have the chance to see him again if he wishes. He’s not my Mr. Right, but I’m touched that you care.”

  “Of course I care, Scott. You’re my friend.”

  We did a lot of running around that day, even watched the taping of a television show. The ladies were on their own, as they had people they wanted to see before LuLu returned to Texas. Scott and I had a good time, not doing anything in particular, but being terribly busy doing it. That evening we went to a movie after having a pleasant dinner somewhere.

  The next day, we all drove to the beach with Mark in Miss Ruby’s blue Lincoln. We had a picnic and just lounged around on the beach again. As usual, Mark looked stunning. He kept a big floppy hat and dark sunglasses on, although he wore the skimpiest trunks I think I ever saw. He even wore a false beard, to hide from people.

  That afternoon as we were gathering up our stuff on the beach, Mark said he wanted to talk to me. We walked a ways down the beach when he asked me to spend the night with him. “I’ve spent a lot of time with Scott. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. But I’ve not seen you as much as I’d like. Let’s spend the night together. What do you think?”

  “Mark, I think I’ve sworn off sex for the time being. I’m just having too much trouble dealing with everything. I’d rather not.”

  “Oh, Aaron, we don’t have to go to bed together. Maybe we can just run around a little or take in a movie or something. What do you say?”

  “That sounds like fun. I would like to visit with you some more, and suppose I can trust you. Sure, why not? Let’s get together this evening.”

  “Great. Let’s see, we’ll get home about five. How about I pick you up around six thirty in the ’Vette?”

  “That sounds fine. We can get a bite to eat or something.”

  It took about an hour or so to get back to the house, and Mark took off for his place almost immediately. I told Scott Mark and I were going out together later. “That’s what I figured. He said the other night, before the Isaac incident, that he wanted to see you at least one more time before we leave.”

  “What do you think about it, Scott? Is it all right with you?”

  “With me? Sure, it’s all right. I told you Mark is not my boyfriend. We just have fun together, like I suppose you two do.”

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Mark’s ’Vette

  I was standing at the door when Mark pulled up. I jumped in his convertible and off we went. We had a great time at a nice little restaurant, then we saw a movie he had a small part in, and then we headed back to the house.

  “I’m not trying to do anything funny, Aaron, but how about coming over to my house? We could go for a swim. What do you say?”

  “That sounds like fun, Mark.”

  We got back to his house and relaxed on the patio. He threw me a pair of trunks while he went to change. I changed in the pool house and met him on the deck. He looked fantastic.

  I was proud of myself because I didn’t stay the night with him. I got back to Miss Ruby’s place around midnight. The next morning was our last day in L.A., and Mark wanted to spend it with me. When he called, I declined. I felt I should stay with Scott and the ladies for the day.

  “But you’ll be with them forever when you get back to El Paso. You won’t see me for a while. Come on, Aaron, stay with me today.”

  I checked with Scott, and he told me they didn’t really have any plans or anything anyone wanted to do. “If you want to spend the day with Mark, go ahead,” he said. “I was surprised you didn’t spend the night with him.”

  “It just wasn’t the right thing to do.”

  “Well, it’s your call. But I wouldn’t have passed up another chance at him.”

  “I guess that’s where you and I differ, Scott.”

  Mark took me to the studio where they filmed his television series. I got to meet some TV stars and learn a bit about how the series was made. I asked Mark how he managed to have so much free time, and he mentioned that the show was on a one-month break in shooting, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the holidays. He said he’d be back to work soon enough.

  When we got back to Miss Ruby’s house, Mark again begged me to spend the night with him. I was really tempted, but I lied, saying the four of us had a dinner engagement. “Can I come along, then?” he asked. Nuts. Caught in a lie, I said sure and ran into the house to see if we could indeed go out to dinner.

  Scott laughed at my predicament and told me that that was the plan the three of them had decided on already. So I told Mark when to come over.

  After he arrived, we all piled in the blue Lincoln and off we went for yet one more night on the town. It was amazing. I don’t think I had ever had so much fun before. Dining and dancing, listening to music and comedians at a stand-up comedy place was a wonderful way to spend our last night in L.A. Mark asked me to spend the night with him, and I surprised myself yet again by saying no.

  The next morning dawned bright and Southern California beautiful. Mark had stopped by to say his good-byes. Right after our early breakfast by the pool, everybody was running around frantically trying to pack their bags.

  We tried to hit the road before ten, but we weren’t ready until about eleven thirty. We even had a basket so we could picnic along the way. What a grueling trip that was. Although the Rolls was comfortable and Scott and I alternated driving on the return trip, there was a lot of construction on the highways that slowed us down somewhat.

  It was unseasonably warm on the Arizona desert, and with the air-conditioning, we were either sweating with it turned off or freezing with it turned on.

  We were not especially comfortable on the trip back. We weren’t uncomfortable so much as just not really comfortable. We were out of sorts. We couldn’t pick up any radio stations, so we ended up sitting in silence a lot of the time. Everyone was all talked out from the two weeks of mayhem in L.A. Mark had given me a package when I left his house that morning and instructed me not to open it until we were on the road. Once out of California, I remembered that I had put it under the front seat and pulled it out to open it.

  “What’s that?” Scott asked.

  Chapter Thirty

  A “Real” Maserati

  “It’s a package Mark gave me this morning. I can’t imagine what it is.”

  I opened it and was delighted to find a beautiful full-length eight-by-ten photo of him standing on the beach in his skimpy trunks next to a yellow Maserati. Both Mark and the car were breathtaking. On the back of the photo he had written: Please don’t forget me. Love, Mark.

  “Looks like you made quite a conquest,” Miss LuLu said from the backseat after I showed everyone the gift. “I wonder if he’s serious about that love business.”

  “Well, Aaron?” Miss Ruby asked after a few moments. “Is he serious about it?”

  “Wow. I don’t know. He told me he thought I was someone he would love to get to know better, even telling me that I was unlike anyone he’d ever met before. But he never told me he loved me.”

  “Do you love him?” Miss LuLu asked.

  “Do you mind if I don’t answer that right now? I don’t know what my feelings are.”

  “You’d better decide before we get home because you have Rick waiting for you.”

  “Thanks for the reminder, Scott.”

  “Besides, I’ll bet he gives those out to all his conquests. Probably has a secretary write the comments. Notice he doesn’t use your name,” Scott continued. “Hey, maybe Isaac will want to be your beau as well,” he suggested, chuckling.

  “Yeah, maybe it’ll be you and Isaac forever and ever.” LuLu laughed.

  “Cut it out. There’s no one that I can see me being with for ever and ever; and I’ll guaran-damn-tee you it wouldn’t ever be Isaac. I’m terrified that fruitcake will come after me.”

  “Don’t be so concerned, Aaron. He’s locked up in that psychiatric center. He’ll get straightened out, you don�
��t need to worry about him,” Miss Ruby said. “And by the way, I took that photo the day we went to the beach. Mark made me take it while you and Isaac were out walking. I’m pleased you didn’t see us at work. So, no, Scott, he didn’t have his secretary sign it for him.”

  “Wow, Miss Ruby. You really take great pictures.”

  “Thanks, Aaron. Would you like to know who taught me?”

  “I’m in suspense, Miss Ruby. Who taught you?”

  “Gina Lollobrigida.”

  “What?” Scott and I asked simultaneously.

  “You may not know this, but she has been a professional photographer in Italy for many years. She told me a few years ago she was going to become a full-time photographer when she quit acting. I was visiting in Italy last year and mentioned that I was having troubles taking nice photos of the beautiful architecture and scenery. She gave me several lessons. I was delighted.”

  *

  “My God, Dad. I know who Gina Lollobrigida is. She was a knockout in her day.”

  “Have I seen any of her movies, Dad?” Number Three asked.

  “You probably have, son. She was quite the bombshell in the 1950s and 1960s.”

  *

  We had dinner in Phoenix and drove into the dark night of the desert for the final leg to El Paso. Few cars were on the road at that hour when we crossed into New Mexico, and Scott had the car running at more than seventy miles an hour the whole time. We made it to El Paso about three in the morning. I was exhausted.

  Bob was at the front desk when we drove up. “What are you doing at the desk?” Scott asked. “Where’s Larinda?”

  “She quit last week.”

  “Quit? Why’d she quit? I thought we were paying her a good salary.”

  “She said something about the job interfering with her social life. Since she paid her car off, she didn’t need the job anymore. She didn’t have any complaints at all. In fact, she said to say good-bye to you guys. Maybe she’ll come for a visit after Christmas. So, how was your trip?”

  We all started talking at once, but all Bob seemed to have heard was that I had been the talk of the town with my paramours.

  “What’s this all about, Aaron?”

  I blushed. “I’m too bushed to talk about it now. I’m going to bed. Who has the key to the trunk? I want to get my suitcases out and go to my room.”

  Scott tossed me the keys, and I opened the trunk. I returned the keys to him and trudged up the hill to my room. I didn’t even bother helping the women with their bags or unpacking my own. I was so tired, I showered and went to bed. I slept late the next morning until Scott knocked on my door.

  “So Aaron, how’d you sleep?”

  “I slept like a log, how about you?”

  “Yeah, I have to admit I was pretty exhausted myself.”

  The phone rang. “I’ll bet that’s Rick, what do you think?” Scott said.

  “Oh God. Not now. I can’t think of anything right now. I can’t even put a coherent sentence together. Just let it ring.” After three rings, the calls returned to the lobby automatically, so it quit ringing. The red message light began blinking. “I can’t deal with this right now, Scott. Do something,” I pleaded in a joking fashion.

  “Sweetie, there’s nothing I can do. You’re the one all the boys want to play with, not me. I can’t face Rick for you.”

  “Sure you could. Just go over there and pretend you’re me. It’s been two weeks. He’s probably forgotten what I look like anyway. Wouldn’t that be simple?”

  “Maybe not. I have a suspicion he knows exactly what you look like from every angle. I just bet he’s really hungry for you, and the first time you see him, he’ll simply attack. Making love right in the lobby. We could sell tickets.”

  “Oh, go away. You’re no help. I guess I should call him.”

  “Yep, ’fraid so.” He left my room.

  Mrs. Schuster called and asked me to come to her suite for some breakfast. The two ladies were with her, so the four of us had a really nice morning reliving the previous two weeks, with particular attention paid to my relations with Isaac.

  “Please, I never want to hear that name again.”

  I went back to my room to prepare for my flight to Dallas the next day, a trip to spend Christmas with my family. I knew that I had to talk to Rick because I would be out of town for another week. I retrieved the phone message from earlier that morning. To my horror, it was Isaac. He was calling from his parents’ house. Bob said he was really eager to talk with me and had asked me to return his call.

  Of course I didn’t. I was a bit frightened he might follow me to Texas. How did he get my phone number? I was a bit on edge the rest of the day. Scott said I should call Mark and notify him of Isaac’s actions. So I did. Mark was home when I called, and when I told him that Isaac had called me at the motel, he was stunned.

  “I didn’t even know he was out of the hospital, Aaron. Where was he calling from?”

  “From your parents’ house is what he said.”

  “My parents? They’re out of town. I’d better call them and find out what’s going on. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. I’m so sorry about all this, Aaron. I hope you don’t think that my whole family is like Isaac.”

  “No, of course not. I think one Isaac in any family is more than enough.”

  We talked about inconsequentials for a bit and then rang off. As long as I was facing my demons, I decided to call Rick. I finally recognized I was infatuated with Rick, but not really in love. In fact, I felt the same way about him that I did about Mark: great sex but nothing more than a friend. Naturally, I was unhappy when Rick wasn’t home, because I was going to explain my feelings to him.

  I tried calling two more times that day. Finally, I got him on the phone. He sounded surprised to hear from me.

  “I thought you were going to spend time in L.A.?”

  That meant he had no idea how long I was gone.

  “Gee, I wish we could get together sometime soon, but I’m really busy with the Christmas season and all.”

  “I’ll be out of town for a week or so anyway. I’m leaving for Dallas tomorrow.”

  “That sounds great. Give me a call sometime when you get back in town.”

  His disinterest would have bothered me if I’d been in love with him. Instead, I felt a sense of relief knowing I didn’t have to worry about him anymore. I was also insulted and hurt that just two weeks ago he was begging me to move in with him, and now he was so disinterested. What if I had moved in with him? Would I have had to move out in two weeks when he tired of me? Boy, was I glad that I hadn’t done that.

  The rest of the day was uneventful; I spent much of the afternoon visiting with my roommate, who lived in our apartment. He asked if I was going to move back in. He said the place was lonely without me there. I just laughed, looking around at all the litter of pizza boxes and empty beer cans. “It looks more like you’re having a good time partying in my absence.”

  “Oh, this,” he said. “Yeah, I had some guys over for the game the other day. Nothing much.”

  “Let’s wait till after Christmas. But I probably will move back. I’m kind of tired of the chaos at the motel.”

  I spent the week in Dallas and had a wonderful time doing family things, returning to El Paso before New Year’s Eve. I had spent New Year’s with my friends and Pat the last couple of years, but this year that just didn’t sound appealing. I suppose I was hoping for an exciting White Knight to come and sweep me away to a grand ball somewhere for New Year’s Eve. And that kind of happened, in a way.

  I had returned to the motel and was unpacking when Scott came by. He told me that Miss Ruby had bid good-bye, leaving a small package for me. I was touched, reminding myself to send a thank-you note. Scott sat down in the chair as I was unpacking, mostly my old clothes I had had before my trip to L.A.

  “You didn’t wear those in Dallas, did you?” Scott asked.

  “Sure, what’s wrong with them?”

 
“They just don’t measure up to the clothes you got in L.A., Aaron. You must look like a frump in those clothes.”

  This was sounding familiar. As I continued unpacking, he kept mentioning how great I looked in the clothes Miss LuLu and Ruby had gotten me. Continuing in this vein, he began to comment on how attractive I looked in the shorts, the trunks, at the beach, and on and on. I began to fear that our “just friends” status in L.A. was reverting to predator and prey in El Paso.

  “Put those trunks on again, Aaron.”

  “I will not. What’s the matter with you? I thought you were over all that nonsense.”

  “I’ll never get over you, Aaron. Unlike Rick, I can maintain an interest in one man forever.”

  My warning bells were clanging quite noticeably while Scott sat staring at me in my room. “You’ll have to excuse me, Scott. I’m on my way to school to check my semester grades. They should be posted by now.”

  “Why don’t I go with you? We can run around together afterward.”

  “I’d rather you not. I’ve been surrounded by people for weeks, and I feel the need now to get off by myself.”

  “Okay, but we’re going out to dinner this evening.”

  “Let’s wait and see how we both feel later on.”

  “Nonsense, I’ll see you in the lobby at six sharp.”

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Meanwhile, Back in the Falcon

  I drove the Falcon to campus and looked up my grades. I was hardly surprised they were less than stellar, considering all that had gone on during the semester. But I passed everything and was pleased by that. I walked all over campus for the next two or three hours, lost in thought.

  How did I really feel about Rick? Was I relieved or dismayed? I was relieved, but a nagging part of me kept asking why he lost interest. Was I all of a sudden no longer as desirable as I was before the trip to L.A.? That couldn’t be it. Maybe I should have had sex with Mark those last two nights.