“Hey, wait a minute.”
She ignored him.
“I just stopped by to say hello.”
No one paid any attention to him. He laughed and said, “what the fuck,” and started to enjoy himself. Without a second thought the two girls whipped off their clothes. What a pair of crazies. Then they completely undressed him. He was lying on the floor in glorious Technicolor being nibbled from head to toe. He felt a hand or mouth just about everywhere. Marco had undressed and stood close to the threesome, jerking off. The blonde had Nicky down her throat. He was in another world. Marco grabbed the other girl and shoved everything he had into her mouth, as she sat across Nicky. Marco looked at his stopwatch.
“Tell me when, buddy boy. Come on girls, you can do better than that. This was supposed to be a quickie.”
Nicky yelled.
“You got it baby.” Marco’s thumb came down on the stopwatch and he came at the same time. He fell back on the couch with a smile on his face.
“We didn’t break any records, but I have to admit it felt pretty good.”
The two girls helped Nicky to the couch. He collapsed.
“That’s what I call a welcome.”
“Nothing’s too good for you, my brother.”
Marco looked very proud of himself.
“Girls, we have to practice more.”
Nicky couldn’t believe he was into another scene. Still he had to admit he’d enjoyed it. That little girl really gave great head. Shit, nobody would believe all he had come there to do was make a phone call.
“I thought you had a party to go to.”
“Later, my man, later. Let’s have another J first. Whadya say?”
Marco was lighting a joint that looked more like a cigar.
“Why not.”
Nicky took the joint and they got thoroughly stoned. They danced a little and laughed a lot. At around two a.m. Marco announced it was time to party. Nicky got out of going. Finally alone, he lit another J and called L.A. As soon as Steve heard Nicky’s voice he started to shout.
“It’s about time. Where the fuck have you been?”
“Cool it, baby. Fuck! Let’s not start out fighting. Okay? I’ve got a lot to tell you.”
“It had better be good.”
“It’s better than good.”
Nicky took another hit.
“First of all, the scene here is working, and I found out today we’re having a big Première for my movie, and it’s going to be in L.A. Once I get nominated, and I’m pretty sure that’s gonna happen, I don’t see why this bullshit needs to go on. How does that grab you?”
“Just what I wanted to hear. I was beginning to think it would never happen.”
“Hang in there, baby. Not long now.”
“I miss you. I went to the bars last night I was so down. I didn’t even have a good time.”
This made Nicky smile. He looked down at his body. Just talking to Steve excited him.
“Where are you, Steve?”
“I’m in the bedroom, why?”
“Because I want to talk to you and I want to know where you are. Now lie down.”
“I am.”
Steve started to get the picture.
“Are you wearing anything?”
“I won’t be in a minute.”
CHAPTER 23
Val’s Night
“Valerie, Valerie, wake up! Valerie. Are you all right?”
She came to and found her mother standing over her.
“Karen is on the phone. She said you left her a message to call at any hour. What are you doing sleeping in here? Where’s Nick?”
“What’s wrong? He went to see a friend, and I couldn’t keep my eyes open. What time is it?”
“It’s two-thirty. I think it’s outrageous getting phone calls at this hour.”
“Oh the phone. Karen’s on the phone?”
“Valerie, are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine. I have to speak to Karen.”
She tried to get up and found it difficult to stand.
“I don’t know why I’m so tired.”
When she tried to walk she nearly fell. She knew her mother was watching and didn’t want to face twenty questions. With much effort she made it to the phone in the kitchen, trying to remember what had been so important.
“Hi Karen. Sorry. I was asleep.”
“What’s happening, Val? The service said it was important.”
“It seemed important. Now it can wait.”
“Is it something to do with Nicky? Are you okay?”
“Yes and yes.”
“Val, seriously. You sound stoned to me. What did you take?”
She whispered into the phone.
“Just a couple of yellows.”
“I’ll come right over if you want me to.”
“No, you can’t. I needed a friend, that’s all.”
“Your mother’s listening, right?”
“Of course.”
Val could see her mother in the hallway.
“Don’t worry, honey. Go back to sleep. I’ll come over in the morning. Is Nicky there?”
“No.”
“Did you have a fight?”
“No.”
“But it’s to do with him?”
“Of course.”
“That makes it simple. Just relax and leave it to me.”
“You’re a gem.”
“Good night ,Val, and once again do not worry.”
“I don’t think I could.”
She put the receiver down, wondering how she was going to make it back to the bedroom.
“Isn’t it good to have friends?”
She said this to her mother and managed to smile.
“Valerie, I’m concerned about you. I don’t like the looks of you.”
“I’m alright, really. I promise we’ll talk in the morning.”
She took a deep breath, pulled herself together as best she could, and made it down the hallway. Without thinking, she went into her mother’s room, fell across the bed, and was asleep before she could get under the covers.
Anne had watched her stagger down the hall. She picked up the phone and found Karen still on the line.
“Karen dear, I’m so worried. I’ve never seen Valerie act this way before.”
“Would you like me to come over tomorrow?”
“I’d love it. I feel rather helpless.”
“Don’t feel that way. What time is good for you?”
“Why don’t you come for tea. That would be perfect.”
“Sounds good.”
“Then I’ll see you at four.”
CHAPTER 24
Who’s Up?
Nicky must have passed out after speaking to Steve. It was five-thirty when he awoke. He took a quick shower and felt pretty good when he left Marco’s, his new sanctuary. He knew he had to show at Val’s. He passed the newsstand on the corner of Fifty-third, amazed at how many people were out on the street, some going home and others up and going to work. It was another quirk he loved about his city: any time of the day or night there was always someone around. He flipped through the pages of a magazine—a photo of Val and him graced the cover. They looked good, and it was a decent story.
“Nicky Venuti. In person. I don’t believe my eyes.”
He looked up and saw three guys he knew from the coast. They went to the same dance bars in L.A. The same three always hung out together. They loved to dance and were good at it, too.
“Hey, what the hell are you all doing here?”
“Rudy just got cast in a new musical. He’s going to be in the chorus. A Broadway gypsy at last.”
“Ricky and I flew in with him for moral support. It was a good excuse to breathe in some New York pollution and maybe meet Mr. Wonderful.”
“That’s great, Rudy. Congrats. What’s the name of the show?”
“The Best of Families. It’s major for me.”
Nicky pointed to the picture on the magazine cover.
“That’s the one Val’s gonna do”
“I know. I couldn’t believe it. How’s the romance going?”
“Let’s say it’s going. Good luck with the show, Rudy. I read some of the script and it’s good.”
“I can’t wait.”
Rudy did several pirouettes around him before the three of them blew kisses and danced off down Second Avenue.
Nicky let himself into the apartment and went straight to the den. The sofa was still down, but Val was nowhere to be seen. He closed the door and lay there in the dark. He had just made himself comfortable when he heard the door open. Thinking it was Val he didn’t bother to look up.
“Nick, I think it’s time for a talk.”
He nearly jumped out of his skin.
Anne lit the small lamp on the side table and sat rigid in the chair opposite him.
“What’s on your mind?”
He wanted to keep it light. Anne took a deep breath.
“I’m not going to beat around the bush. I received some startling news today that concerns you.”
He was surprised at the calm in her voice. He could have cared less. Speaking just to fill the pause.
“You did?”
“It came to my attention that you are…”
She hesitated, pulled herself up in the chair, and blurted out. “You have the reputation of being a homosexual.”
She seemed to relax a little after saying it. He hadn’t seen that coming and just sat there saying nothing. Finally she spoke. “Well, don’t you have anything to say for yourself?”
“Not really.”
“You are a despicable person.”
The hate in her voice was scary. He sat there.
“I am not concerned about anything else right now except my daughter. I don’t care one iota about you.” She let this sink in now, feeling sure of herself.
“I am going to do everything I can to make sure my daughter is not going to be hurt by you anymore,” she continued. “As you know, this is a crucial time in her career and I am only interested in what’s best for her. I repeat, I am not at all concerned about you. My child thinks she’s in love with you. Or what she thinks is love. I have been advised that the best thing you could do right now is leave town as soon as possible. You will both continue your long-distance romance, or whatever you want to call it, until after the Première. Then we’ll let this whole mess peter out. You will not marry my daughter!”
She paused, looking at him. There was still no expression on his face, no reaction in his movements.
“I knew I didn’t like you from the start. Whatever perverted lifestyle you wish to pursue is entirely your own affair. I just hate you for taking advantage of someone so young and innocent and involving her in your sickness.”
“Just a minute. Whatever I did was as good for Val as it was for me. We both got our names plastered all over the world. It worked. She’ll get over this. Six months in this town and she’ll forget she ever knew me.”
“That is what I pray for.”
“Trust me on that one. Val’s one of the few nice people I’ve ever met in my life…
Before he could continue, she cut him short.
“Stop with the fancy talk. What exactly are your plans?”
“My plans, funnily enough, go right along with what you have in mind. I was hoping to keep this going till the movie opens.”
She sighed, suddenly exhausted after saying all the things she’d had bottled up for so long.
“The sooner you leave, the better. I hope the only time I have to lay eyes on you will be on the screen. You can disappear from this earth as far as I’m concerned. You are a user Nicky Venuti. But this time you’ve used the wrong person.”
It wasn’t the first time Nicky had heard something along those lines. Usually he let it slide off his back, but coming from this woman, who was a user herself, it bothered him.
“You can continue to leave your things here, but if your business in the city keeps you away, it would be appreciated.”
With that she stood up. As she was leaving she turned to him. “Tell me Nick, does your mother know?”
“I don’t think so.”
She quietly closed the door behind her.
He felt depressed. His own plan to keep their thing going until after the movie came out was about the same as hers, yet here he was, the bad guy. Daylight came through a crack in the blinds, reminding him that Marco was coming to pick him up. He got up and packed most of his stuff.
“Shit. Son of a bitch. God damn it.”
Getting out of the apartment turned out to be a lot easier than expected. Val didn’t want to face the day, so she slipped three more yellows in her mouth, and when Marco arrived, she couldn’t be roused. Nicky took his bag and left, figuring he’d stay at Ma’s or Marco’s. He didn’t give a shit. Either one of them would be better than the apartment.
Anne got up, dressed, and busied herself getting out her good china for tea with Karen, and let her baby sleep.
CHAPTER 25
A Shade Of Yellow
Karen called Anne around one-thirty to see if they were still on for tea.
“Yes, of course.”
“Is Val awake yet?”
“No dear, she’s still sleeping, although I’m sure she’ll be up in time for tea. I’ve never seen her act this way before.”
“I think it might be a case of nerves.”
“Yes, I’m sure that’s it. I’ll see you at four then. Good-bye.”
She went to the bedroom and gently shook Val’s shoulder.
“Valerie. Come on darling, wake up. I’m going to make you a delicious English breakfast, just the way you like it. Even with fried bread. You must pull yourself together. You can’t ruin things now. Think of the show at least!”
Nothing worked. Val groaned, rolled over, and continued sleeping.
When Karen arrived, she was still asleep and Anne was almost in tears.
“Let me have a few minutes alone with her.”
Before Anne could say anything Karen was halfway down that hall.
She saw Val lying there and lifted her hand. It was limp. She took her by the shoulders and sat her up. She was dead weight, yet felt light as a feather. She put Val’s legs over the side of the bed and managed to get her to stand. She shook her gently. Val’s eyes flickered but didn’t open.
“There we go. Come on, Val. It’s time to get our shit together.”
Val tried to resist and sit down, but Karen was stronger.
“Time for a nice walk. Come on, you can do it.”
Val heard a voice and felt an arm around her waist. She leaned her head on the shoulder that was there. She seemed to be moving. Or floating. She had no idea where she was.
“Don’t quit on me now. Walk! Come on. Walk!”
Val knew the voice and wanted to see who was speaking. Her eyes wouldn’t open. She found this funny and burst out laughing. Karen was getting nervous. She managed to get Val to take a step. They slowly began walking one step at a time back and forth across the room. They did this for about twenty minutes before Val’s eyes flickered and partly opened.
“Honey, it’s me. Karen.”
Val tried to stop walking.
“No, no. Let’s keep walking. Come on. Talk to me.”
“I hate. I hate. I hate. I hate.”
She kept repeating the same two words.
“No sitting. You’ll be all right. Keep walking.”
“So tired. Tired of it all.”
“Come on, open your eyes.”
“Umm, you smell, wonderful.”
“That’s good. Come on. I’ll buy you some of the same perfume.”
“Where am I?”
“Safe at home.”
“Safe?”
She reminded Karen of a baby bird who had fallen out of its nest.
“Where’s my mother?”
“In the other room.”
“She knows.”
“What does she
know?”
“Nicky.”
They went on pacing back and forth. Val was mumbling and Karen couldn’t understand what she was carrying on about.
“Someone. The agency. Some yellows.”
“How many yellows did you take?”
Val’s eyes had closed again.
“Come on, Val, you’re doing fine. Keep talking. How many pills did you take?”
“Don’t know.”
Val tried to remember.
“I don’t know.”
“Open your eyes. Come on. Open your eyes.”
“In a minute.”
“No. Right now!”
Val managed half a smile.
“Only for you.”
“That’s good. Only for me.”
Val opened her big blue eyes.
“It’s a mess. Everything.”
She was hanging on to Karen for dear life.
“I can’t go out.”
“Why can’t you?”
They did another couple of lengths of the room.
“They know. They all know.”
“I’m going to let you sit down now. You mustn’t go back to sleep.”
“I hate him.”
“I’m going to get some coffee. That will help.”
She sat Val down in the armchair and Karen handed her a magazine.
“I want you to read aloud. Something, anything. Okay?”
“Okay. For you.”
“That’s right. Do it for me.”
Val sat there alone holding the magazine. She wondered if she had the strength to turn the page. The print was blurred, but some of the pictures were clear. She turned a page and there it was, a picture of her and Nicky dancing at a discotheque in Rome. A big tear rolled down her cheek. It felt heavy but didn’t make a sound until plop, it landed right on their photo. She shut the magazine and started to sob. She felt nauseated and had to get to the bathroom. She tried to stand and fell to her knees. She crawled along holding on to the bed for support. For a split second she thought of Ray Milland in The Lost Weekend. Knowing how furious her mother would be if she vomited all over the carpet, she had to make it to the bathroom. The tiled floor felt ice cold. The toilet looked so far away. She made it to the toilet bowl. At first she just gagged; then she started to wretch. It felt like she would never stop being sick.
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