When Karen’s call went through to Val’s suite Didi’s voice answered the phone.
“Hi Didi, it’s Karen.”
“Karen, how good to hear your voice.”
“And what a surprise to hear yours. I had no idea you were still in Boston.”
“Yes, well, Glen and I decided to stay until you get back.”
“How’s Val?”
“Just fine.”
“Can I speak to her please?”
Karen started to fume.
“Sure, hold on a minute.”
A very happy voice finally came to the phone. “Karen luv, how nice of you to call.”
“Hello, princess how are you?”
“I’m fine, just fine. You left me in good hands. Honestly, Glen, Didi, and Kevin turned out to be absolutely marvelous company.”
“Murray said you were asleep when he called, and I was concerned.”
“Oh no. I only pretended. I didn’t want to talk to him.” She giggled
“I’m glad it was nothing serious.”
“No, nothing. As you’ve said, Karen, not to worry.”
There was a pause. Then Val continued. “What did you think of the film?”
“Val, you were without a doubt, breathtaking. This flick is going to make you very big. Another reason I called was to make sure you knew the Première is tonight. Murray kept saying you said something about watching it tomorrow. So tune in tonight, dopey.”
“I honestly did think it was tomorrow. I’ve got my days all mixed up. Time is just going too fast.”
“You must be having a good time then?”
There was another pause, then Val broke the silence once more. “Did you see Nicky?”
“Oh yes. And I surprised him by bringing his friend Marco out from New York. You should have seen his face when we all walked in. It was priceless.”
“Is he happy?”
“Not very at the moment. I think he’s in shock.”
“Did he ask about me?”
“Sure.”
“How did my mother treat him?”
“You know her; she’s not about to rock any boats. She was terrific. She’s something else. I think she’s a riot.”
“I’m glad she’s not being a burden to you.”
“Are you kidding? She is magnificent with the press, and all your agents love her. She told them she’d hold a press conference after the movie tonight. So you rest up, and don’t you dare miss it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
After another pause, Karen broke the silence. “Is Glen there? I’d like to say hello.”
“No, he went to his room for something just before you called. He should be back in a minute.”
Val gestured to Didi to call Glen on the other phone and tell him he may be getting a phone call.
“I’ll call you all after the show. I’ll speak to him then.”
“Okay. I’ll keep him here for your call. Have a wonderful time, look beautiful, and wave to me.”
“I’ll try to look beautiful, and I’ll blow you a kiss, but I’ll save the wonderful time for when I get back to Boston.”
Before Val could answer, the phone went dead. It felt as if something in her had died as well.
Didi walked back into the room. “Here hon, you need a puff.”
“I need you.” Val started to cry. Didi sat next to her, held her in her arms, and rocked her like a baby.
Val kept repeating. “I need you. I need you.”
“You’ve got me, silly.”
“We won’t have much more time together. I just know it. The world will invade. What are we going to do?”
“Worry about it later. Listen, we’re not going to let anyone or anything come into our lives right now.”
“But I have to watch the Première . I must. And Karen’s going to call back after the show. She insists on speaking to Glen.”
“Too bad. When I spoke to Glen he said he’s all tucked in with Kevin and nothing’s going to make him leave that hot bed.”
She tried to get a smile out of Val, but it didn’t work. “Listen, baby doll. We simply won’t answer the phone.”
“You’re quite right. What can she do three thousand miles away?”
Didi didn’t answer but couldn’t help thinking, you’d be surprised.