CHAPTER 36

According To Plan A

 

Marco was drained. He’d put in some marathon performances in his day, but this chick took the cake. He lay back smiling while she still jumped around the room. She looked like the happiest person alive and had good reason to be.

When Marco had decided to take her to Vegas for a few days, she’d told him she had nothing to wear.

“Call the classiest boutique in town and have them send over five or six things, you know, something for tonight and then the Vegas trip.”

She had done just that. Now, as he watched her, he couldn’t help thinking if he continued at this pace, he’d probably be dead by Monday.

“Well, sugar, which one for tonight?”

She was modeling an original Courrege: a white plastic see-through mini with a flesh-colored body stocking underneath. White platform boots that hit her midthigh completed the outfit.

“You look like a lion tamer from Mars. I want some class. You know what I mean? Not that kooky shit.”

“But, sugar, this is the style now!”

“I don’t give a shit. If you go out with me, you go looking like a normal broad, not a kook. Get it?”

She got it and didn’t argue. She’d been around enough to know these types of guys had to show they were tough and have things their way. She tried on a beautiful, full-length, silk jersey dress. It had a solid black Empire top, with a black and white horizontal striped skirt cut on the bias. It clung to her curves, and sure enough she got the okay from Mr. Macho. She planned on keeping the white plastic Courrege and wearing it on her own time.

“What time is it, sugar?”

“Time for me to close my eyes.”

“Okay, baby. Do you mind if I go over to Karen’s for a while?”

She knew he would love her asking for permission.

“That way I won’t be in your way, sugar.”

“Do that.”

He turned over and went to sleep.

In the meantime, Karen was feeling pretty good about herself. Val sounded fine and Marco’s appearance had done more to Nicky than she could have ever hoped for. She had watched him pale before her eyes. Half daydreaming, the knock on the door made her jump. She opened it and was relieved and very pleasantly surprised when she saw Sharon.

“Entrez, mon amour. So what’s new in bungalow forty-six?”

Sharon flopped on the couch laughing.

“He passed out for an hour. I have to wake him up at six-thirty.”

“I give you a lot of credit. Honestly, Sharon, I don’t think I could have chosen a more perfect person to do this favor for me.”

Sharon just shrugged. “I’m kind of getting off on it myself. I mean, he’s cute enough, that’s for sure. And then I have to say he’s pretty generous. What more can a working girl ask for?”

They both laughed at this.

“Do you want a drink or some dope?”

“I think right now I could go for a J.”

They both lay back and relaxed until Karen broke the silence.

“Did you ever think about coming back East?”

“Yea, a few times. But I really want to work in film, and this is still the best place to be for that.”

“I was just thinking, what if Marco asks you to come to New York?”

Sharon giggled at the thought. “Oh, I don’t think it will come to that.”

“I wouldn’t count it out. He seems very taken with you, and if that came down, I for one would love it.” She glanced at her watch. “Well my dear it’s time to get our shit together. Go and wake up Super Stud. We’ll all catch up in the Polo Lounge.”

She pulled Sharon to her feet, walked her to the door, and gave her a quick kiss. “See you later, gorgeous.”

“Can’t wait!”