Olympus Nights on the Square by Vanda

Author:Vanda [Vanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBT fiction, Lesbian Fiction, post-war fiction, LGBT life, LGBT Rights, lgbt
ISBN: 9780999099506
Google: bPwPtAEACAAJ
Amazon: 0999099507
Publisher: Sans Merci Press
Published: 2017-08-19T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 38

“THOSE WOMEN,” I said to Virginia as we sat down at a corner table in Schrafft’s for cocktails. “Some of those women in the film. They meant us. Didn’t they?”

“Us?” Virginia asked, sliding her gloves off. “Who’s us?”

“Me. Those mean women, prisoners and guards, in the picture. They didn’t say it, but they meant people like how I am, didn’t they?”

I hadn’t had much time to think about any of this while I’d worked on Juliana’s opening, but now, with that done, it all came flooding back. I’d promised to make time for Virginia, so we went to an afternoon movie. Caged Women probably wasn’t the best choice, however.

“Yes.” Virginia sighed. “I suppose that’s what some of those women were. But they weren’t all mean.”

“But the meanest one, the one who tormented that young girl, she was one, wasn’t she?”

“Well, she did have a boyfriend.”

“Lots of us have boyfriends and—husbands to hide behind.”

“I thought the movie was a sensitive portrayal of women in trouble and how prison can make them worse.”

“You know, they asked Bette Davis to be in that picture, but she said she didn’t want to be in any—a dyke movie.”

“That’s plain ignorance,” Virginia said. “It makes me mad that people like that can hurt you. You don’t deserve it.”

“You’re sweet, Virginia, but that’s what people think of us. That we’re mean, and dangerous, and hurt children.”

“They don’t know you.”

“I like having you as a friend. Uh … as a matter of fact—”

“You don’t have to say it. You’d rather be my friend than my—lover.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’m fine. I’m sorry I’ve been pressuring you about that.”

“It’s okay. You were feeling lost and vulnerable. I understand. It’s—”

“Your heart belongs to Juliana.”

“Well—”

“And my heart belongs to Max. It’s hard to watch him with Scott. Did you know that Scott even cooks?”

“No.”

She laughed, but a few tears appeared in her eyes at the same time. She reached in her purse for a handkerchief.

“Why don’t we order?”

“Yes.” She dabbed at her eyes. “I think I’ll have the Schrafft’s extra-dry martini. I need it.”

I called the waitress over and ordered the Schrafft’s Special Manhattan Cocktail, Rye with Italian Vermouth, for myself, and the Martini for Virginia.

Virginia continued, “I wanted to make myself believe I could take a woman lover. It seemed easier, but …”

“It’s not easier.”

“I guess not with all you’ve been through with Juliana and the ever-present world’s condemnation. I’m glad you’re my friend, too. I don’t think I’ve ever had a truly good woman friend before.”

“Max feels bad, you know. He doesn’t like hurting you.”

“I know. And I’m not going to cry anymore.” She put her handkerchief back in her purse and snapped it shut. “Besides, Moose Mantelli invited me to have dinner with him this Friday at the Oak Room.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Virginia.”

“I’ve heard the rumors about him, but I think they’re exaggerated. He’s always been a perfect gentleman with me. And he likes girls. Oh, don’t look so worried. I can take care of myself. Tell me about you.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.