Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence

Author:CB Laurence [Laurence, CB]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-12T00:00:00+00:00

16

September 1938

Hollywood, California

Rose sat on the bed and watched Rico shave in their little bathroom. She liked the way his sleeveless undershirt showed his muscles as he swished and slid the razor over his dark stubble. Even after a year of marriage and all the times they’d been together, just looking at him sent tingles swirling in her tummy.

But time together since they came to the Mansfield had been scarce. With the annual Mansfield Gala coming up, he’d been working extra hard to impress Rex and bring in more business. They’d managed to squeeze in their one-year-Mansfield anniversary dinner last month, but just barely.

And they had so much to celebrate.

Rico had been entertaining music business insiders at the club almost every night. Rose and Ruby would sometimes join them after the show and discuss opportunities to further the club’s success, but then she’d go home to an empty cottage and fall asleep waiting for him to return. Most of their time together was spent when Rico booked her for radio shows, advertisements, and commercials in addition to her duties at the club. She’d been too busy to think about a baby, never mind have one.

Other nights when he left the club, she’d spend an hour or so with Joe, talking and watching him do the bar books. He made her laugh and forget about how often she and Rico were apart. He’d been a good friend from the beginning, but she was careful not to let Rico know. His jealousy was sweet, but also scary sometimes.

Sundays became her favorite day of the week. The club closed, and Rico rarely booked her for events. They started their morning with breakfast and the Hollywood Gazette. When they finished, she would sit on Rico’s lap in his chair, and they’d do the crossword puzzle together. She always made something special for supper, then afterward they’d take a drive through the canyons and sometimes to the beach. Everything he’d promised her that night in Bidler had come true.

Rose pulled herself from her thoughts. Enough dilly-dallying. She had to ask him for money—a subject he definitely didn’t like. The last time she’d asked so she could buy his wedding anniversary present—monogrammed gold cufflinks—she practically had to get on her hands and knees. And he’d been cross lately—Rex sometimes didn’t like his great ideas and it angered him. But Ruby told her to be brave, so she summoned her courage. “Rico, can I have some shopping money? I want to buy a new dress for the Gala.”

She met his gaze in the mirror. “I already picked out a dress for you to wear.”

“I know, but Ruby and I wanted to go shopping together today. Have a little girl time.” Heat prickled up her neck. “Please?”

“No.”

“Why not? It’s my money.”

Rose realized her error too late.

Rico dropped his razor and sprung on her like a cat. He grabbed her wrists and trapped her against the wall before she could get to the door.

His face loomed an inch from hers.

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