The Blue Butterfly by Leslie Johansen Nack

Author:Leslie Johansen Nack
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: She Writes Press
Published: 2022-02-04T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

NOVEMBER 16, 1924

At home by the pool the next morning, having breakfast with Mama and Ethel, I nearly choked on my toast when I read the headline aloud, “Cozy as Two Bears, Charlie and Marion Go Everywhere Together.” I showed the paper to Ethel and Mama.

“Seems like things are getting out of hand,” Ethel said as Mama looked to the distance shaking her head.

I breathed deeply, feeling betrayed they weren’t on my side. The article detailed our dinner and dancing at the Café Montmartre. Good ole Ned, I thought. I wondered why the picture hadn’t been included. The phone rang before I had time to finish reading.

“Have you seen this morning’s paper?” WR insisted.

Mama and Ethel took their cups and breakfast plates and returned to the house, giving me privacy.

“Yes, and it’s nothing really,” I lied, taking a drink of my coffee, and lighting a cigarette.

“In that case, invite Charlie for a weekend cruise on the Oneida. Let’s go to Catalina and San Diego. I want to talk to him. I’m a huge fan.” He paused, then added, “I’ve invited Thomas Ince. I’ve got business with him, and we haven’t been on the boat for a while.”

I knew Thomas Ince was a prominent producer and screenwriter with whom WR was trying to work out a deal.

“Let’s not invite Charlie,” I countered. “I’ll invite Louella and maybe Mama and Ethel. Gretl maybe? Connie and Marie?”

“Sure, anybody, but do invite Charlie, or I will. I need to talk to him,” he demanded.

“About what?”

“Business and life, you know, the regular subjects,” and then he added, “I miss you, Rosebud. Please make time for me.”

My heart softened just a little when he used my pet name. “What time is your train due in?” I asked as my insides puckered.

“Three o’clock this afternoon.”

“See you this evening, love. I’ll make the invitations.” I hung up.

As I stared at the blue sky over the pool and the oak trees on the green rolling hill beyond, I wondered how many men had been in a position to choose lovers? And how many women by contrast? I raged against the double standard.

That afternoon, I entered my dressing room for a costume change and found Charlie splayed out on my sofa. “Who let you in?” I asked, feeling a bit irritated. His arms were outstretched in a “come here” attitude. “Did you see the article in the paper this morning?” I chided. “WR is on his way back from San Simeon and he’s angry.” Ignoring me, he continued with his “come hither” gesture. “I’m due on set in ten minutes for a retake.”

“Ten minutes is a long time.”

“Don’t be silly. Besides, I have bad news for you,” I said.

“Well, I have good news for you. Me first,” he said. I stared at him, waiting. “Did you notice there was no picture in the paper?”

“Yes,” I said, unsure where he was going with this.

“Kono and I found Ned after you went home last night and had a little talk with him.

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