The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis

Author:Fiona Davis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2019-07-29T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Hazel

July 1950

While Arthur and Maxine roared around on the Cyclone, Charlie again apologized for his father’s behavior.

“You should be angry at him, too,” answered Hazel. “I can’t believe he left you behind.”

“He doesn’t like to be crossed. Once, when I was eight years old, I complained about something and he made me walk four miles home from my grandmother’s house.”

Always the city kid, Hazel did the calculation: Four miles was eighty New York City blocks. Almost unimaginable. “That’s horrible.”

“He’s not exactly the warm-and-fuzzy type.”

“My mother isn’t either. Although she’d never send me on a forced march like that.”

He stared out at the sea, avoiding her gaze. “You made up an excuse about the roller coaster for me, didn’t you? Because you knew I couldn’t ride it?”

“I just figured it’d be easier that way. You shouldn’t be embarrassed.”

“Thanks. It’s just, around a tough guy like Arthur . . .” He didn’t finish the sentence. “How long have he and Maxine been together?”

“A long time. Years, apparently. The more I get to know him, the more I can understand why Maxine is drawn to him, even though there are aspects of him that I don’t like. He’s complicated, but then so is Maxine, who no doubt can be difficult at times.”

He lifted a brow. “You don’t say.”

She couldn’t help but laugh. “I know, she’s a diva. But she’s more insecure than she lets on.”

“She’s not like you, then.”

“Me? I’m very insecure.”

“You don’t show it.”

“I can’t afford to. Not when people like your father call me ‘little missy.’ I have to stay on my guard.”

“You are as far from a little missy as they come. Trust me.”

“I’m not sure how to take that.”

“It’s a compliment.”

His gaze was sweet, warm. She was used to seeing him in a suit, and his casual outfit—khakis and a short-sleeved linen shirt—made him seem far more approachable. “Have you read the play All My Sons?”

“I saw it on Broadway.”

“You should read it. There’s nothing like reading a play to understand how the theme gets woven through. I have a copy, I’ll bring it to rehearsal.”

“It’s about a son realizing the truth about his father. I already know the truth about my father, trust me.”

“Then why don’t you step out from under his shadow? Make your own way in the world?”

For a moment they stared at each other, as if trying to figure the other one out. He was about to answer, when Maxine skipped over, trailed by Arthur, beaming with exhilaration from the ride.

Rain poured down hard the whole drive back from Coney Island, and Hazel was happy to not have to make conversation above the din. Back in New York, Arthur dropped Hazel and Charlie off in front of the Chelsea and zoomed away with Maxine, off to a work party for his company up in the northern suburbs. While Hazel still had her doubts about Arthur, he did seem to be on his best behavior, and it wasn’t worth falling out with her friend and

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