The Last Chance by Rona Jaffe

Author:Rona Jaffe [Jaffe, Rona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781504008372
Publisher: Open Road Distribution
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The long Fourth of July weekend was over on Sunday. Ellen, Hank, and Margot left for New York just before noon, check-out time at their motel. Nobody spoke much in the car. Margot had a hangover, Hank didn’t like to talk when he was driving, and Ellen got tired of chattering away to herself.

Nikki and Robert had a late brunch on the terrace with Rachel and Lawrence. The help had cleaned everything so well you wouldn’t know there had been a party the night before. Robert was going to drive Nikki to Sayville and put her on the train to New York, the way they had planned. He would then go on to Wilton.

“But that’s inhumane!” Rachel said. “And besides, it’s the long way. You could drive her right into New York and then go up the East River Drive.”

“I have a map—” Robert said.

“I’ll make you a map with the shortcuts,” Rachel said.

Nikki was pleased that Rachel, who was never assertive with men, was taking her side against Robert. He was so stubborn and childish. Now not only was her apartment off limits, but he had apparently decided New York was off limits too. This town ain’t big enough for both of us, varmint. She stifled a giggle behind her cup of coffee.

Kerry was staying on in the house for a few days, alone except for the help. Haviland had insisted on going into New York with some people who had a car, to keep her date. He had told her to pack and be out of his apartment by the time he got back. He was gambling that she would still be there when he returned. After all, he was security against her other boyfriend, just as her boyfriend was security against him. He woke up early, had a swim, and now was lying on the beach with the book review section of the Times.

The houseman put the Gellhorns’ bags into their car. Nikki put her arms around Rachel and kissed her. “Thank you a million times. I’ll call you tomorrow in the city.” She was going to just shake hands with Lawrence, because he rather awed her, but he kissed her goodbye, which was a surprise. Robert did not kiss Rachel. Nikki thought he was probably annoyed that she had won what he considered a power play. Rachel and Lawrence were going to drive back after dinner to avoid the traffic. Nikki would really have liked to stay until they left, but she had to leave with her husband, it was only protocol. She realized that if she had liked Robert more today she would have felt free to tell him she would drive home with the Fowlers, but whenever she disliked him she was especially proper and nice.

Robert played the radio all the way into New York, and neither of them talked. What I really want to do when I get home, Nikki thought, is wash my hair and get into bed and watch television. I’ve been with so many people this weekend it’ll be a relief to be alone.

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