Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/201

 "Hi, Gay … and don't get up, honey," she grinned pushing him back gently.

"Sit down and have a drink," greeted Paul.

"Thanks." Dusty grinned at Gaylord … "You know, Paul, makes me feel real young again having a good looking boy stand up for me to sit down. That hasn't happened to me in a helluva long time. You're so pretty too, honey." She patted Gaylord on the check.

Paul motioned to Freddie. He came immediately.

"What are you drinking, Dusty, bourbon or scotch?"

"Oh … better make it bourbon. I've been drinking it all evening. Scotch might poison the old frame." She turned to Freddie and said, "Listen, girl, you tell that bartender this ain't a "B" drink. Tell him to give this actress some of that good stuff he drinks himself or I won't sleep with him any more." She turned to Gaylord. "I've been drinking phony drinks all evening … Girls got to make a living somehow … Sometimes I can't tell the difference between a "B" and a real one. They're both rotten."

"You said it … This stuff they've been serving tastes like tea."

"Mine's strong," broke in Gaylord.

Dusty grinned at him. "You know," she whispered, "you're the cutest thing I've seen in a long time … What do you mean running around with an old bastard like Paul."

"He's sweet too," piped in Paul, "and I'm not as old as you, ducky."

"So you're younger … He's only two months younger, Gay … Live here, honey?"

"No ma'am. I live in Texas."

"Texas …? A man from Texas … Honey, I just love men from Texas, you all."

They all laughed.

Paul said, "Now, Dusty, don't get carried away."

"All right … I'll be a lady if it kills me." She felt of her breasts, moving her hands over them as if to adjust them to a better position. She looked and waved to someone who had called her name and then back at Paul. "I'm sure glad you two are here. There's been nothing in the joint this evening but jerks. I had to get blind in the dressing room before I could even sing … Now I don't give a damn. Bunch