Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/202

 of peasants. They must have let them out of the cow pastures today and they all came here, I believe. I've never seen so many in one spot in all my life. And honey … that's been … er … well it's been a helluva long time." She took a deep swallow from the glass Freddie had left in front of her. "Good for the soul, ain't it?" She took a huge sip and looked at Gaylord. "What part of Texas you all come from, sugar pie?"

"Cotton," he grinned at the southern drawl … "it's not too far from Houston."

"Don't give a damn for Houston … I opened and closed in a show there several years ago. One day … Shortest engagement I ever had … Cute show too but hell there was too many complications … Houston's sort of hicky … hasn't gotten the hay-seed out of its hair yet … and you know … the joint was jammed … I can't understand why a town don't have a couple of gay clubs for the kids. At least it keeps them off the street and out of dives. This club was really a smart place and you know the gay kids all love an elegant place. So they close us and leave open the dives … I can't understand it … Well … that's enough of Houston … How long you been in New Orleans, Gay … and why in the hell didn't you bring him in here sooner, Paul … Trying to keep him to yourself … Well, I don't blame you … he's so cute."

"You've said that before," grinned Paul.

"I know it … but he's still cute." She looked at Gaylord. "Honey, you should live in New Orleans … There's no place like it."

"I wish I did," Gaylord said, and meant it.

"You wish he did too, don't you, Paul. I can read that look in your eyes."

"Guess you're right. I can't keep any secrets from Dusty, Gay. Too smart for me … Aren't you?"

"No, dear … I'm not too smart … We've just known each other a long time … Let's see," she put a red tipped finger under her chin for a second, "how long has it been?" Paul started to speak, but she stopped him with, "Don't answer that … I know how long it's been …" She wrinkled her powdered brow in a process of thought, then she smiled at Gaylord. Said, "You know, honey, this handsome devil used to be in love with me until someone like …"