Lady Boss by Jackie Collins Page B

fountain. There was also a bench where Lucky stationed herself, all the better to catch the action as people hurried in and out of the main building.
    A few secretaries came and went. A couple of executives – recognizable because of their California Casual attire. A tall woman in a tightly belted yellow Donna Karan suit. And finally Susie Rush emerged, hiding behind large white-rimmed sunglasses.
    Susie stood on the steps for only a minute before a sleek chocolate-brown limousine slid into position, and she vanished inside.
    Five minutes later Mickey Stolli appeared, accompanied by two other men. The three of them set off at a brisk pace.
    Lucky trailed them all the way to the commissary, where they were ushered into the private dining room. She found herself a table for two in the crowded main restaurant and sat down.
    Now that she looked like a drudge she felt almost invisible. People didn’t seem to notice she existed – a good way to get a massive inferiority complex. Fortunately she knew that if she took off the disguise, things would change instantly. The power of appearance was potent indeed. Luce and Lucky – two different people inhabiting two different worlds.
    What have I got myself into?
she thought.
One morning and I’m ready to rip off this stupid disguise and run back to real life. How am I going to last six goddamn weeks?
    Because it’s a challenge.
    Right.
    â€˜You’re sitting at my table.’
    A man. Slight, bespectacled, undernourished. He spoke in an agitated voice.
    Lucky checked him out. She judged him to be somewhere in his fifties. ‘I didn’t see a reserved sign,’ she replied coolly.
    He was clearly irritated. ‘Everyone knows this is my table.’
    â€˜Then why don’t you sit here, there
is
another chair,’ she suggested quite reasonably.
    He hesitated for a moment, then, realizing he had no alternative, pulled out a clean handkerchief, dusted off the vacant chair, and sat down. His close-set brown eyes, covered by wire-rimmed spectacles, darted around the room looking everywhere except at her.
    A plump waitress appeared at their table. ‘The usual, Harry?’ she asked cheerfully, adjusting her diamanté-tipped wing glasses.
    â€˜Yes, thank you, Myrtle,’ he replied, rubbing a spot on the brightly checked tablecloth.
    Myrtle turned her attention to Lucky, pad poised. ‘Yes, dear? Have you decided?’
    â€˜Can I try a Susie Rush salad?’
    â€˜Why not? Everyone else has.’ Myrtle guffawed at her own joke. Harry didn’t crack a smile. ‘Beverage?’ Myrtle asked.
    â€˜Fresh orange juice,’ Lucky replied.
    â€˜Canned or frozen? Take your pick.’
    â€˜I’ll just have water.’
    Myrtle glanced from Lucky to Harry. ‘You two make a fine pair. The last of the big spenders!’
    â€˜She’s friendly,’ Lucky remarked as Myrtle departed.
    â€˜Myrtle’s not the best waitress here,’ Harry confided. ‘Leona is. She would never have let my table go. Unfortunately she’s in the hospital at this time attending to her varicose veins. I hope she’ll return soon.’
    He was definitely a strange one, Lucky thought. ‘Can’t wait,’ she said flippantly.
    He peered across the table, finally looking at her. ‘I beg your pardon?’ he said.
    Stop being smart, Santangelo. Shape up and act the way you look
.
    â€˜Do you work here?’ she asked nicely.
    Harry considered her question before answering. ‘I have been at Panther Studios for thirty-three years,’ he announced at last. ‘Panther Studios is my home.’
    â€˜Your home?’
    â€˜It seems I have spent more time here than in my own house. My wife left me because of it.’
    â€˜Really?’ She tried to look interested. ‘And what do you do around here?’
    If Harry had been standing he would have pulled himself up to his full height. As it was he