Beebo looked at him, her face a mask but her heart dismayed. “You believe it if you want to,” she said. “If you think I’d work anything for you, you’re more of a fool than a creep.”
She turned and ran out of the delivery yard while he watched her. He didn’t like to let her go. But at least she was leaving a trail behind her; one that shouldn’t be hard to follow. Pete smiled.
Beebo and Pat drank a few parting shots while Beebo packed her strap-fastened wicker bag and waited for Jack to get home. She was ready to go and a little tight when he rolled in at five.
“Having a party?” he asked.
“A goodbye party. I’m getting off your back, Jackson,” Beebo said. “I’m going to Hollywood.”
“They were bound to call you sooner or later,” Jack said. “Anyone can see you’ve got talent.”
Beebo looked at the floor. “I’m going with Venus,” she said, humiliated by it. “I didn’t know what else to do, Jack,” she added vehemently. “I couldn’t live with Paula. I couldn’t live with you, not if I wanted to keep your friendship. I had to quit the Pasquini job—Pete’s been helling after me since I started. And besides—besides…” She stopped, throwing her arms out and letting them drop against her sides.
“And besides, Venus asked you to go?” Jack said. Beebo nodded. Jack made no comment, but she knew he thought it was asinine of her. “Did you ever write to tell your father where you are?”
“I thought about it, but I didn’t know what to say.”
“Have you told Paula?”
“Not yet. I was waiting till you got home.”
“Paula’s more important.”
“Jack, damn it, Paula doesn’t own me!” she cried, angry because she knew he was right. “My father doesn’t own me. I don’t have to tell them every move I make, just because they—”
“They love you,” he finished for her. “Listen to me, little pal. You came to this town to grow up and find yourself. You can do that without breaking hearts. And so help me, Beebo, the first one you’re going to break is your own.”
Beebo sat down on the bed. “Jack, I didn’t ask Paula Ash to love me,” she said. “I never said I loved her.”
“Well, that makes it all swell.”
“She’s a sweet, fine girl. I wouldn’t hurt her for anything. But what can I do?”
“Should I give her that message?” Jack asked.
“I’ll tell her myself!” Beebo said, stung. But she wished, with all the force of shame and indecision, that she didn’t have to.
Jack lighted a cigarette thoughtfully. “I’ve gotten to know her a lot better the last few weeks. She was over last night, when you didn’t show again. There’s a new girl in her life, Beebo.” He tossed his match in an ash tray, scrutinizing Beebo’s startled face. “Miss Plaid Pajamas. You know her?”
Beebo was shaken. “I know about her,” she said. “Oh, Paula…” She recalled the sleeping pills, the tears. Paula’s red hair, her scent, her green eyes luminous with love. She pressed a hand over her mouth, half to control a sob, half in recollection of Paula’s first gesture of love.
“Regrets?” Jack said gently.
Beebo took a deep breath. “It’s Venus I love,” she said softly, but it was strangely hard to say.
“Well, that’s that,” Jack said. “Off you go to follow your star.”
“I can’t help myself,” Beebo said, and that, at least, was true. “I’d rather cut my arm off than hurt Paula, believe me.”
Jack smiled and lifted a hand to show he would not sermonize. “I wish you well, pal. I wish you love,” he said. “I only wish—”
The phone rang. They all looked at each other. Finally Pat answered it, while Jack and Beebo watched him. “It’s for you, Beebo,” Pat said, holding out the receiver. She took it, looking apprehensively at him, and he mouthed the word, “Paula.”
She shut her eyes. “Hello?” she said.
“Hello, Beebo.”
“Paula, I was just coming over. I—I wanted to tell you…” Her voice trailed off.
“I know. I called to wish you Godspeed.”
“You what?” Beebo wheeled around to look at the two men.
“Pete called me,” Paula said. “He likes to play town crier.”
“God damn him!” Beebo exploded. “Paula, I’m so sorry. I wanted to tell you myself, at least. I—what did he say?”
“He said you were going to California with Venus Bogardus,” Paula said simply.
“Is that all?”
“It doesn’t matter about the rest, Beebo. Pete always exaggerates. I just wanted to tell you, it’s all right. I think you should go. It’ll be a great experience.” Her voice faltered ever so slightly, and Beebo wanted desperately to hold her, to be able to say, “No, I’ll stay with you,” and somehow still be able to go with Venus. She felt as if she were being physically ripped in half.
“I’m not being melodramatic, honest!” Paula said and she managed a small laugh. “I’m a hopeless optimist. I think you’ll be back. Or I couldn’t be such a good sport. Mona says ‘good sport’ is just another word for ‘sucker.’ She’s wrong, isn’t she? Beebo?”
“Yes, Paula. She’s wrong, honey.” Beebo felt her own voice break and Paula said quickly, “Don’t come over, there’s no need. It’s much easier on the phone. Write to me now and then.”
“Paula? Is that girl in the plaid pajamas pestering you again?” Beebo said anxiously. “Jack said—”
“Jack is my knight in shining armor. If things get bad, he’ll come rescue me. He has before.” There was a pause. Beebo glanced gratefully at Jack and then she heard Paula saying, “Goodbye, Beebo. Good luck. No, bad luck, and come home soon. I love you, you know. You worm.”
“I know.” Beebo swallowed. “Goodbye, Paula.” She let the receiver drop into its cradle and stood with her head against the wall for a minute.
“You look like you’re set for a real pleasure cruise,” Jack said, noting her wan face and full eyes.
Beebo picked up her bag in a brusque motion and strode to the door. But she couldn’t turn
