Blind Date

[Maid of Marvels]

Oh, where you going to, my lady blue?

I looked into Felix's eyes. Curious, I guess. Why would he want to help me with anything? He doesn't even know me. Maybe if he heard what I have planned for poor old Tim, he'd change his mind.

Felix moved closer, standing between my knees. I could smell him... soap and water mixed with cars and grease. More than a little woozy, I draped my arms over his shoulders as he placed his hands on my waist, steadying me. I think?

"There's something I need to tell... " my voice trailed off. "I've got to get out of here, Felix. I'm sorry... Sorry... "

Felix looked at me curiously as I slid off the edge of the desk, grabbing my bag and just stood there watching as I walked out into the crisp night air to hail the first cab that came by.

 

[Guest]

Chester

Classy lady!

I think to myself as I help her up into the front of the van while the others pack the back.

"Where is this gig?" she asks me.

"Some office do across town. The old guy is a Saturday Night Fever fan."

I see her smirk.

"Ready, Chez!" shouts out one of the guys from the back.

Getting in, I start up the engine and drive away.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

"Take me to the Plaza... "

It wasn't long before we arrived. I handed him a fistful of bills and ran inside, heading for the rest room on the main floor. I emerged a few minutes later, refreshed and ready for Tom.

"Jehanox. Reagan Room," I said as I entered the elevator.

I took a deep breath before entering the suite. There he was! I combed my fingers through my hair and walked up to him.

"Tom! Darling!" Tim turned quickly, a look of something akin to shock on his face. "I'm soooo sorry that I'm late," I said as I kissed him full on the lips.

"OH!" I continued hurriedly as an elderly man approached us. "You must be Mr. Jehanox! I'm Tim's wife, Kate. I have heard so much about you! My husband speaks very highly of you." Linking my arm through his, I whisper conspiratorially "But you really don't look like an old goat to me."

"Old goat? Indeed!" Jehanox grumbled, glaring at Tim. "I must commend you, Murphy. Your wife is absolutely... delightful!"

Tim stood quite still. The enormity of what I have done finally sinking in.

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Katepg.jpg

 

[VeiledLady]

Dinner at the Plaza

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I get in the van and take my compact out of my bag. "Chester, does my makeup look okay," I ask him?

"You look great Doll," he says.

Then he starts the van and heads for the Plaza.

We arrive at the Plaza and swing around the back where the loading dock is. He says to me, "Doll, run inside and find out where the room is so we can just hop in the elevator."

I hop out of the van and go into the loading bay. I ask the guard which way to the desk and he points to the left. "Go that way down the long hall and then go right, you can't miss it." I thank him and hurry along. I go to the desk and ask where the Reagan room is. The lady says the 21st floor. I make a quick pitstop into the bathroom to freshen up and quickly return to the dock where the guys are waiting.

When I arrive they are all ready to get moving. "Okay Doll, where are we going," says Chester? "It is on the 21st floor. I will show you where the elevators are," I say.

I help Chester carry one of his instruments. "What is that you play," Juana asks? "I play guitar. You are carring the extra things like the strings and such," He says.

We head for the elevator and up to he 21st floor.

[/SIZE]

 

[Tibxo]

What!!!????

"Tom! Darling!"

What!!??

It's Kate.

"I'm soooo sorry that I'm late." she says, kissing me on the lips.

What is she doing here?

Before I can even react, she's off and speaking to Jehanox.

No! Don't speak to him!

It is then I notice that she looks different.

My God! She looks pregnant!

My throat suddenly going dry, I grab hold of my glass of wine and down it all in one.

"Tim? What's going on? I thought Kate wasn't coming and why the pregnant get-up?" Sandy asks.

"I don't know." I groan to her, looking up and seeing Kate and Jehanox getting on as if they were old friends.

What is she telling him?

I feel my world starting to crumble around me as I reach for the wine bottle...

 

[Guest]

Chester

Entering the back entrance to the huge suite, one of the hotel officials come over.

"There you are. Mr Jehanox wants to see you before you start."

"Okay." Turning to the guys, I tell them to get set up.

"Com'on, Doll. I'll introduce you to my customer.", wrapping my arm around her waist and leading her out into the suite itself.

"There he is!" seeing Jehanox talking to an attractive chick.

Don't I know her?

Then I do a double-take.

It's the chick from the bar but I don't remember her being pregnant! I think to myself as we go up to them.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

I'm having his...

"BABY!" Hearing a vaguely familiar voice, I looked up to see Chester with an attractive blonde draped on his arm.

"Chester!" I squeal, immediately rolling my eyes. Damn, Kate! Pull yourself together. Squealing like a school girl now? "What are you doing here?" I turn to introduce Chester to Mr. Jehanox, only to find out that Chester's band is the evening's entertainment.

"Cool!" I say to both of them. "You will save me a dance won't you, Mr. J? I must go find that darling husband of mine."

"Why of course, Kate. You will be first on my list," Jehanox replies with a wink as I turn to go in search of Tim.

 

[Stardust Memory]

Angela Ricciuti

I looked around the office before setting the alarm and letting myself out the door. Kate and Sandy were probably having a blast at the dinner. Kate especially... She had a really wicked look on her face when she was in the office earlier. That one really needed to kick back and enjoy life more. She's just so... uptight.

A light rain was beginning to fall as I began my walk home. I only lived a few blocks away and I wouldn't melt.

By the time I was halfway home, the sky burst open in a deluge. "Shit! Couldn't have waited five more minutes? Lousy karma," I muttered as I started to run toward the cab stand down the street.

I ducked inside, looking quite like a drowned rat. "Hey! Anybody here?" I called out. "Hello?"

I saw a dim light coming from a door toward the back of the garage. An office, I guessed. They probably just can't hear me from out front. I walked to the door and pushed it open.

 

[Guest]

Why has she got a cushion stuffed up her front?

Shaking my head, I watch the babe walk away, watching her firm bottom moving from side to side as she moves.

Looking up, I'm just in time to see the old dude take a glance of her arse as well.

Right on!

"Humph! You had better get the band ready." he says.

Grinning, I take Juana back to where the band is.

"Can you sing?" I ask her.

 

[Tibxo]

What's is she up to?

Bob, Sandy and I just watch her as she laughs with the old man.

"What's she doing?" Bob is asking.

"I don't know!" replies Sandy.

"Well, she's your friend!" he retorts.

"Well don't shout at me! You asked me remember to be Tim's date."

"Yeah! I forgot that all your friends are not normal." he mutters.

"What do you mean by that!? My friends are normal. Unlike yours!"

Oh! Oh! They are arguing!

"Well, she did dress up like..." Bob says.

"Well, if he hadn't been so mean to her in the Food Emporium."

Food Emporium!!??

Suddenly it dawns on me.

I know where I have seen her before! She's that mad woman from the Food Emporium!

Oh no! What have I done to deserve this?

"There you are!"

The sound of her voice causes me to almost jump up from my seat. Looking up, I see Kate standing in front of me...

 

[VeiledLady]

Meeting Mr. J.

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Nice to meet you Mr. J. How are you this evening? He replies that he is well and he is glad to have met me.

I hear Chesters question and tell him, "Yes, I know how to sing." "What do you want me to sing?"

I see the condition that Marvel is in and say to myself, "Gee, she wasn't pregnant when I saw her last." "Maybe it is a spontaneous pregnancy. You know, like one of those blow up dolls."

I smile and head for the stage area where Chester is setting up.


[/SIZE]

 

[Maid of Marvels]

"There you are!"

I say, sinking down onto Tom's lap and wrapping my arms around him. "Isn't he just the greatest?" I say to Sandy and Bob. Poor Sandy is looking at me with a wild-eyed look as Bob mumbles something incoherent.

"You know, Tim is just crazy about me. We have been married for five years and he still can't leave me alone," I say loudly to no one in particular as I prepare to repeat the conversation from the bar earlier.

I see Tim's eyes grow wider as he realizes what's coming. He grabs me tightly, clamping his mouth over mine. "Don you dayer," he murmurs into my mouth. Oooh... If looks could kill.

Pulling away from him, I smile my sunniest smile. "See what I mean ladies? It's a wonder we're only on our first baby."

Tim stands, almost knocking me off his lap. Grabbing my arm, he excuses us saying "We should go call your mother, Kate honey. Make sure everything is okay with her."

"Why of course, Darling. I was just going to suggest that myself. Excuse us, won't you?" I wiggle my fingers over my shoulder at everyone as Tom drags me away.

Finding a quiet corner, he presses me up against the wall ready to berate me. What a chauvinist pig he is!

Using my best little girl voice, I place my finger on the tip of his nose. "Why snookums. You just shouldn't have left poor widdle me all awone at the bar." He glared at me as I snarled under my breath, "You bastard!"

 

[Tibxo]

Tim

"You bastard!"

I step back, the words stinging me.

"Ahem! I...I...I If this is all because of what happened at the Emporium..." I stutter.

"So! You finally remembered did you?" she pokes me in the ribs. "No! This isn't just because of what happened at the Emporium!"

Hey! Why should I apologise for what happened there? It was her fault, not mine!

"Listen! You should learn to drive your trolley better and what's with all this?" roughly poking the bulge on her stomach.

"Murphy!!! What in blue blazes are you doing, man?"

Oh no! It's Mr Jehanox!

"How could you do that to your pregnant wife? She could have a miscarriage for Christ's sake!"

Before I can say another word, Jehanox rushes in and wheels Kate away.

"There, there, dear. Let me escort you to the table." he says before turning around to me. "I will speak to you later!"

Oh God!

I suddenly don't feel very well...

 

[VeiledLady]

Getting the sheet music

I check it out. I see that it is all Disco music. I ask Chester and he says "Yes Doll. That is Mr. J's favorite music." "Just read over the songs and we will start this gig," he says as he does a John Revolting pose.

I straighten up my hair and then read over the first song. It is I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor. I grab a glass of water and begin to warm up.

Chet, as I lovingly call him, is giving me the thumbs up.

I also grab a piece of sheet music from my purse. The song Chet's Nuts Roasting On An Open Fire.

I wait for my cue as the band begins to play
http://www.veiledlady.dreamwater.net/Images/jean%20harlow2.jpg

 

[Guest]

Hey! Right on!

I just love this chick, man!

"Okay, fellas!", I say clicking my fingers, "A one-two, a one-two-three-four!"

And there is music!

 

[Maid of Marvels]

And the band plays on...

I almost feel sorry for poor Tim as Mr. Jehanox berates him for poking me in the... belly. Almost. I wiggle my fingers over my shoulders at him as his boss leads me away. He glares at me and sticks his tongue out. Oh. VERY mature, Tom. I can hardly keep from laughing aloud.

"Mr. Jehanox," I whisper into the old man's ear. "Thank you so much. Tim can be such a brute at times, you know? I think he's actually jealous of our baby. I'm almost afraid to see what he'll be like when she gets here."

Mr. Jehanox's face reddens as I confide in him and redder still when he notices a single tear rolling down my cheek. "That BUM!" he mutters to himself.

"No need for formalities, Kate. Just call me er... Mister," he cleverly adds with a chuckle. I smile weakly as I dab my eyes with Mister's proffered handkerchief. Damned piece of mascara got into my eye. I'm not buying that brand again... But it couldn't have happened at a more opportune time, I think to myself.

All of a sudden the bands starts up. I grab Mister's hand and drag him onto the floor. "Come on, sweetie. I need to cheer up a bit. Let's boogie!"

 

[VeiledLady]

Disco Queen

The music starts to play and I start to warble like a Disco songbird. I finish my song by Gloria Gaynor and then go into my Donna Summers Medly. The crowd is dancing up a storm and I look at Chet and he winks at me.

I notice Mr. J and Kate dancing up a storm. Poor Tim sitting all alone.

I continue to sing for about two hours and then we take a break.

Chet says to me,"Hey Doll, want something to drink?" "Yes Please Chet. I would like a club soda with a twist of lemon."

He walks up to the bar area and gets my drink and a drink for himself. I am right behind him and I hear a couple talking at the bar about Soviet Jewelry. I say to myself, "Why is Soviet Jewelry any different then here in the U.S.A.?"



http://www.veiledlady.dreamwater.net/Images/jean%20harlow2.jpg

 

[Tibxo]

Oh God...

I watch Kate and Mr Jehanox dance together.

They are talking but, of course, I am out of earshot.

What is she saying? What is she telling him?

The sick feeling in the pit of my stomach is still there (and getting worse). Dejected, I wander back to the table only to find Sandy and Bob not there. Sliding into my seat, I pull another glass of wine and down it instantly. Followed by another and another.

Then I look around and see Mr Jehanox helping Kate to her seat.

"Thank you, Mister." she says to him.

Mister!?

As Mr Jehanox sits down, I catch his eye. The look I get back sends a shiver down my spine.

Oh Lord! I'm in trouble!

I gulp down yet another glass of wine...

 

[VeiledLady]

The Disco King

I return from my break, when I notice Kate and Mr. J on the side chatting.

I begin my next set of songs when Mr. J and Kate start to dance. After the song is over, Kate and Mr. J go back to the side and Chet comes up to Kate. "Kate, I will be right back. I have a surprise for you," he says. He hurries to the Mens Room and comes back in a lime green leisure suit with gold sequins. The jacket and shirt are opened to the navel and he is wearing gold chains.

He comes to me and makes a request for the song Staying Alive by the Bee Gee's.

The lights turn dim as he grabs Kate's hand and takes her to the dance floor. I begin to sing and he begins by doing some John Revolting moves.

Kate stands on the dance floor and then begins to dance too. She looks like she wants to hide.

Mr. J is laughing on the side and applauding. He is very much impressed with Chets dancing technique.



http://www.veiledlady.dreamwater.net/Images/jean%20harlow2.jpg

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Some enchanted evening...

"It's been ages since I've danced like this," I say to Mr. Jehanox as he leads me back to the table. "You're so light on your feet. Perhaps I should call you Arthur Murray." Uh huh... And light on MY feet too.

"Why you sweet thang," he whispered in my ear. "My name actually is Frederick. You know... Fred. Middle name Astaire." He chuckled, quite pleased with his joke, and I laughed along with him.

"Why you have the most witty sense of humor, Freddie," I chattered on. "I may call you Freddie?"

"He he he! You may call me anything you like, Kate. You are the most charming young woman I've met in quite a long while." He looked up at Tim and glared. Uh oh. I'm gonna have to do some fancy back-tracking somewhere along the way tonight. Looks like poor Tim was in for it.

"Just don't call me late for dinner," Jehanox added with a self-satisfied chuckle as he excused himself to sit back down next to his... What was she? His wife? His date? His daughter?? I made a note to ask Sandy. He was quite the swinger, that one. And how did I know he would say that thing about dinner?

I had been watching Tim chug-a-lug the wine while I was on the dance floor and was pretty sure he was going to be sliding off that chair of his sometime real soon. I leaned over toward him and his eyes opened in alarm.

"Relax, boyfriend," I whispered, placing my hand on his leg. "You had better slow down a bit or I'm going to have to do some quick talking to get you your job back when Freddie fires your pompous ass."

Tim looked down at my hand on his thigh and back up at my face. I tilted my head and took a better look at the 'Dateless Wonder'. Panic? Alarm? Horror? Terror? Hmm... He was good. I couldn't distinguish which emotion was dominant here.

"Have you ever considered acting as a sideline? You really do have the best panoply of facial expressions since Lon Chaney."

Tim leaned very close to me then, hissing in my ear. "FREDDIE?? You really are more than a few cards shy of a full deck, Kate. What... are you all in a pout because I didn't acknowledge remembering you from the Emporium, Highness??"

He had started to get just a tad loud just at the moment Mr. Jehanox decided to look up at us. "He he he!" Tim chuckled nervously. "Was just asking Kate what I had ever done to deserve someone like her. She really is a gem, isn't she, Mr. Jehanox?"

Under his breath he hissed, "You'll pay for this Kate. Mark my words." I just blinked innocently and smiled my sunniest smile.

"Make a bet?" I responded through my teeth.

 

[Guest]

"Hey, baby? What's with the far away look?" I ask the Juana chick, both of us having a break and and are sitting by the bar.

She just giggled. ""I know how much you like that woman."

"The one with Jehanox?"

"That's the one, yes. Anyway, I just could picture the two of you dancing like John Revolting and that Olivia Newt woman."

John Travolta and Oliva Newton-John!

"Com'on girl, looks like you could do with some boogying yourself!"

 

[Tibxo]

Now what do I do?

After that little exchange, I just sit there uneasily while I listen to Kate laughing and chattering away with Jehanox.

"Tom! Would you care for a dance?"

Huh!?

Looking up, I see Jehanox's companion standing next

"Ahem, Tim!" I mumble, looking in Jehanox's direction but he is too wrapped up with Kate to take any notice.

"Come on, Tom!" she says, "Surely you wouldn't want to be rude and say 'no'?"

"Ahem! No! I mean 'yes', I would love to." and we both walk onto the dance floor.

It is a slow number, allowing us to dance together.

"What is going on?" she hisses in my ear.

Huh!?

"Ahem! I don't..."

She cuts me off.

"You know what I mean. Your wife being all over my man."

What? She's jealous! Jealous of Kate!

"Well..."

"What type of man are you who would allow his wife to flaunt herself so fragrantly in front of him and the people who he works with? Don't you have any self respect?"

Why you... My temper flaring.

"She's not my..."

She doesn't listen.

"I'm warning you! I can make your insignificant little life hell at the office. Just keep your lush away from my man. I have not worked so hard to get him only to lose him to a trollop like her. Understand?"

Before I can utter another word, she breaks away and takes us back to the table.

"Thank you for the dance, Tom. Now do I remember you saying that you want to give your lovely wife a dance?" The daggers in her eyes convinces me not to argue.

"Ahem! Yes! Kate, would you...?"

Oh God! Can't things go any worse?...

 

[Maid of Marvels]

"Excuse me, Mr. Jehanox... May I have this dance?"

Everyone looked up at Tim when he invited Freddie to dance. I know my eyes were more than a little wide. "Sweetie," I said to Jehanox chuckling. "I think Tim means me. He wants to dance with me."

"He he," Freddie laughed loudly, though he looked a little taken aback. "Of course he does... he he he. I erm... knew that, Katie."

I glared at Tim, hoping that he wouldn't contradict either of us and embarrass himself further. I stood and put my arms around his neck, looking over his shoulder at the couple of women from our table. "I told you he couldn't keep his hands off me," I mouthed as Tim whirled me onto the dance floor almost sending me into a nose dive.

"Watch it, Bub," I hissed. "Did you forget I'm pregnant?"

"Oh for Chrissake, Kate. Give it a break, will you?" he moaned. "Lets just dance and get this over with. Everyone is watching us."

Another slow dance. Oh brother! I didn't want to get that close but I guessed it was a way to talk, huh?

Tim took my hand and placed his other on my back lightly. "You should put your hand on my ass, Tim. It would substantiate some of the things I've said to the gals tonight."

Tim started to pull away, but I pulled him back closer than before. Not too close though... the pseudo-baby-pillow-padding I was wearing prevented that.

"What the hell were you thinking asking your boss to dance?? You know, I don't mind you being gay... But you really shouldn't make passes at your employer in front of other people."

 

[VeiledLady]

Christmas Songs

For my next set of songs, I sing some Christmas Carols. Such as Chets Nuts Roasting on an Open Fire, I Saw Mommy Doing Santa Claus, Hark The Hairy Angels Sing and Oh Tante (Aunt in German) Baum.

I see Kate and Tim dancing. Mr. J grabs his chick and they start to dance too. All is festive and all seem to be having a good time.



http://www.veiledlady.dreamwater.net/Images/jean%20harlow2.jpg

 

[Tibxo]

I'm not gay!!!

I shake my head in disbelief.

"What are you? Some kind of nut!? I never asked Jehanox to dance and you know it!"

What is she doing to me? First she is trying to (successfully) ruin my career! Now she is casting aspersions against my manhood. What next?

I find myself starting to hyperventilate.

Calm down, Tim. I know she's a woman but try to reason with her!

I take a deep breath.

"Look, Kate." I say to her with my most charming of voices. "You have had your fun but can you call it a day? My career, my whole life is on the balance here. Whatever I done, I am sorry. Please forgive me and let me get you a cab home."

Please God, make the Bitch from Hell leave!...