The Vaudeville Star

A man of very little speech, Max merely shrugged his shoulders.

“I suppose I ought to invite that damned bitch Zeta and Lou. The two of them are thick as thieves these days, but they might actually help.”

Max remained silent.

“Maybe I should bring Ruby along as well. She’s easy on the eyes, and you know he likes the women.” Vernon smiled.

Max nodded.

“You’re right! Brilliant! I’ll bring her!” Vernon said, delighted.

“I don’t have anything to wear.” Ruby was not exaggerating as she looked through her sparse closet.

“What did he say it was for?” Bessie asked as she sat on Ruby’s bed, flipping through Harper’s Bazaar magazine.

“Vern said he was attending some party at an investor’s house and that I would be a welcome addition,” Ruby said, pulling out another drab-looking dress.

“An investor?” Bessie perked up. “I wonder if he’s talking about King Parker.”

“King Parker? Who’s that?”

“King Parker? Who’s that? Where have you been living? In a convent?” Bessie laughed.

“Close to it. A girl’s boarding school in Connecticut,” Ruby said, smiling.

“Well, to begin with, his name isn’t really King. It’s William. But he owns half of New York and is involved in politics and supports the arts. He has the Midas touch. I’m surprised the newspapers don’t call him the golden boy. Anything he touches turns to gold.?

??

“So what business does this man have to discuss with Vernon?” Ruby asked.

“Well, even though Vern is stuck in that run-down theater now, he’s always been ambitious. He wants to take the show to London on a grand tour, but he lacks the finances. Maybe King Parker owes him a favor or something. Don’t underestimate Vern. He’s surprisingly creative when it comes to getting what he wants.”

“I still don’t know why I’m going. I’m a card girl. I’m the lowest rung in the theater world.”

“Hmmm . . .”

“Hmmm, what?” Ruby asked.

“King is known for his wealth, politics, and support of the arts. But he is also known for his love of the ladies. Especially young beautiful ones such as yourself.”

“What am I, bait?” Ruby asked, shocked.

“Don’t look at it that way, Ruby. In fact, you should be pleased. This party will bring together all sorts of people, and you will be seen. That’s important. You know you don’t want to stay a card girl forever. So let’s find you a dress. And by dress, I mean a dress! And not here,” Bessie said as she threw her magazine down and grabbed Ruby’s hand.

Bessie and Ruby walked down the long aisles of costumes inside the theater as Ruby shook her head.

“Nothing suits, Bess. Everything is too flamboyant. It’s meant for the stage.”

Bessie heaved a huge sigh as she joined her. “Listen, Ruby. I know you came from a sheltered life in Mississippi, and besides Connecticut, you haven’t seen much of the world, but life is a stage! You have to show your best side and wear clothes that accentuate your curves and make you stand out. Like this!”

Bessie pulled a gaudy dress from the rack and held it against Ruby. The dress was bright blue and yellow with puffy sleeves and altogether not anything Ruby wanted to wear. Bessie looked down at the gown and seemed to guess Ruby’s thoughts.

“Well, perhaps this is more Zeta than you.” She put it back.

Suddenly, they came upon a stunning satin lilac gown with a tight bodice and off-the-shoulder sleeves. The minute Ruby saw it, she smiled widely.

“Perfect!” Bessie concurred. “Try it on!”