The Vaudeville Star

She knew that King was a man used to getting his way. He took control of any situation and dictated where they would go and what they would do. She knew the women in his life had allowed it, or had not cared to alter it. Ruby remained thankful that she was not in his life in that capacity.

“I was speaking to Vernon just before we left. I’ve decided to back the tour to London and Paris,” he said, smiling as he puffed on his cigar.

“That’s wonderful! I’m sure he was thrilled.”

“I want you to have two more songs in the show. I told Vern. You need songs that will engage the audience, though honestly you do that just by crossing the stage,” he admitted

Ruby was thrilled at his words but felt a sudden stab of regret. “What of Zeta?”

King seemed confused. “What about Zeta?”

“What will happen to her? Will she be dismissed from the show?” Ruby asked, staring down into her soup.

“Not at all! She’ll still headline, especially as she has performed in London before, so she’ll be known there. You’re to be the show’s ingenue,” he explained.

Ruby felt relieved. She had no wish to profit at the expense of someone else’s downfall.

“You know, Ruby,” King said softly and reached across the table for her hand. “You should focus on your own career, my dear. It’s commendable that you care about others, but you must put yourself first.”

Ruby nodded but was still relieved that she would be an addition to the show and was not Zeta’s replacement.

“Did you have any songs in mind? Songs that might fit me?” she asked him as she took her hand back.

King beamed. “As a matter of fact, I do!”

Ruby tried to hide her smile. “Do tell.”

“I think we should show off your Southern charm, and so I picked songs that are older but could be easily revived. Have you heard of ‘All Things Love Thee, So Do I’?”

Ruby shook her head.

“It’s a sweet song. We could see about getting the sheet music in town.”

“I know of a place,” Ruby said.

“Excellent. The other song I found is called ‘Kiss Me Quick and Go Away,’” he laughed. “The men in the audience will love it! You can have fun with it. The audience likes to have a good time.”

“I’ll try to get them both,” she said, pleased at the time and effort he must have placed on finding her songs.

“You can slow the song down if you like, or do what you wish,” he explained. “These are your songs and your time to shine.”

“Thank you, King. For everything.”

“And believe me, Ruby, you will shine. I have no doubt about that.”

9

As Bessie and Ruby entered the theater from the side street entrance, there was an excitement in the air. Bessie knew about the supper the night before with King and that he had agreed to back them financially for the European tour.

They greeted the old man, Lewis, who kept an eye on the door and made sure that the performers were let in and the fans kept out. Suddenly, they heard loud voices onstage and looked at each other.

“What do you mean she’s going to have two more songs? She’s going to have three songs? The same as me?” Zeta confronted Vernon, her voice getting louder.

“Yes, Zeta. I already explained it. King Parker wants to fully finance the tour to Europe, but his condition is that Ruby is given more songs.”

Max was standing near Vernon and wisely began to inch away from them both.

“I heard you the first time and the second time, and I still don’t understand why? Why? Perché? If it is only because King wants it, then simply say no,” she reasoned.