Desperate times called for desperate measures but I think I've made the most lame-brained mistake of my life. I stared at the retainer receipt on my desk. He looked hard boiled and spoke smooth but I couldn't help but wonder if he would turn out to be another hired goon or a chump. I'd have to wait and see. Daisy Cannon, his secretary had called and left over 15 messages in the span of 24 hours.

"Persistent woman. Wonder why she works for a slob like him?"

I slid the receipt into the desk and locked it as Norma walked in with my second cup of Joe and a bunch of papers.

"The morning meeting went well. Have all the shutterbugs left?"

"Yes, ma'am. You're 12'o clock is here."

"Chicken or the hat?"

"Lemons. Then you've got lunch with Mr. James at 1."

"Can't wait ... Pity you can't come with Moose." I patted Moose on the head as the mutt looked up from the bone he had been chewing. "All right, let's go see what they want."

________

It's been a while since I visited the Ritzy. The place had seen better times yet it hadn't lost its sparkle.

"You want to eat here?" James questioned as I took a seat. When I didn't rely, he placed his fedora on the table and sat opposite to me. I placed my right palm on his wrist. This got his attention and he stopped gawking around like a fish out of water.

"It's cool. This place might look worn out but it's still one of the best in town." His blue eyes darted to the gobble-pipe, then to the buzzing and back to me. I gave him a winning smile and grabbed the menu pretending to read while his blue eyes continued to read me.

"Can I take your order?"

"Where's that little tornado, Gyn? I don't see her about?"

"She's ... She's not here right now ... What can I get you?" the waiter looked at James.

"How about AJ? Where's he?"

"He's on ... lunch break" he put on still watching James.

So, some things up and shifty here won't talk.

"I'll have the spring Lamb chops on toast, the mashed potatoes and prune juice. What about you, babe?"

"Chilli cheese fries and lemonade. Chocolate brownies to go."

Shifty left in a hurry. Music floated outdoors bringing in the lunch time crowd. The place was alive with chatter. The latest word on the street was the raid at Velveteen. James couldn't stop blabbering on about his work and how he'd cut a deal worth fortunes. I really didn't give a hoot. The grub came in time to shut him up.

"Are you going to eat all of that, sweet pea?"

"Well, a girl does need to eat!"

James looked like he was going to give a sermon on healthy food ... either that or he was going to puke. I couldn't have either. I needed to distract him and keep him distracted.

"I am thinking of getting a portrait taken. The one in the paper was so boring. I heard about the Mad Maze Gallery and thought I'd give it a peek. What'd you say?"

That kept him quiet and distract for a while. The fries were a gift from the pearly gates. In all the years, Ms. D hadn't lost her touch. With both AJ and Gyn not here, I had chosen the wrong day for a visit. I'll have to drop by some other time .... alone. James called dibs on paying up. I let him. I had managed to slip the waiter my card while James grabbed the brownies.

"Are you really going to have your portrait taken?"

"I wouldn't skip it for the world," I answered stepping out into the sunshine.

____________

"I'll pack up, here."

Norma placed the key on my desk and left for the day. I couldn't believe the photos on my desk. I singled out a few and put them away with the receipt.

"Looks like half the town was at The Velveteen's last night."

"Woof"

"Alright, here's another bite but that's all you're getting, you fat slob!" I dropped a brownie for the mutt.

That's when I noticed it.

"Shoot! Looks like a rip."

I'd caught a snag. I took the nearest seat and checked. The tear started from below the hemline and ran all the way up the thigh.

"We need to talk..." Suddenly, the door burst open. I hopped up as my skirt slid back in place and covered my knees.

"I am sorry ma'am but he wouldn't listen..." Norma blubbered from behind him. He managed to block the doorway so she had missed the whole incident.

"It's ok. You can leave, Norma. Mr. Gunn ... has a ... we're going to have a chat..." 

I heard Norma hesitate, then walk away. The look on his mug made me want to sock him but instead I tried to keep calm.

"Mr. Gunn, doors are for knocking."

"Well then, you should keep them locked ..."

I could have sworn he whispered 'Buttercup'. We stood there for what seemed like forever. My face felt red hot. Not from embracement. That man ... he just burns me up. I had to keep my cool. After all I needed him... for now.