Excerpt

It was almost a new year and Sam Elliott had blackballed Rod. He wasnt being called and his agent had dropped him.

He figured the best thing to do right now was to leave the Big Apple and head west. Maybe Hollywood wouldnt be so hard on him.

Better not spend the last of the cash on a plane ticket, he thought. I can afford a cab out to the highway and then try to catch a lift with someone. He packed bare essentials and planned to hitchhike. His mind was made up, and Alan couldnt convince him to wait even another day.

As he was standing on the sidewalk waiting for a cab, a gorgeous brunette with sultry green eyes came by in a red sports car. She stopped, rolled down the window and said, Hi handsome. Are you running out on me again?

Rod leaned down. He knew that voice. It was SONDRA DRAKE, the walk-by kisser.

Well, hi yourself. Howre you? he said. What are you doing these days? She answered. Just trying to get a sexy young actor to notice me. Howm I doin? Rod laughed.

Oh, youre being noticed alright, by every driver on the road.

I dont care. I want you to notice! Where are you off to? Can I give you a lift?

Not unless youre going to the coast. She whistled.

Wow, that far? Well, Im game. Ill need more clothes and have to gas up, get someone to take in my mail and feed the cat.

Youre not serious! he said.

Oh, yes I am. The chance to get you alone for a couple of days really appeals to me. Youve been avoiding me too long. What happened? Ms. Connecticut give you your walking papers?

Something like that. Rod turned his head.

Poor baby. Well, well get her right off your mind. Hop in. Well stop at my place and get my things. The gal next door will feed Chauncey. She loves him; and my schedule is clear for a while, so whats to stop us? This is great, Rod. Well really have fun.

She turned her head to face him and gave him one of her doomed man smiles.

Rod knew what she wanted and what he was in for and he didnt much care. He had lost Marge and she wasnt coming back. He had to live his life without her and he had to try his damnedest to forget the eyes that turned him to mush. These sultry green eyes would take the place of the coal black orbs of passion he had grown to love.

The trip west was fun in spite of everything. Sondra was a sexy gal and she was good company. She wouldnt let Rod get depressed. That was certain. Mile after mile, he sang and she joined in when she knew the lyrics.

She said, You should get that voice working again. Sam Elliott doesnt run the country, you know.

No, but he does have influence.

So, hell be too busy with Corcorans play to work on knifing you, dont you think?

Howd you know about Corcoran?

Grapevine. Nothins secret or sacred in this business.

Oh God, you got that right. You know, it was really strange how that whole scene played out. It was as if he didnt want me in it in the first place, but thats water under the bridge.

Yeah, but youll make out OK. Stick with Sondra baby and well get there together.

Rod didnt answer. He knew she was probably right. He leaned back and imagined Marge at home in Connecticut in that lovely old house. Shes probably in Brads arms right now telling him how sorry she left him to be with this actor she hardly knew. Brad would kiss her and say, I forgive you. Yeah, he thought. Im lucky to have had enough sense not to pressure her. If she cared at all, she would have gotten in touch. I guess I was just a fling at that.

He put his head back on the headrest and fell asleep. Sondra figured he really needed it, so she didnt bother to wake him til she pulled into a motel and shut off the motor.

Come on Baby, wake up! Were here for the night and some din din. Dont know about you, but I am starved.

He stirred, opened his eyes and said, Oh Gad, let me sleep!

Not a chance, lover. You have to eat first, then you can get some shut-eye, eventually. She grinned.