by Ed Nelson
I barely cleared the door and Mum cornered me.
“Rick I need your help.”
“Sure Mum, what can I do?”
“Clean up and get your tux on.”
It was then I remembered there was a charity dinner at the house tonight.
“I will but I thought you told me I didn’t have to attend. As a matter of fact I was specifically not invited.”
“That’s true but things have changed. Mrs. Van Pelt’s, her husband, daughter and her boyfriend were invited. The boyfriend broke up with June last night. The Van Pelt’s insisted June come tonight as she has been a mess hiding in her bedroom. Now I need someone to escort her. So hurry up, you have the duty.”
Sounded like marching orders to me. There are times to be the reluctant teenager, this wasn’t one of them.
“Okay Mum, this means I have to eat the rubber chicken instead of pizza with the other kids?”
“You will have a choice of steak, fish or a Cornish game hen, now hurry up.”
“Yes ma’am.”
She swatted me as I left in a hurry.
It didn’t take long to shower again, and put on the monkey suit. I was getting better at tying my bow tie, but apparently not good enough as Mum retied it when I went back downstairs.
“You look very smart Rick, thank you for doing this.”
What’s a guy to do when his Mum says, “Thank you.”
Lying through my teeth I told her it was my pleasure. I didn’t have plans for tonight, but escorting some society girl to a formal dinner wasn’t high on my list. As matter of fact, it was high on my list of what not to do.
My luck she was going to be ugly, and a pain to be around as she sulked about getting dumped. I don’t know why girls took it so hard when a guy told her he wanted to go out with other girls. We were young and were supposed to be playing the field.
Mum and I went to the reception where guests were just starting to arrive.
Mum, Dad and I made a short receiving line. There were several maids taking the fur coats and wraps. A whole forest of animals had to have died to clothe this group.
The men all had on the requisite tuxedoes. Most had on the standard red cummerbund like mine. One brave soul had one that was white with a blue flowered pattern covering. It looked like wall paper, but it was neat. He had a matching bow tie.
I thought about getting something like that but realized it would probably never catch on, and leave me looking like the odd man out.
Shortly after that the Van Pelts were in line with their daughter June. They were a well-dressed family, and her parents seemed nice enough people. June herself looked like the Wreck of the Hesperus.
Her hair wasn’t done properly. Her make-up looked slap dash.
Her father started to introduce her to me, but she turned her head.
“June Lucille Van Pelt,” her mother said.
The dreaded full name brought her around. The look on my face said it all.
“If you so much as call me that, I’ll scratch your eyes out.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it Miss Van Pelt.”
“And my ex-boyfriends name was Bill, and he didn’t play the piano.”
“Okay, okay I get it, subject is taboo. You must be tired of hearing it all. Why don’t I show you around the house?”
I didn’t really care about showing her the house. It just got me out of the receiving line.
Mum said, “Show her to my dressing room, so she can freshen up, and use makeup.”
I took June by the hand, and we got out of there.
“Why did your mother mention makeup?”
“I have no idea, but let’s find a mirror.”
There was a small room off the reception that must have been a waiting room to prepare for guests. June took one look in the mirror and burst into tears.
What do you do with a crying girl? I gave her my spare clean handkerchief. Now I understood why Mum wanted me to carry two. One to use and one to lend she told me. This was the first time I had to lend one.
She dabbed her eyes dry and blew her nose. How do girls blow their noses so quietly?
I took her up to Mum’s dressing room.
I pointed her into the room and stood out in the hall.
Ten minutes later a very attractive young lady stepped out into the hall.
“Thank you Richard, I’m sorry about the way I looked and acted. I had been going steady for a year, and then he dumped me yesterday for another girl.”
“Ouch, did you have his class ring?”
“Yes, and I gave it back to the side of his head at about ninety miles an hour.”
“Double ouch.”
“Not really, I had so much angora wrapped around it, he just laughed.”
“Well I can see why you are upset.”
“The worst part is when I asked him what he was going to do about the tuxedo he had rented. He told me he had never rented one. He just didn’t want to break up with me until after we went parking last night.”
Now that was a minefield of its own, I wasn’t about to touch that. I don’t think I should play poker because she told me, “Nothing happened, even though he was more insistent than ever. I stopped him at first base as…”
She blushed red to the roots of her hair. Again, I kept my mouth shut, it seemed to be the theme of the evening.
“After I threw his ring at him, he told me good luck at finding dates in the future. He was going to tell everyone I was a tease, well he used a bad word, but you understand.”
Now I opened my mouth. One would have thought I would have remembered the evening’s theme.
“There is a society photographer here, let’s get our picture taken. Then you can take a copy to show your friends that you can get a date.”
“You are good looking but why should my friends be impressed?”
“Uh, you didn’t see any of my movies?”
“No.”
“Then let’s start over. My name is Sir Richard Jackson.”
“Oh! I do know you; I just never put it together. I would love to have my picture taken with you.”
We went back to the reception where upon seeing us, my Mum gave me a nod. Mrs. Van Pelt had a look of relief.
The photographer was very happy to take our picture. June really got into and went so far as putting an arm around me. Then she topped it off with a kiss. Not a gasping for air kiss, but still a nice one.
The photographer assured me copies would be available Monday and that June would have hers by Tuesday. She wrote her address down for him.
Our timing was good, as dinner was announced. It was actually pretty darn good, certainly not the rubber chicken I had thought it would be.
June quizzed me as we ate. She particularly wanted to know if I was going steady. When I told her, I was dating Emily casually she got a contented look. Well more like a hungry lioness thinking of a nice meal she was about to have.
I had better be careful with this one, not that she wasn’t pretty or nice, but she seemed to be ready to move on quickly, move on being the operative words.
The other people around us were all old people like my parents, so we only had each other to talk to. I found out that June, never Lucy, was my age and a sophomore in high school. I had to explain about the studio school. She thought that was neat for the fast track, but no school friends a terrible thing.
That took us into our hobbies, archery, swordsmanship, surfing, unarmed combat, flying lessons and sundry other things I had tried. She was into the thespian club at her school and had the second lead in several play’s, she also had done several solos in the school choir. She loved to swim but hated running.
We did a recap of my acting career, and people I had met. She was a brave sort as she told me she would like to hear me sing. All in all, the meal and evening went very fast. We escaped before dessert, so we wouldn’t have to listen to the after dinner speeches for whatever charity this was. I hadn’t thought to ask.
Instead,
we went down to the basement to play pool. When we got there I found my brothers and sister watching a movie on the big screen. It was Sir Nickalous and they were throwing popcorn at me on the screen.
They were hooting and hollering about what a bad actor I was. They settled down when they noticed me and June, but the damage was done. Revenge would be mine!
June fit right in as she could throw popcorn with the best of them. To think, that I had felt sorry for her. I slipped away for a few minutes. I informed the evening maid that she might want to take some brooms and dustpans to the basement for the children to use. She wasn’t to do it for them.
Things had calmed down when I went back downstairs. Denny had June cornered, and they were so engrossed with each other I left them alone.
Mary had several friends over for the evening, and they had built a tent out of blankets and were giggling about something, so I avoided them.
That left Eddie and the pool table. We spent an hour or so playing at playing pool. That meant we rolled balls around the table but were far from good at it. Denny and June joined us with a challenge. Of course, Denny cleaned all of our clocks.
Just as we were setting up for another drubbing a maid told us that the gathering had ended, and June’s parents were leaving. She could join them or stay. I got her upstairs immediately.
As we were riding in the elevator June asked if I had a class ring. I showed her my bare hands as an answer.
“I go to the studio school, and we have never discussed them, so I doubt I would have one.”
“Oh, that’s a shame, what if you wanted to go steady?”
I thought of the signet ring Mum and Dad had given me after my Knighthood but didn’t mention it.
“I have never thought about going steady. I only date occasionally, certainly not enough to consider going steady.
“Well, you never know when lightning will strike.”
“No you don’t, oh we are at our floor.”
Saved by an elevator!
She seemed like a nice girl, but I wasn’t comfortable with her. She seemed like a type that I was beginning to recognize, if she went with me, it would be for what was in it for her not because she cared for me.
I escorted her to her parents and made a quick escape after the normal pleasantries. Since June was all smiles with an obvious mood change her parents looked pleased and told me they hoped to see me again soon. I said something noncommittal and booked out of there.
I went to my room. Later, Mum stopped by and thanked me for pitching in. I told her that I hoped I didn’t catch this sort of duty very often.
“You won’t Rick, only when I need you.”
She left and I felt better, until I realized she hadn’t said how often she would need me.
I read for a while but after reading the same page three times gave up and went to sleep.
Chapter 27
I did my normal morning routine, and also checked how the refurbishing of the stables was going. I had nothing to do with it now except make certain the construction crew were performing as stated. Everything looked good to me.
The project included a new roof, replacement of most of the siding, a new floor and a total paint job. Mum picked out the colors for me. Who knew that along with a coat of arms, the Jackson’s had their own racing colour’s? I liked the funny English spelling of colour’s, so spelled it that way in the contract. The stables were to be a dark green with a black trim.
I wrote and typed out the contract and Dad signed it for me after reading it very closely. He had me modify it to include a requirement, that the contractor and any sub-contractors carry insurance and be bonded. I had never thought of that so chalk that up to something learned.
After my shower and dressing I joined the family for breakfast. I was the last one there. As soon as Mary saw me, she started.
“Ricky and June, sitting in a tree.”
This could not end well.
Wordlessly Mum handed me the society section of the paper. There along with the description of her event was the picture of June and me kissing. It was titled, “Two new love birds?”
Denny asked, “What will Emily have to say?”
“I don’t think it will bother her, there is nothing to it.”
Eddie and Mary had a few questions, but I noticed my parents were very silent on the issue.
I announced that I was going flying for the day to rack up as many hours as I could and no one objected so I was off. I had called Mr. McGarry and the plane was available.
It was a wonderful day for flying, clear skies and not a storm cloud in sight.
Monday started out like all Mondays since they named the day, slowly and reluctantly. In my case, there was no good reason, nothing to dread about the coming week, just didn’t want to start it. Though start it I did.
By the time I had finished my work out with weights and a good run I was ready to go. Breakfast was very quiet as each of us got ready for the week. I think Mary was sleep-eating.
When asked for my plans for the day, I really didn’t have any. Dad suggested I go to the studio school and make certain I was current in my school work. I knew I was more than current, but figured that a check in wouldn’t hurt. Besides I wanted to talk to them about a class ring.
Not that I wanted to go steady with anyone, but wanted to be prepared. There was no way that I would give my signet ring to anyone. I only wore it on special occasions as I didn’t want to damage it. Mum and Dad must have paid a small fortune for it.
I checked out with our guards, letting them know my approximate plans for the morning. I didn’t see any squirt guns in sight. They must have noticed the remaining water balloons on the front seat of the car. I had only used two of the five balloons.
Jim and Connie watched me closely as I tossed them out on the passenger side. I think I was in more danger at that moment than ever in my life. I then apologized for my actions. They were both gracious and told me that the great water battle was becoming a legend in their company.
It was being used in their training on what not to do. As all good stories there was a hero and a villain. Guess what my role was. With a laugh and a wave, I took off. Hmm, maybe I could improve my image with a Hi-Yo Silver Away!
At the studio, the guard waved me down. Mr. Monroe wanted to see me.
I had to wait for about ten minutes and felt like I was sitting in the Principals office, but he was all smiles when I walked in. His smile got even bigger when I handed him the Judges check.
“I heard about that golf match Rick, you put that guy down hard. I talked to Jim Garner about it and he thought it was great. Apparently Smails was a real pain in the butt, true he brought money to the table, but not enough to be worth the aggravation. I doubt if we ever hear of him again.”
“I think I would deposit the check quickly if I were you.”
“Good point. Now what brings you in this morning Rick besides bearing gifts?”
I explained that I was checking up on my school work and was going to ask about a class ring.
“After you talk to them, ask them to discuss it with me, I have some ideas on the subject.”
“May I ask?”
“No, I would rather it be a surprise.”
“Okay.”
I went over to the school. I got lucky, not only was class being dismissed, the littles running out of the schoolroom didn’t knock me over. I was a lot bigger, but it was a thundering herd of a dozen or more of them.
Both Miss Sperry and Mr. Danson were there, so I had the two people I needed. Maybe this Monday wouldn’t be so bad after all.
I told them my thoughts on a class ring. I didn’t say I wanted a less expensive ring to give a girl if I ever wanted to go steady, just that all the other kids were starting to wear theirs, and that I felt a little left out.
They received it well. As a matter of fact, they went overboard. Their private company ran schools at all the studios, and for several foreign consulates. They excitedly started ta
lking about having a class ring, with a little variation for each of their locations. Next it was school colors, and a mascot. They even thought of a yearbook.
The yearbook would be interesting because their student body would change continuously. Child actors may only work on movies for several years in a row and never be heard of again. I thought about that one, I could see a grandparent pulling out their yearbook to show they went to school with someone that really made it. Of course, there was a good chance the grandkids wouldn’t know who they were talking about.
I let them know that Mr. Monroe had some ideas on the subject and would like to talk to them. After stirring that pot I made my escape.
I went over to the stunt yard and ran into Dick Wyman. We caught up with each other. He and Janice were starting a family, she was expecting. I congratulated him and made a mental note to buy a gift for the new born, which was due in February. They were still living in the house attached to our property and the exit to the tunnel.
Everyone else was off on various jobs so I headed out to the airport to get a few hours flying.
I checked in at the office and was told the plane was ready. Just make certain I did my walk around. It hadn’t been in the air since yesterday, so the wings might be ready to fall off.
I did the walk around and the wings were still holding on, but when I checked for water in the fuel there was some evidence of water. I took a sample in to Mr. McGarry and he agreed the fuel tank would have to be drained.
“Good catch Rick. This is exactly why we do these checks one hundred percent of the time, well unless they are strafing the airfield.”
At first, I thought he was joking, he wasn’t.
I thought I wouldn’t be flying today. I thought wrong. I learned how to pump fuel out of a fuel tank, use an airline with no water condensation to blow it dry and refill. It took an hour, but I was happy to learn this task.
Mr. McGarry had other things to do, so I was just racking up hours.
I was over the ranch with the airstrip when I noticed something a little odd. In a far corner of the ranch was a semi-truck parked along the road. Flying closer but staying high I could see there was a ramp down. Further out in the field were men on horseback doing a round up.
