THE BROKEN HEARTS

Chapter 9: "Just friends..."

The interview Terry gave Patricia went very well, but she had the impression that something was bothering him. But she didn't say anything and she continued her interview.

- Are we almost done? Asked Terry a little impatient

- Soon Terry, said Patricia, what's going on? Do you have to go somewhere?

- Euh no...I... I wanted to rest a little before tonight representation...

- Oh all right, let me wrap up fast then. I'll go interview the other actors...

- Forgive me Patricia, take all the time you need... there's no rush...

He had to hold her back; otherwise they were going to accuse him of jealous again... But he was dying to know what Annie was doing with the dandy...

oOoOoOoOoOo

The dandy was looking at Annie work and was telling her about the latest gossip in Chicago. Instead of being impressed by his ex-fiancée's knowledge, he talked about trivial things, and Annie was waiting for him to say something about her work. But it's was Archie, the dandy, who also was good with the needle, so he wasn't impressed by what Annie was going... Terry was probably right; Archie didn't want her to work... She was sad to realise that. Not that she would've changed her mind if he had been impressed by her... Because she had no intention of leaving Terry. She was feeling good with him, she was feeling free with him, she could be herself and she didn't need to impress him... She had left him with Patricia; he must've felt abandoned, especially since Archie followed her... Why did she care about Terry's feelings all of a sudden? Because he was her friend... She had to go see him.

- I'm sorry Archie, she said, walking to the door.

- Where are you going?

- You can wait for me here; I have to go see an actor for his costume. I'll be right back...

- Oh, all right then.

He stayed in the sewing room and he started closely at the costumes, the finishing touch was excellent. Annie was going a good job... really.

Annie walked to Terry's dressing room and she knocked.

- Come in! Said Terry's voice a little irritated.

Annie opened the door and Patricia, who was still there, saw the relief on Terry's face when Annie came in.

- Oh, she said, I thought you were done, I'm sorry.

- No, I'm done, dais Patricia, I'm going to let you talk... Thank you again Terry.

- You can come back anytime, Patricia, said Terry with enthousiasme.

Patricia noticed that the tone of his voice had changed, was it due to Annie's presence? And Annie had that dreamy look she used to have when she thought about Archibald... She was with Archie earlier... That must've been it... There was nothing between Terry and Annie, they were just friends.

Annie looked at Terry.

- Are you ok? He asked.

- Yes...

- What did the dandy want?

- What do you think?

- Are you encouraging him?

- I want to know how far he's going to go...

- Annie...

- Don't worry; I know what I'm going...

- You loved him for years. He might convince you...

- There's no chance. I like our arrangement and I have no intention to give it up...

- All right, said Terry. Thanks for coming talking to me.

- You're welcome, get some rest. You got a show later on..., she said smiling at him.

He smiled back at her and he went to lay down, the light-hearted. Annie had come to reassure him because she knew he was upset. She really was a really good friend.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Eleonor Baker was on the phone. Her dressing room was full of flowers sent by the duke. He was persistent. He started to send her chocolate boxes, chocolate pralines. He knew Eleonor loved chocolate. Every single bouquet of flowers and chocolate boxes had a little note inviting her for diner after the play. She never answered them.

She finally got the person she was seeking for on the phone.

- William Andrew on the phone, she heard.

- Yes, hello Mr. Andrew, Eleonor Baker on the phone.

- Hello Miss Baker, said Albert smiling, to what do I owe the honor of your call?

- I wanted to talk with you about something...

- All right. Are you free for dinner tonight?

Eleonor looked at the roses invading her dressing room with the chocolate boxes. She smiled.

- Yes, I'm free after the play; I'm free as a bird!

- Perfect! I'm going to wait after the play, I'll send my driver to come and pick you up.

- Very well. See you tonight then...

- See you tonight, said Albert smiling.

Eleonor hung up the phone. The duke wasn't done struggling to get her back!