The Love Machine by Jacqueline Susann Read Free Book Online Page B

Yvonne, her correspondent, had Ethel’s letters mimeoed and they passed freely around the office. When Ethel learned this, she took even greater pains to be more descriptive. It worked almost like a paid ad for her. Many big names called her when they came to New York. Famous men … beautiful men… .
Often she wished Helga could see her on some of her dates with the handsome stars. Helga must be faded and loaded with kids by now. Helga had married Peter Cinocek!
She looked up suddenly. Danton Miller was standing at her table. He was very drunk.
“Hello, baby,” he said with his Cheshire smile.
She smiled casually. “Well, well, if it isn’t City Lights.”
“Meaning what?” he asked.
“Like the picture of the same name. You only recognize me when you’re drunk.”
Dan pulled up a chair. He laughed. “You’re a funny girl.” He waved for another drink. Then he looked at her with a grin. “They say you’re the greatest. Do you think I should lay you?”
“I choose who I lay, Mr. President. But don’t feel sad—I’ve got you on my list, if there’s a slow night.”
“Is tonight slow?”
“It started that way …”
He threw his arm around her. “You’re an ugly broad. In fact, you’re really a beast. But I hear you’re the greatest. Want to come home with me?”
“You make it sound so romantic.”
His eyes narrowed. “I hear you also have a big mouth. That you spread the word, give a Nielsen rating on every guy you lay.”
She shrugged. “Why not? My ratings save some of my girl friends from shacking up with a blintz.”
Dan’s smile was ugly. “Who the hell are you to give a guy a rating?”
“Let’s say I have an excellent basis for comparison.”
“Want a drink?” he asked, as the waiter placed his Scotch before him.
She shook her head and watched him drain the glass. He stared at her. “You’re getting prettier by the minute, Gargantua. And I’m getting curiouser and curiouser.”
“You’re also getting very drunk,” she said.
“Yeah, time to go home. Maybe I’ll take you home with me.”
“You forget, Mr. President. I make the decision.”
He was almost humble as he stared at her. “Well, wanna come?”
She thrilled at the glorious surge of power. He was begging now. “If I do, you have to send me home in a Carey car.”
“I’ll send you home in a Rolls-Royce if you’re half as good as they say.” He lumbered to his feet and signaled for his check. She was relieved to see he automatically picked up hers.
“Are you sure you’re sober enough to enjoy it?” she asked.
“You make me enjoy it,” he challenged. “I think it’s about time someone gives a rating on you .”
She stood staring at him on the street. “Forget it. I’m too great to waste on a drunk.”
He grabbed her arm. “Scared? Maybe your reputation is phony. Probably is. How could you be any different from any other dame—unless at the finish your cunt plays ‘The Star Spangled Banner’?”
“I think I’ll show you, little man.” She hailed a cab and helped him in.
He had a nice apartment in the East Seventies. Typically bachelor and typically executive. He led her directly into the bedroom and fumbled out of his clothes. She saw the surprise on his face as she undressed. Her perfect breasts always caused this reaction.
“Hey, baby, you’re stacked.” He held out his arms.
She came to him. “A little better than Susie Morgan, huh?”
“Wouldn’t know,” he mumbled. He threw her on the bed. His kiss was sloppy. He tried to mount her but he was limp. She slid out from under him and rolled him over.
“Take it easy, sonny,” she said. “You may be president of the network, but you’re just a boy to me. Now lie back. Ethel will show you what love is about.”
She started making love to him. And as his excitement mounted, as he responded and whispered, “Baby, baby … you’re the greatest,” she forgot that tomorrow he would pass her in the hall without a nod. Right now she was making love