Free Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann Page A

To girls with more know-how than you. Unfortunately, I had to make the speech after the damage was done, when they were carrying a torch bigger than China. But at least they didn’t go around giving up millionaires first.”
    “You make him sound like quite a heel,” she said.
    “What heel? He’s a guy, free and single. And any girl who appeals to him is the right girl—for the moment. And there are a hell of a lot of moments and a hell of a lot of right girls around this town.”
    “I can’t believe every man feels that way.”
    “Lyon Burke isn’t ‘every man.’ Just like New York isn’t ‘every town.’ Sure, maybe there will come a time when Lyon gets his fill and will settle for one girl. But that will only come after a lot of living—and even then he’ll never really settle for just that girl.”
    The phone jangled. Automatically Anne started to get it. He waved her aside. “Sit down, heiress. Remember, you don’t work here any more.” He walked to the desk. “Hello . . . sure, put her on. Hi, Jennifer. Yeah, it’s all set. . . . What? Yeah, how about that? Matter of fact, she’s sitting right here. Sure she’s thrilled. You should see her—she’s wearing out my rug dancing for joy.” He turned to Anne. “Jennifer North sends you her congratulations.” He returned to the phone. “Yeah, you bet she’s lucky. Listen, baby, the contracts should be ready today. Soon as I okay them, I’ll send them around for you to sign. . . . Fine, honey . . . check with you around five.” He hung up. “Now there’s a smart girl. Jennifer North.”
    “Who is she?”
    Henry groaned. “Oh, come on! Don’t you ever read the papers? She just unloaded a prince. She’s been on the front pages almost every day. She burst into town from nowhere, like a cyclone—actually she’s from California, about your age—and wham! along comes this prince. The real thing, with money, too. He courts her, the whole works—mink coat, diamond ring. The AP, UP, all the press covers it. A mayor in Jersey officiates. Every celebrity in town goes to the reception. Four days later, front pages—she wants an annulment.”
    “But you aren’t a divorce lawyer.”
    “No. She’s got a good lawyer working on that, but he recommended me as a business manager. And she sure needs one. For a smart girl, she did one very stupid thing. Seems she signed a little thing like a premarital agreement. If she wants out, she doesn’t get a dime. And she wants out. Won’t say why—just wants to unload him. So she’s got to work.”
    “Is she talented?”
    Henry smiled. “She doesn’t need talent. If she wants it she’s a cinch for pictures. You’ve never seen such a kisser. And her figure . . . I’d say Jennifer North is about the most beautiful girl in the world.” He paused. “Actually, that’s not true. You’re more beautiful, Anne. The longer a guy looks at you, the more beautiful you become. But Jennifer—her beauty hits you right in the eye. The first glance carries a thousand volts. She’s got it made. As soon as we get that annulment and she opens in Hit the Sky, I’m a cinch to land her a big movie deal.”
    “Does she sing?” Anne asked.
    “I told you—she does nothing.”
    “But if she’s in Hit the Sky . . .”
    “I’ve set her in a small bit—sort of a glorified showgirl—with feature billing. Helen okayed it. That’s one thing I taught Helen way back. Carry the show talentwise, but surround yourself with pretty scenery. But why am I talking about Helen, or Jennifer? It’s you I’m concerned about. I’ve got my lumps coming up with them later.”
    “Henry, I want to keep my job with you . . .”
    “Translated, ‘Henry, I want to have a go at Lyon Burke,’” he snapped.
    “I won’t even look at him if that’s what’s worrying you.”
    Henry shook his head. “You’re begging for a broken heart and I’m not going to be a part of it. Now get out of here—you’re fired! Go marry Allen Cooper