Free The Love Machine by Jacqueline Susann Page A

she? And she should have sleep. I’m a thoughtless son of a bitch. Really want to pack it in, baby?”
She nodded, as if not trusting her voice.
He leaned over and kissed her on the head. Then he turned to Jerry. “Put Amanda in a cab, Jerry, then come back. After all, we can’t let New York’s top model lose her sleep while we do some serious drinking.”
Amanda got up and walked out of the room. Jerry followed her helplessly. Every man at the bar stared as she walked to the door. When she got outside she crumpled. “Jerry, what did I do wrong? I love him, I love him so much. What did I do wrong?”
“Nothing, honey. He’s just turned off for this evening. When he turns off no one can get through to him. He’ll forget it by tomorrow.” He whistled and tried to flag a cab.
“Make him realize I love him, Jerry. Don’t let that ugly cow move in. She’s trying to—isn’t she?”
“Honey, Ethel Evans is a one-night stand for everyone. Robin knows the score. Now get a good night’s sleep.”
A cab pulled up. He opened the door.
“Jerry, I’m going back there. I can’t let him—”
He pushed her into the cab. “Amanda, you’ve only known Robin a few months. I’ve known him for years. No one ever tells him what he can or can’t do. You want to know what you did wrong? And I’m only guessing, but you made noises like a wife. You told him not to drink. Don’t crowd him, Amanda. This man needs space. He was always that way. Even at college. Now go home, get your sleep, I’m sure it will be all over by tomorrow.”
“Jerry, call me when you leave him. No matter how late it is—how can I sleep when we’ve parted like this! Please, I’ve got to know, even if he tells you he’s had it with me—or if he winds up with that girl …”
“He won’t tell me anything. You should know that.”
Jerry was suddenly aware that the taxi driver was enjoying the scene while his meter was clicking. He gave him Amanda’s address.
She rolled down the window. “Call me, Jerry”—she reached out and grabbed his arm— “please.”
He promised. Then he watched the cab disappear. He felt for Amanda. Robin hadn’t been intentionally sadistic tonight. He had just turned off. Jerry had learned to recognize this trait in him. Maybe it was part of his charm. You could always count on Robin to do the unexpected. Like inviting Ethel Evans to join them.
“How about some hamburgers?” Jerry asked, as he returned to the table.
“You can afford to skip a meal,” Robin said easily. “You missed gym twice last week.”
“I live near here,” Ethel said. “Why not come back to my place? I scramble crazy eggs.” She looked at Jerry and added, “And I’ve got a very nice blond roommate. She might have a towel around her head but if we give her five minutes’ warning, she can have the coffee going.”
Robin stood up. “I’m not hungry. Jerry and I will walk you home. Then Jerry can walk me home.” He picked up the bill and handed it to Jerry. “You sign it, junior. It’s a write-off for you: entertaining a client.”
Ethel lived at Fifty-seventh and First Avenue. She walkedquickly trying to keep up with Robin’s long strides. “You live near here?” she asked.
“I live on the river,” he answered.
“Maybe we’re neighbors—”
“It’s a long river,” he said.
They walked silently the rest of the way. For once Ethel found it hard going. He had a way of answering that seemed to curtail any added conversation. They stopped in front of her building. “Are you sure you don’t want a nightcap?” she asked. “I have some hundred-proof vodka.”
“No. I’m packing it in for now.”
“Well, I guess I’ll see you. I’m sure you’re going to be very happy at IBC, and if there’s anything I can do—”
His smile was slow. “I’m happy everywhere, baby. See you around.” Then he walked off with Jerry stumbling after him.
Ethel stared at them as they rounded the corner. She wanted Robin so bad she physically