Dream's End Read Free Page A

their menus and went away.
    â€œHer,” he said quickly, nodding toward a woman who’d just come in on the arm of a much older man.
    Without being obvious, Eleanor half turned in her seat and got a glimpse of a lovely young blonde, as delicate looking as a rosebud, with a knockout figure.
    â€œWho is she?” she whispered.
    â€œThe daughter of the man who owns the club—that’s her father with her.” He grinned suddenly and turned his attentionback to the menu. “I think we’ve been spotted. Don’t look, but she’s really giving you a green-eyed look.”
    â€œAha, that’s why you brought me here, to be stabbed in the back.” She smiled.
    â€œIn a sense. You’re a real pal, Norie. I’ll do you a good turn one of these days,” he promised faithfully.
    â€œNo need. I love playing cupid. Is she still glaring?”
    â€œSure is…oh, my gosh!” His face drew up.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?”
    â€œHide behind your menu for a minute, quick!” Jim said.
    â€œWhy?” she whispered.
    â€œBecause Curry and Amanda just walked through the door!”
    She felt herself sinking down in the leather booth. Frightened suddenly, for no good reason, she quickly pulled the menu up to conceal her face, leaving her shoulders and a glimpse of her long hair visible.
    â€œHello, Jim!” came Curry’s deep voice. “Haven’t seen you in a long time.”
    â€œYou’re never home when I call at the ranch.” Jim laughed. “I get over a good bit to see Norie.”
    â€œNorie,” Curry scoffed. “My God, what a name. She looks like an Eleanor; pet names don’t suit her.”
    â€œYou call her Jadebud,” Jim countered.
    â€œIn my good moods, when I want something,” Curry said darkly. “Eleanor’s not much to look at, even though she’s a damned good secretary. I flatter her a little now and then. It doesn’t hurt and,” he added with a heartless smile, “it helps keep her efficiency up.”
    â€œCurry, how can you talk like that about her?” Amanda scolded gently and Eleanor, listening helplessly, hurting, blessed her for it. “After all, she’s been with you for three years!”
    â€œShe’ll be with me forever,” Currysaid nonchalantly. “Where else does she have to go? No man will ever want her, that’s for damned sure, and I pay good wages. What else does the little spinster need?”
    â€œSomeone better than you to work for,” Jim said with sudden, hot anger, and Eleanor knew without looking that those dark eyes would be narrow with it. “She’s never had a vacation, did you notice? She never takes time off at all, she just bows down to you as you pass by her. Someday she won’t be there for you to walk all over, Curry, and what will you do then?”
    Curry’s voice deepened as it always did in anger. “Are you still trying to steal her, Black?”
    â€œAny way I can, Curry,” he replied gruffly. “I may not be as colorful to work for as you are, but I’ll treat her decently and that’s something you’ve never done!”
    There was a short, tense pause. “Howwould you like to step around back with me?” Curry asked huskily.
    â€œAny time,” Jim replied tightly.
    â€œNow, boys,” Amanda said gently, “this isn’t the time or the place. Let’s just enjoy the meal, okay?”
    Eleanor felt the tension slowly relax, and she knew her fingers were trembling where they held the menu.
    â€œLet it pass,” Curry said roughly. “But, Black, you stay the hell away from my spread.”
    â€œWith pleasure,” Jim ground out. “Watch your nose, while you’re about it, Curry. If it rains, you’ll drown.”
    Jim waited until Curry and Amanda were a few steps away before he took down the menu Eleanor was using as a shield. His face grew