Hollywood Sinners

38

Las Vegas



Elisabeth Sabell stabbed a spear of asparagus with her fork. She bit off its head and chewed carefully, scrutinising her fiancé. They had met for a late lunch at Athena, the Parthenon’s signature restaurant, but Robert had barely uttered a word.

‘What’s the matter?’ she asked gently.

‘Nothing’s the matter.’ He loosened his tie. ‘Just a little hot in here, that’s all.’

Elisabeth looked down at her salad, her appetite vanishing. She felt like there was a stamp across her forehead that disclosed her guilt.

‘Are you sure?’ she enquired weakly.

Robert smiled in a way that made his eyes go crinkly at the edges. ‘Of course.’

A simultaneous rush of relief and affection compelled her to take his hand. She stroked his skin with her thumb, the first real act of intimacy between them in weeks. They’d made love, of course, but methodically–not with the passion they’d once shared.

‘What time are you expecting them?’

He reached for his glass of sparkling water and took a very long drink. ‘Early evening,’ he said. ‘They’re scheduled to arrive at seven.’

‘Great!’ Elisabeth sang, wearied by the thought of it. She wasn’t looking forward to this evening at all. The last thing she wanted was to make Lana Falcon’s acquaintance. The woman spelled trouble for Robert and her–she couldn’t put her finger on it but it was definitely there.

Then again, Elisabeth was hardly able to indulge in the mistrust of others. Swallowing her memories of Alberto Bellini with the next slug of Sancerre, she put her cutlery together and gave Robert a tight smile. Since the fight she’d vowed to put him from her mind. It wasn’t easy. Every time she thought of Alberto’s touch, the way he had caressed her body with hands that had known a thousand dangers, she felt a shiver ripple right down her spine.

‘I’ll give them a tour of the Orient before we eat,’ said Robert. He cleared his throat.

As Elisabeth glanced up she felt a stab of guilt. She had to tell him, they were getting married. The twinkle of her engagement ring caught her eye. Robert still hadn’t mentioned a date for the wedding. In a defence she didn’t quite support, she decided it was no wonder she’d found solace elsewhere.

The mess you’re in is Robert’s fault, is it?

Yes, it is. He forced me into Alberto’s arms.

Don’t kid yourself, Elisabeth.

‘Is there something you want to talk to me about?’ she asked, bracing herself for the accusation. Hoping for it, even.

You’re a coward.

Instead Robert’s face broke into a warm smile. ‘No, darling.’ She got the impression he was treading carefully with what he said. ‘Why?’

She shook her head. ‘It doesn’t matter.’

A moment passed. She felt his eyes on her but she gave nothing away. For a second it was like they didn’t know each other, just two strangers meeting at lunch. Abruptly he stood up.

‘I’ve got a VIP arrival,’ he said, checking his watch. ‘I’ll see you this evening, yes?’

Elisabeth dabbed her mouth with a napkin. ‘Of course–I’ve got a session with Donatella anyway.’

Robert tried a laugh. ‘Good luck,’ he said, remembering Elisabeth’s formidable voice coach.

Elisabeth didn’t join in. She rose to her feet. Then she added in a weird chummy sort of voice, ‘Till this evening!’

Silence. There had been this awful politeness between them for weeks. She felt like she should shake his hand.

‘Eight o’clock?’

She nodded, then grabbed her things and made a swift exit. It seemed important she be the first one to leave.