1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Page 4 of 5

hand. Zeppo came around to the front of the car and gave him the keys. "Please park in the usual spot, Andrew." With the keys, he included a wad of bills, which the young valet took with a salute.

"Thank YOU, Mr. Marx!"

Arm-in-arm with his two ladies, Zeppo walked through the front door of the Trocadero. Smoky, dark, loud . . . the room assaulted them, as it did each time. They were regulars, everyone who worked there knew them and almost always saw the three of them together, especially lately, since Barbara's well-publicized divorce from Frank Fay.

"Mr. Marx, Mrs. Marx, Miss Stanwyck." The club's manager was immediately at their side. "Your table awaits you." He walked a few steps ahead, and with a hand protectively on each arm, Zeppo followed, escorting the ladies to a familiar spot, just to the edge of the fray but close enough to see everything around them.

The table was in shadow, along with two others beside it, one on either side. As the manager made sure they were settled and comfortable, and drinks immediately brought to them, Zeppo looked to his right, nodded, and cocked his head slightly in Barbara's direction.

Marion noticed her husband's distraction, though Barbara did not. She was politely engaged in light conversation with a matronly lady at the table to her left. She was turned toward the other woman, a smile pasted on her lips, a few words of commiseration placed in just the right places.

As soon as Marion was certain Barbara wouldn't hear, she leaned over and whispered to Zeppo, "Who'd you nod to?"

"R. T.'s agent, of course."

*

"You see who's coming in the door, Bob?"

Having just completed his second drink, Bob lit another cigarette. He glanced at the front. "Yeah, Zeppo Marx. And his wife?"

Don leaned forward. "Yes, the Marxes. But do you see who's with them?"

Bob had been around Hollywood long enough to know about the Barbara Stanwyck. He was aware she was the consummate professional. There was no missing that elusive, mysterious allure that followed in her wake, wherever she went.

She is sexy.

"It's Stanwyck."

Don grinned. "That's right." He let it sink in. "So? What do you think?"

"What do I think about what? What the . . . .?"

At that moment, Zeppo and Marion were getting settled. Barbara chatted with a woman at the table on the other side of them. Bob watched as Don and Zeppo exchanged meaningful glances, nodding at each other as if sharing an important secret.

"Don? Is this why you brought me here tonight?"

His agent was on his fourth drink. "So, what

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Biography: Robert Taylor?
We want to hear your view. Write now!