Part 20: link
A week or so and several frustrating make-out sessions later, Arthur comes tahanan from work and tells Gwen that he’s found an apartment for them.
“You did? Why so soon?” Gwen asks. “And I thought we were gonna buy a house…”
“Well, I want to be able to have a place for us right away once we’re married,” he says, wrapping his arms around her. “And we’ll still get a house. This will just buy us some time to do it right. To be able to really look and find the perfect one.” He lifts her chin and kisses her lips softly. “I do not want to be livin’ here once we are married,” he says softly, against her lips.
Gwen does not miss the implications in his voice. She blushes and looks down, hiding her face in his shoulder while he chuckles at her.
“I’m stayin’ here. Just so we’re clear,” she says a moment later. “I won’t be livin’ in sin with you, no matter how much you promise me that you can wait.”
“I figured that, darlin’,” he says. “But I do have a problem that I need your help with.”
“What’s that?” she asks, leaning back slightly to look up at him.
“Well, I left all my furniture back in Memphis,” he shrugs. “So I need someone to go shoppin’ for me. Someone with excellent taste and unlimited funds.” He grins at her. “I need a sofa, and a recliner, maybe, and,” he pauses, halik her nose, “and a kusina table, a… coffee table, maybe a toaster,” he kisses her cheek, “and a nice,” he kisses her jaw, “big,” he kisses her neck, just beneath her ear, “bed.” He kisses her lips now, slowly savoring them. His tongue creeps pasulong and she opens her mouth for him, halik him back.
“Ack! No making out in the foyer! God, you two…” Morgana is yelling as soon as she’s through the door.
Arthur and Gwen have passed the point of jumping guiltily apart. Especially when it’s just Morgana. They just stop what they’re doing. Gwen giggles a little.
“But, since you’re right here, I must tell you before I forget again. I’m hosting my annual Halloween party at Turner Hall on the 26th. You both have to come,” she says.
“I was wondering if you were ever going to mention it,” Arthur says, mock-accusingly.
“I’ve been busy. Shut up,” Morgana snaps back at him. “So find costumes. Good ones.”
“What are you dressing as?” Gwen asks.
“I am going as the Wicked Witch of the West and if you say one word, Arthur Pendragon, I’ll—”
“Turn me into a toad?” Arthur asks, cutting her off.
“Yes,” Morgana sneers and marches off, leaving Gwen giggling some more.
“Where were we?” Arthur asks, ready to dive back in.
“Arthur,” Gwen puts her hand on his chest. He pouts. “Okay, I’ll help you find furniture. But I don’t want to do it all sa pamamagitan ng myself. These are going to be our things, so I’d like you to participate.”
“All right,” he says, smiling. She’s right. As usual.
“Also, I’m thinkin’ I might look for a job.”
“You don’t need to work, Guinevere, you know that,” he says softly, running a finger down her cheek.
“I’m gettin’ kind of bored. I thought I’d look to see if any of the elementary schools need an aide. Even if it’s just part-time. Until I sort out my teachin’ license situation, o’ course.”
“If working will make you happy, then I certainly won’t say no.”
“I’d still do it even if you did say no,” Gwen answers. Then she kisses him and wanders back to the kusina to help Alice with dinner.
I know, and I pag-ibig you for it, Arthur thinks, watching her walk away, a stupid grin on his face.
xXx
“Superman and Lois Lane,” Arthur declares the susunod day. He plops down on the sopa with Gwen, interrupting her conversation with Morgana.
“Um, Batman and Robin?” Morgana replies, lost.
“No, for Halloween. I can be Superman and Guinevere can be Lois Lane. It’s perfect,” he says, grinning at her.
His grin drops when she bites her lower lip uncomfortably.
“It’s not perfect?” he asks.
“Well… the idea is,” Gwen says, “But… no. I don’t think we should do it.”
“Why not?” Arthur asks.
Do I really have to spell it out for him?
“Lois Lane isn’t black, Arthur,” Morgana says quietly.
“Superman ain’t blonde, either, so what?”
“We can color your hair, Arthur. We can’t lighten my skin,” Gwen says.
“It’s just a Halloween party. We’re not makin’ a movie,” Arthur says, trying not to sound exasperated. Morgana shoots him a look that clearly says Wrong answer, Loverboy.
“I realize that, but… no. I can’t do it,” she says, standing up.
“Guinevere, you’re making too big a deal of this,” he calls as she walks off to her room.
“Well, go after her, dummy,” Morgana says.
He jumps up and follows, knocking on the closed door. “Guinevere?”
“What?” Her voice is muffled.
“Can I come in?”
“Door ain’t locked.” Arthur opens the door and walks in, closing it behind him. She’s lying face-down on the bed, holding her pillow. He sits down susunod to her. He reaches his hand out to rub her back, but withdraws it.
“I guess I don’t understand,” he says.
“We’ll go to that party and people will keep askin’ me who I’m supposed to be. I’ll tell them, and while they probably won’t say it, they’ll be thinkin’ it.”
“Say what?”
She rolls over and looks at him. Her eyes are just a little damp. “Lois Lane is white. They’ll be thinkin’ it, and I’ll know they’ll be thinkin’ it. They’ll be thinkin’ I’m… uppity. Or worse, that I’m pretendin’ to be white, tryin’ to deny who I am. I won’t do that.”
“Wasn’t it you that sinabi that you can’t let the stupidity of others affect your happiness?”
“Don’t you use my own words against me, Arthur!” she says, sitting up. “I know I sinabi that, but… it doesn’t mean it’s always easy to do,” she admits.
“I guess I still don’t understand. I don’t understand why you’re troublin’ yourself about what other people are thinkin’.”
“I don’t know that you can understand.”
“I want to, though. Make me understand. Please.” He reaches over and takes her hand.
“It’s easy for you to not worry about what other people think. You’re white, and you’re a man besides. You don’t have to answer to nobody. ’Cept the police, but that’s not generally even a problem for you, either,” she says, looking at their joined hands. “I know their opinions don’t matter. Or they shouldn’t. But I also don’t want to stir up unnecessary trouble. I am a colored woman, Arthur. I’m essentially powerless in society. Things may change one day, but right now, if I go to this party dressed like Lois Lane, I could be poking a stick in a hornet’s nest. I know this ain’t the south, but we definitely know that there are people that think that way here, too.” She sighs. “What it boils down to is I know folks’ll be thinkin’ it, and that will make me feel foolish.”
Arthur ponders this. “I don’t want you feelin’ foolish,” he says softly, stroking her knuckles. He raises her hand to his lips and kisses it.
“You can still be Superman, but I ain’t gonna be Lois Lane.”
“I don’t want to be Superman if you won’t be my Lois Lane.”
“I’ll always be your Lois Lane, Superman. Just not at this Halloween party,” she says, halik his hand in return.
xXx
In the end they abandon the idea of wearing coordinating costumes. There was just nothing they could agree on.
Guinevere, wearing an evening toga of Morgana’s, complete with long satin gloves, goes as Eartha Kitt. She even carries a microphone with her as a prop.
Arthur, clad in jeans, a white t-shirt, a motorcycle dyaket that Gaius produced from the attic (while vehemently refusing to answer any tanong about its origin), and his hair combed into a messy pompadour, is James Dean.
Arthur slouches his way into the foyer, unlit cigarette hanging from his lips. Gwen can’t contain her gasp at his appearance.
“You don’t like it?” he asks, straightening up.
She steps very close to him and places her hands on his chest. “I love it. You look really… sexy,” she says quietly, blushing down to her toes.
Arthur’s eyebrows shoot up, quite surprised. “Mmm, my lady approves,” he purrs at her, pulling her into his arms.
“Except this,” she says, snatching the cigarette out of his mouth. “I don’t like this.”
“It’s just for looks,” he says, taking it back. “And you look pretty sexy yourself there, Ms. Kitt.”
“Thank you. But I can’t do the voice,” she says, pouting.
“I don’t think anyone will care. Don’t you have a balutin or anything?” he asks, looking down at her bare shoulders and the rare treat of her cleavage.
“Morgana says it’ll be warm enough inside,” Gwen says.
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” he says, dropping his eyes pointedly.
She laughs. “Too much skin for you to take, Mr. Dean?”
“Not for me,” he mumbles, a bit petulantly.
“Pictures!” Morgana declares, sweeping into the foyer. She is a vision in black, her face and hands covered in green makeup, her long black hair hanging down her back beneath a pointy hat.
Alice and Gaius are right behind her, camera in Gaius’ hands.
Too many shots are taken, and then Arthur slides behind the wheel of Gwen’s car.
“Are you sure that we want James Dean to be our chauffer?” Morgana asks, taking off her hat and climbing in the back seat.
“Morgana, that’s in poor taste,” Gwen says, but she’s laughing.
“This ain’t a Porsche, Morgana, it’s an Impala. Even you could tell the difference,” Arthur says, pulling the car out of the driveway.
Morgana shows up late to her own party. It’s already in full ugoy when they arrive, and she sweeps in and soaks up the praise for the party and her costume like a professional.
Arthur just rolls his eyes. He recognizes some people. A lot of lawyers, and he realizes that she can write this off as a business expense because of it. Shrewd.
They check Gwen’s coat. “If you get cold, let me know and I’ll give you my jacket,” Arthur says, trying not to be too obvious.
“Nice try,” Gwen says. She leans up and kisses him. “Stop being jealous of imaginary men.”
They mingle. Arthur introduces Gwen to a few people from the office. Alvarr is dressed as The Tin Man, per Morgana’s request. He looks very uncomfortable. Cenred refused to play and is dressed like Count Dracula. He was supposed to be the Scarecrow.
“Why didn’t Gaius and Alice come?” Gwen asks Arthur.
“Didn’t want to. They say they’re too old for these kinds of shenanigans. I say they just want the house to themselves, because Morgana says they never come.”
“Why doesn’t Morgana get her own place? She’s such an independent woman.”
“Not sure. I think she likes the company, actually. She’s never been much on being alone. Are you thirsty?”
“Yes, actually,” Gwen says.
“I’ll go get us something,” he says, halik her quickly. “Be right back.”
Gwen is left alone. She sees Morgana fussing over Alvarr the Tin Man across the room.
“Why, Miss Eartha Kitt, as I live and breathe,” an unfamiliar voice greets her, and she turns.
“You’re the first person who’s gotten it right,” Gwen says, turning. She is greeted sa pamamagitan ng a tall colored man dressed all in black, wearing a black mask, a black hat, and a cape. He has a fencing sword at his hip. “Zorro?” she asks.
“Sí, señorita,” he says, smiling. “Isaac,” he holds his hand out.
“Gwen,” she introduces herself and shakes his hand.
“Are you new in town, Gwen? I don’t believe I’ve seen you at one of Morgana’s little parties before.”
“Yes, we just moved up here from Memphis a few weeks ago,” she says.
“Well, that explains the charming southern drawl,” he says. “We?”
“My—”
“Champagne, darlin’,” Arthur swoops in just then, having hurried back to her side when he saw the interested looks that Zorro was giving his fiancée. He kisses her cheek and places his arm around her waist.
“Ah, perfect timing. I was just about to say, ‘my fiancé and I moved up here,’” she smiles at Isaac.
“Ah. Fiancé,” Isaac says, not hiding his disappointment very well.
“Arthur, this is Isaac…” Gwen leaves it hanging, not knowing the man’s last name.
“Isaac Helios,” he finishes for her, extending his hand.
Arthur releases Gwen’s waist to shake his hand. “Arthur Pendragon. I’ve been trying to reach you sa pamamagitan ng phone for weeks, incidentally.”
“Hmm. Yes. You have,” Isaac admits guiltily, looking away for a moment. “Sorry.”
“Do I even want to know?” Arthur asks, angling his head.
“Well, I have been quite busy…”
“Exactly the reason you and I should talk,” Arthur says. “I think we could help each other out.”
“Well, to be honest, I’m not so sure about that. Some of the people that come to me for help may not want a rich white man as a lawyer for their civil rights complaints.”
“Since we’re being honest, I’m surprised that people come to you for help at all if you can’t even be bothered to return a phone call.”
“Arthur!” Gwen exclaims.
“I’m sorry, but that’s just basic courtesy. If you don’t want to work something out, fine, but at least extend me the professional courtesy of taking my call.”
He has a point. Gwen shrugs and looks up at Helios. Well?
“Damn, man, she’s got a glare,” Isaac eventually says, chuckling a little nervously. He holds up his hand, surrendering. “All right. I have no excuse other than arrogance for not calling you back. I just don’t understand why you’re even interested in specializing in civil rights.”
Gwen glances up at Arthur, smiling a little proudly at him. He nods just slightly, as if he’s saying go ahead. “Because he believes what we believe. Well, what I believe. I don’t know you well enough to know what you believe, but he wants fairness and equality for everyone, regardless of color. He believes in the words of people like Dr. King and W.E.B. Du Bois; believes that people shouldn’t be automatically classified as ‘lesser’ because their skin is darker. He wants to help. Yes, he’s a rich white man, but he wants to use that advantage to help the cause, Mr. Helios.”
Isaac stares at her. He turns to Arthur. “She a lawyer?”
“No,” Arthur laughs, “but she could be.”
“Why do people keep askin’ me that?” Gwen wonders aloud.
“Because, my love, you have a definite way with words,” Arthur says, halik her forehead.
“That comes from havin’ to explain things to five-year-olds,” she says, laughing now. “I teach kindergarten,” she tells Isaac. “Or I did in Memphis. Right now I’m doin’ nothin’.”
“You do plenty,” Arthur says.
“I don’t doubt that. And your beautiful and persuasive fiancée has convinced me, Pendragon. I will call you Monday and we’ll set up a meeting.”
Arthur narrows his eyes and looks at him skeptically.
“I promise,” Isaac says, making an X over his heart. “That one has got those eyes like my mama used to give me when I was pagganap up. I’m not crossing her,” he laughs.
“Thank you, Mr. Helios,” Gwen says, smiling now.
“Well, if you don’t call me, I’m going to have Guinevere call you,” Arthur threatens.
“Fair enough,” he laughs.
They chat a bit longer, madami relaxed now, and Gwen excuses herself to the ladies’ room. She walks away and Isaac spots someone else he needs to see, leaving Arthur on his own.
He sits at a table, taking a few mga mani from the bowl on the table. He watches Morgana, still belle of the ball, even as a witch. He chuckles at her.
Always liked to be the center of attention, he thinks, smiling.
“Well, this is a coincidence,” a female voice purrs behind him. “James Dean, meet Marilyn Monroe,” Arthur turns to see a blonde woman dressed as Marilyn Monroe from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, in a kulay-rosas satin toga and diamonds, holding her hand out, palm-down, like she expects it to be kissed. He shakes it.
“Oh, now, is that any way to greet a fellow dead celebrity?” she admonishes, tutting at him.
“Hello, Morgause,” Arthur says politely. She sits beside him at the table.
“Arthur, I’m so happy to see you,” she says. “I heard you were in town. Is it true that it’s a permanent move?”
He nods. “Are you still in Chicago?” he asks.
“Yes, but I always make sure to make the drive up for Morgana’s Halloween party. Wouldn’t miss it. And you should come to Chicago for a visit some time. It’s so much madami sophisticated than Milwaukee.”
“Maybe my fiancée and I will take a drive down susunod summer, when the weather is nice again. Of course, sa pamamagitan ng that time she’ll be my wife,” he says pointedly.
“Oh, yes, that’s right. I did hear that you were engaged, and to a colored girl, no less,” she says. Her tone turns a bit icy. Disdainful.
Arthur looks towards the restrooms. Gwen has just appeared, but Morgana has kidnapped her, hooking her arm through Gwen’s and pulling her along to meet people.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Arthur asks. Now I remember why I never liked Morgause. She’s a bitch.
“Well, I’m just wondering why you feel the need to play house with one of them,” she says. “Weren’t there any nice white girls in Memphis?”
“Plenty. None of them interested me,” Arthur says.
“And she does?” she asks, nodding in Gwen’s direction.
“You know nothin’ about her,” he snaps. “And I don’t like what you seem to be implying.”
“What, that she’s just a novelty that you’re going to grow bored with? Trust me, I could keep you very interested,” she says, touching his hand.
“I highly doubt that,” he says, pulling his hand away. “My relationship with Guinevere is none of your damn business, Morgause.”
“She’s not right for you,” she pouts.
“Are you drunk? You barely know me, and you don’t know her at all.”
“So? She’s colored. That’s not right.”
“No, what’s ‘not right’ is your way of thinking,” Arthur says, standing.
“Fine, Arthur, go marry the dirty little secret you had to run away from tahanan to be with. Don’t expect me to be waiting for you when you realize that she was just a passing fancy.”
“The only thing stopping me from punching you right now is the fact that you at least appear to be a woman,” Arthur says, his fists in tight balls at his sides. “Say what you will about me, I don’t care, call me anything you want. But insult my future wife again and I may choose to forget you are female.”
Arthur stalks away, looking for Gwen. He doesn’t notice Isaac Helios standing nearby, mouth hanging open, having heard their entire conversation.
“I’d like to go home,” Arthur says, approaching Gwen and Morgana.
“What’s wrong, Baby? You look like you’re ready to kill someone,” Gwen says, placing her hand on his cheek.
“Morgana, if you expect me to come to any of your parties ever again, do not invite Morgause,” Arthur says.
“Who is Morgause?” Gwen asks.
“A friend from college,” Morgana says.
“A racist bitch,” Arthur adds.
“What?” both women chorus.
“I’m too mad right now to talk about it,” he says. “Morgana, if you want to know what happened and what her opinion is of my engagement to Guinevere, go ask her. Otherwise you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
“I just might do that,” Morgana says, narrowing her eyes.
“Which one is she?” Gwen asks. “So I can avoid her. Or “accidentally” spill something on her. I haven’t decided which.”
“Marilyn,” Arthur points. Morgause is at the bar.
“I’m going over,” Morgana says, straightening up and smoothing her dress. “If you want to go home, go ahead. I’ll get a ride from Alvarr. I’m sorry, Arthur.” She hugs her cousin, then hugs Gwen before striding purposefully towards Morgause.
Arthur and Gwen head out and collect Gwen’s coat. “Are you all right to drive?”
“Yes. I only had the one champagne,” Arthur says.
“I meant are you too angry.”
“I’m okay. I just want to go tahanan and hold you for a while.”
“Sounds good to me,” Gwen says. She takes his hand and squeezes it. “Tell me what happened when you’re ready.”
“Thank you, Guinevere. I pag-ibig you,” Arthur says.
xXx
“May I help you?” the receptionist asks Arthur when he walks through the doors of Helios’ offices. She reminds Arthur a little of Latoya, tall and elegant.
“Arthur Pendragon to see Mr. Helios,” Arthur says, smiling pleasantly.
“I’ll tell him,” she says, picking up a phone. Arthur looks around the lobby. It’s a small affair, clean. A large potted plant resides in a corner.
“Arthur,” Isaac comes out and greets him personally. “I told you I’d call,” he grins broadly.
“Only because you’ve got the fear o’ Guinevere in you,” Arthur laughs, shaking his hand. He follows Isaac back and into his office.
“So. You say we can help each other,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “I am intrigued.”
“Well, you are the name in civil rights law in this area,” Arthur says, deciding to open with a little light flattery. “I’m looking to make my name in civil rights law.”
“So far I don’t see how I benefit,” Isaac interjects.
“I’m gettin’ there. You’re overloaded. I’m lookin’ for clients. I propose you pass me your overflow, and I’ll give you back 25% of my fees.”
Isaac leans pasulong in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of his mouth. “50%,” he counters.
“Like hell,” Arthur laughs.
“Had to try,” Isaac’s face breaks.
“30,” Arthur says.
“40.”
“35.”
“35 it is,” Isaac says finally, reaching his hand forward. Just when Arthur is about to shake it, he pulls it away. “First tell me why.”
“Why what? Why does a rich white boy want to help poor colored folks?”
“Yes.”
“Let me tell you the story of Guinevere and me,” Arthur says, settling back in his chair.
“Are we going to need coffee for this?”
“I’d pag-ibig some,” Arthur says.
He picks up the phone. “How do you take it?” he asks.
“Black,” Arthur deadpans. Isaac laughs, then summons coffee to his office.
“I met Guinevere after a public viewing of Dr. King’s speech back in August,” Arthur starts.
“That’s not that long ago,” Isaac says, surprised.
“When you know, you know. We’ve been through quite a lot since then,” Arthur says. “Anyway, I literally knocked her on her ass…”
He goes on to tell the whole tale. Helios is fascinated. Angry. Shocked. But in the end, he is smiling.
“So I realized that I really liked helping them. All of them, not just Guinevere, who sa pamamagitan ng then I’d completely fallen for her like a pair o’ pants with no belt. But Duncan is now the warehouse manager and Ezra was able to get help to deal with his guilt over killing Tom. And they all have a better place to work. It felt… good. I want to keep doing that.”
“How is the factory doing now? Have you heard?”
“I spoke to Leon just last week. Percy has settled in nicely, made a lot of necessary changes, and things look very good. It’s now officially Andersen Paper, too.”
“One big victory and he’s ready to take on the world,” Isaac says, smirking. “Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
“So we have a deal, then?” Arthur says.
“Well, since you’re willing to part with 35% of your winnings, how can I say no?” he says, extending his hand again. This time he allows Arthur to shake it.
“Take care of Gwen, Arthur,” Helios says standing. “I could tell immediately that there is something special about her. Don’t ever forget that and don’t let her forget it, either.”
“My mission in life is to make her happy, Isaac, I guarantee,” Arthur says, also standing. He pauses a moment. “You were pretty disappointed to learn she was spoken for, weren’t you?” he asks, smirking at Isaac.
“Very,” he admits, chuckling. “But you don’t have anything to worry about, man.”
“I know,” Arthur says confidently.
As they walk back to the lobby, Isaac says, “By the way, I happened to overhear your conversation with that Marilyn Monroe, um, witch, at the party.”
“You did?” Arthur asks. He’s still angry about it. Telling Gwen helped, especially when he collected his reward for standing up for her, but he still sees red when he thinks about it.
“Yes. You’re all right.”
“Thanks.”
“I ‘accidentally’ tripped her later on, too,” Isaac admits. “She didn’t know it was me, but it still felt good. She didn’t injure herself or anything; I’m not a mean person. Just a little… mischievous.” They enter the lobby and stand, finishing their conversation.
Arthur laughs. “That must have been before Morgana had her thrown out,” he says.
“It was while she was on her way out after Morgana threw her out,” Isaac says, laughing. “I trust your cousin laid into her but good, right?”
“Lord, you would have thought that the flying monkeys were gonna come and carry Morgause away,” Arthur says. “At least that’s the way Morgana tells it.”
“She does have a flair for the dramatic, doesn’t she? I guess that’s why she’s so good at what she does.”
“Yeah, she’s a little scary sometimes,” Arthur chuckles.
“All right, I’ll let you get back to it. I’ll have some madami files for you later this week. I’ll send them over sa pamamagitan ng courier.”
“Thanks for these,” Arthur says, holding up the three folders Isaac has already ibingiay them.
“Call them tomorrow, though. I have to let them know that you’re taking over. Explain the situation, you know.”
“Of course,” Arthur says. “Thanks again.”
xXx
“I need a car,” Arthur says over dinner.
“What’s wrong with the Impala?” Morgana asks.
“That’s Guinevere’s car. I’m moving this weekend. If I have my own place, I need my own car. I can’t take hers.”
“I’d manage fine,” Gwen says.
“No, that’s not fair to you. After hapunan we’ll go and look.”
“We?”
“Well, certainly I want your opinion, darlin’.”
“Yeah, Gwen, you need to make sure he doesn’t buy something stupid, like another Corvette,” Morgana teases.
“There was nothing wrong with my Corvette,” Arthur says.
“Apart from the fact that you can only fit two people in it and it would be essentially undriveable here for three solid months?” Morgana asks, raising her eyebrows.
“Okay, there was nothing wrong with it in Memphis. When I was single…” he trails off, realizing he’s losing the argument.
“Men never truly grow up, dear,” Alice tells Gwen. “Their toys only get bigger and madami expensive.”
“Why don’t you go tomorrow?” Gaius suggests. “It’s getting late, so take the afternoon tomorrow.”
“I have to call the three clients from Helios, but I should be able to do that in the morning,” Arthur says. “Guinevere, do you have any plans?”
“You know I don’t,” she answers, rolling her eyes.
The susunod afternoon they head out in the Impala, cruising dealerships. Arthur looks forlornly at the Corvettes and Mustangs and other muscle cars, but he knows that’s just not practical any more. Especially if they want to have a family. Which he does.
I could still get one, just for fun, in the summer. Maybe a convertible, he thinks, pulling into a lot.
Arthur tries to convince Gwen to get a new car as well, trade in the old Impala for something newer.
“It’s five years old, Guinevere, time for an upgrade,” he says.
“I’m not ready to give it up yet,” she says. She glances at the salesman, who is watching them expectantly. Gwen can see the dollar signs floating in front of his eyes. “It was my daddy’s car, and…”
“I know,” he says softly. “All right. Just the Deville, then, Frank,” Arthur says, turning back to the salesman.
“The red one, sir?”
“Of course,” Arthur grins. Gwen shakes her head and looks at the ceiling.
They drop off Gwen’s car at the house and then Arthur takes her out to hapunan and a drive along the lake.
“Are you takin’ me out on a date, Arthur?” Gwen teases, watching the waves crash against the rocks, her head on Arthur’s shoulder. It’s a cloudy, windy day, and the lake is gray and rough.
“Yeah, I guess this is a date,” he says. “We’ve never actually been on one, have we?”
“Not in the traditional sense, no. O’ course, nothin’ about our courtship has been very traditional.”
“Wouldn’t change it, though,” Arthur says, halik her forehead. “It’s getting darker earlier,” he says, frowning.
“That does tend to happen this time o’ year, Baby.”
“Let’s go home,” he says, shifting the car into drive.
He parks in the driveway and turns to Gwen, a sly look on his face.
“What are you thinkin’?” she asks.
“I’m thinkin’ we need to try out the back seat.”
Gwen giggles and they both get out and ilipat to the back seat, where Arthur pounces. Gwen is ready for him, though, clutching his dyaket as he eases her back onto the seat, halik her deeply.
Arthur unzips her amerikana and slides a hand inside against her warm body. She hums contentedly, running her fingers through his hair, his tongue battling with hers within their mouths.
“It’s very roomy back here,” she gasps as Arthur places sucking kisses on her neck, working his way down. She notices him unbuttoning a couple buttons on her blouse, but pretends not to notice. Let him think he’s gettin’ away with somethin’.
“Mmm,” he replies, and Gwen giggles again. He’s busy. Arthur kisses his way lower, to her kwelyo bones, worming his way into her shirt, his hand now over her breast as well.
“Mmm yourself,” she whispers. Then she gasps slightly when he kisses the tuktok of her breast, above the line of her bra.
“This okay?” he asks distractedly. Gathering her courage, Gwen sagot sa pamamagitan ng sliding her hand down his back and grabbing his backside.
“Guinevere!” he exclaims, his head shooting up. He stares down at her, his face an array of emotions ranging from shocked to amused to aroused.
“That okay?” she asks. She hasn’t moved her hand.
“Oh, Lord…” he drops his head and kisses her hungrily.
“What on earth are they doing out there?” Alice asks. “He pulled in ten minutos ago…”
“Mother, are you dim?” Morgana asks, laughing.
“What? Oh. Oh!” Alice exclaims, closing the curtains hastily.
“They’re just making out, Mom. Nothing… improper,” Morgana says, still laughing. “Gwen told me Arthur promised to wait.”
“Good,” Alice says, eyeing the curtains suspiciously.
Part 22: link
A week or so and several frustrating make-out sessions later, Arthur comes tahanan from work and tells Gwen that he’s found an apartment for them.
“You did? Why so soon?” Gwen asks. “And I thought we were gonna buy a house…”
“Well, I want to be able to have a place for us right away once we’re married,” he says, wrapping his arms around her. “And we’ll still get a house. This will just buy us some time to do it right. To be able to really look and find the perfect one.” He lifts her chin and kisses her lips softly. “I do not want to be livin’ here once we are married,” he says softly, against her lips.
Gwen does not miss the implications in his voice. She blushes and looks down, hiding her face in his shoulder while he chuckles at her.
“I’m stayin’ here. Just so we’re clear,” she says a moment later. “I won’t be livin’ in sin with you, no matter how much you promise me that you can wait.”
“I figured that, darlin’,” he says. “But I do have a problem that I need your help with.”
“What’s that?” she asks, leaning back slightly to look up at him.
“Well, I left all my furniture back in Memphis,” he shrugs. “So I need someone to go shoppin’ for me. Someone with excellent taste and unlimited funds.” He grins at her. “I need a sofa, and a recliner, maybe, and,” he pauses, halik her nose, “and a kusina table, a… coffee table, maybe a toaster,” he kisses her cheek, “and a nice,” he kisses her jaw, “big,” he kisses her neck, just beneath her ear, “bed.” He kisses her lips now, slowly savoring them. His tongue creeps pasulong and she opens her mouth for him, halik him back.
“Ack! No making out in the foyer! God, you two…” Morgana is yelling as soon as she’s through the door.
Arthur and Gwen have passed the point of jumping guiltily apart. Especially when it’s just Morgana. They just stop what they’re doing. Gwen giggles a little.
“But, since you’re right here, I must tell you before I forget again. I’m hosting my annual Halloween party at Turner Hall on the 26th. You both have to come,” she says.
“I was wondering if you were ever going to mention it,” Arthur says, mock-accusingly.
“I’ve been busy. Shut up,” Morgana snaps back at him. “So find costumes. Good ones.”
“What are you dressing as?” Gwen asks.
“I am going as the Wicked Witch of the West and if you say one word, Arthur Pendragon, I’ll—”
“Turn me into a toad?” Arthur asks, cutting her off.
“Yes,” Morgana sneers and marches off, leaving Gwen giggling some more.
“Where were we?” Arthur asks, ready to dive back in.
“Arthur,” Gwen puts her hand on his chest. He pouts. “Okay, I’ll help you find furniture. But I don’t want to do it all sa pamamagitan ng myself. These are going to be our things, so I’d like you to participate.”
“All right,” he says, smiling. She’s right. As usual.
“Also, I’m thinkin’ I might look for a job.”
“You don’t need to work, Guinevere, you know that,” he says softly, running a finger down her cheek.
“I’m gettin’ kind of bored. I thought I’d look to see if any of the elementary schools need an aide. Even if it’s just part-time. Until I sort out my teachin’ license situation, o’ course.”
“If working will make you happy, then I certainly won’t say no.”
“I’d still do it even if you did say no,” Gwen answers. Then she kisses him and wanders back to the kusina to help Alice with dinner.
I know, and I pag-ibig you for it, Arthur thinks, watching her walk away, a stupid grin on his face.
xXx
“Superman and Lois Lane,” Arthur declares the susunod day. He plops down on the sopa with Gwen, interrupting her conversation with Morgana.
“Um, Batman and Robin?” Morgana replies, lost.
“No, for Halloween. I can be Superman and Guinevere can be Lois Lane. It’s perfect,” he says, grinning at her.
His grin drops when she bites her lower lip uncomfortably.
“It’s not perfect?” he asks.
“Well… the idea is,” Gwen says, “But… no. I don’t think we should do it.”
“Why not?” Arthur asks.
Do I really have to spell it out for him?
“Lois Lane isn’t black, Arthur,” Morgana says quietly.
“Superman ain’t blonde, either, so what?”
“We can color your hair, Arthur. We can’t lighten my skin,” Gwen says.
“It’s just a Halloween party. We’re not makin’ a movie,” Arthur says, trying not to sound exasperated. Morgana shoots him a look that clearly says Wrong answer, Loverboy.
“I realize that, but… no. I can’t do it,” she says, standing up.
“Guinevere, you’re making too big a deal of this,” he calls as she walks off to her room.
“Well, go after her, dummy,” Morgana says.
He jumps up and follows, knocking on the closed door. “Guinevere?”
“What?” Her voice is muffled.
“Can I come in?”
“Door ain’t locked.” Arthur opens the door and walks in, closing it behind him. She’s lying face-down on the bed, holding her pillow. He sits down susunod to her. He reaches his hand out to rub her back, but withdraws it.
“I guess I don’t understand,” he says.
“We’ll go to that party and people will keep askin’ me who I’m supposed to be. I’ll tell them, and while they probably won’t say it, they’ll be thinkin’ it.”
“Say what?”
She rolls over and looks at him. Her eyes are just a little damp. “Lois Lane is white. They’ll be thinkin’ it, and I’ll know they’ll be thinkin’ it. They’ll be thinkin’ I’m… uppity. Or worse, that I’m pretendin’ to be white, tryin’ to deny who I am. I won’t do that.”
“Wasn’t it you that sinabi that you can’t let the stupidity of others affect your happiness?”
“Don’t you use my own words against me, Arthur!” she says, sitting up. “I know I sinabi that, but… it doesn’t mean it’s always easy to do,” she admits.
“I guess I still don’t understand. I don’t understand why you’re troublin’ yourself about what other people are thinkin’.”
“I don’t know that you can understand.”
“I want to, though. Make me understand. Please.” He reaches over and takes her hand.
“It’s easy for you to not worry about what other people think. You’re white, and you’re a man besides. You don’t have to answer to nobody. ’Cept the police, but that’s not generally even a problem for you, either,” she says, looking at their joined hands. “I know their opinions don’t matter. Or they shouldn’t. But I also don’t want to stir up unnecessary trouble. I am a colored woman, Arthur. I’m essentially powerless in society. Things may change one day, but right now, if I go to this party dressed like Lois Lane, I could be poking a stick in a hornet’s nest. I know this ain’t the south, but we definitely know that there are people that think that way here, too.” She sighs. “What it boils down to is I know folks’ll be thinkin’ it, and that will make me feel foolish.”
Arthur ponders this. “I don’t want you feelin’ foolish,” he says softly, stroking her knuckles. He raises her hand to his lips and kisses it.
“You can still be Superman, but I ain’t gonna be Lois Lane.”
“I don’t want to be Superman if you won’t be my Lois Lane.”
“I’ll always be your Lois Lane, Superman. Just not at this Halloween party,” she says, halik his hand in return.
xXx
In the end they abandon the idea of wearing coordinating costumes. There was just nothing they could agree on.
Guinevere, wearing an evening toga of Morgana’s, complete with long satin gloves, goes as Eartha Kitt. She even carries a microphone with her as a prop.
Arthur, clad in jeans, a white t-shirt, a motorcycle dyaket that Gaius produced from the attic (while vehemently refusing to answer any tanong about its origin), and his hair combed into a messy pompadour, is James Dean.
Arthur slouches his way into the foyer, unlit cigarette hanging from his lips. Gwen can’t contain her gasp at his appearance.
“You don’t like it?” he asks, straightening up.
She steps very close to him and places her hands on his chest. “I love it. You look really… sexy,” she says quietly, blushing down to her toes.
Arthur’s eyebrows shoot up, quite surprised. “Mmm, my lady approves,” he purrs at her, pulling her into his arms.
“Except this,” she says, snatching the cigarette out of his mouth. “I don’t like this.”
“It’s just for looks,” he says, taking it back. “And you look pretty sexy yourself there, Ms. Kitt.”
“Thank you. But I can’t do the voice,” she says, pouting.
“I don’t think anyone will care. Don’t you have a balutin or anything?” he asks, looking down at her bare shoulders and the rare treat of her cleavage.
“Morgana says it’ll be warm enough inside,” Gwen says.
“That’s not what I’m worried about,” he says, dropping his eyes pointedly.
She laughs. “Too much skin for you to take, Mr. Dean?”
“Not for me,” he mumbles, a bit petulantly.
“Pictures!” Morgana declares, sweeping into the foyer. She is a vision in black, her face and hands covered in green makeup, her long black hair hanging down her back beneath a pointy hat.
Alice and Gaius are right behind her, camera in Gaius’ hands.
Too many shots are taken, and then Arthur slides behind the wheel of Gwen’s car.
“Are you sure that we want James Dean to be our chauffer?” Morgana asks, taking off her hat and climbing in the back seat.
“Morgana, that’s in poor taste,” Gwen says, but she’s laughing.
“This ain’t a Porsche, Morgana, it’s an Impala. Even you could tell the difference,” Arthur says, pulling the car out of the driveway.
Morgana shows up late to her own party. It’s already in full ugoy when they arrive, and she sweeps in and soaks up the praise for the party and her costume like a professional.
Arthur just rolls his eyes. He recognizes some people. A lot of lawyers, and he realizes that she can write this off as a business expense because of it. Shrewd.
They check Gwen’s coat. “If you get cold, let me know and I’ll give you my jacket,” Arthur says, trying not to be too obvious.
“Nice try,” Gwen says. She leans up and kisses him. “Stop being jealous of imaginary men.”
They mingle. Arthur introduces Gwen to a few people from the office. Alvarr is dressed as The Tin Man, per Morgana’s request. He looks very uncomfortable. Cenred refused to play and is dressed like Count Dracula. He was supposed to be the Scarecrow.
“Why didn’t Gaius and Alice come?” Gwen asks Arthur.
“Didn’t want to. They say they’re too old for these kinds of shenanigans. I say they just want the house to themselves, because Morgana says they never come.”
“Why doesn’t Morgana get her own place? She’s such an independent woman.”
“Not sure. I think she likes the company, actually. She’s never been much on being alone. Are you thirsty?”
“Yes, actually,” Gwen says.
“I’ll go get us something,” he says, halik her quickly. “Be right back.”
Gwen is left alone. She sees Morgana fussing over Alvarr the Tin Man across the room.
“Why, Miss Eartha Kitt, as I live and breathe,” an unfamiliar voice greets her, and she turns.
“You’re the first person who’s gotten it right,” Gwen says, turning. She is greeted sa pamamagitan ng a tall colored man dressed all in black, wearing a black mask, a black hat, and a cape. He has a fencing sword at his hip. “Zorro?” she asks.
“Sí, señorita,” he says, smiling. “Isaac,” he holds his hand out.
“Gwen,” she introduces herself and shakes his hand.
“Are you new in town, Gwen? I don’t believe I’ve seen you at one of Morgana’s little parties before.”
“Yes, we just moved up here from Memphis a few weeks ago,” she says.
“Well, that explains the charming southern drawl,” he says. “We?”
“My—”
“Champagne, darlin’,” Arthur swoops in just then, having hurried back to her side when he saw the interested looks that Zorro was giving his fiancée. He kisses her cheek and places his arm around her waist.
“Ah, perfect timing. I was just about to say, ‘my fiancé and I moved up here,’” she smiles at Isaac.
“Ah. Fiancé,” Isaac says, not hiding his disappointment very well.
“Arthur, this is Isaac…” Gwen leaves it hanging, not knowing the man’s last name.
“Isaac Helios,” he finishes for her, extending his hand.
Arthur releases Gwen’s waist to shake his hand. “Arthur Pendragon. I’ve been trying to reach you sa pamamagitan ng phone for weeks, incidentally.”
“Hmm. Yes. You have,” Isaac admits guiltily, looking away for a moment. “Sorry.”
“Do I even want to know?” Arthur asks, angling his head.
“Well, I have been quite busy…”
“Exactly the reason you and I should talk,” Arthur says. “I think we could help each other out.”
“Well, to be honest, I’m not so sure about that. Some of the people that come to me for help may not want a rich white man as a lawyer for their civil rights complaints.”
“Since we’re being honest, I’m surprised that people come to you for help at all if you can’t even be bothered to return a phone call.”
“Arthur!” Gwen exclaims.
“I’m sorry, but that’s just basic courtesy. If you don’t want to work something out, fine, but at least extend me the professional courtesy of taking my call.”
He has a point. Gwen shrugs and looks up at Helios. Well?
“Damn, man, she’s got a glare,” Isaac eventually says, chuckling a little nervously. He holds up his hand, surrendering. “All right. I have no excuse other than arrogance for not calling you back. I just don’t understand why you’re even interested in specializing in civil rights.”
Gwen glances up at Arthur, smiling a little proudly at him. He nods just slightly, as if he’s saying go ahead. “Because he believes what we believe. Well, what I believe. I don’t know you well enough to know what you believe, but he wants fairness and equality for everyone, regardless of color. He believes in the words of people like Dr. King and W.E.B. Du Bois; believes that people shouldn’t be automatically classified as ‘lesser’ because their skin is darker. He wants to help. Yes, he’s a rich white man, but he wants to use that advantage to help the cause, Mr. Helios.”
Isaac stares at her. He turns to Arthur. “She a lawyer?”
“No,” Arthur laughs, “but she could be.”
“Why do people keep askin’ me that?” Gwen wonders aloud.
“Because, my love, you have a definite way with words,” Arthur says, halik her forehead.
“That comes from havin’ to explain things to five-year-olds,” she says, laughing now. “I teach kindergarten,” she tells Isaac. “Or I did in Memphis. Right now I’m doin’ nothin’.”
“You do plenty,” Arthur says.
“I don’t doubt that. And your beautiful and persuasive fiancée has convinced me, Pendragon. I will call you Monday and we’ll set up a meeting.”
Arthur narrows his eyes and looks at him skeptically.
“I promise,” Isaac says, making an X over his heart. “That one has got those eyes like my mama used to give me when I was pagganap up. I’m not crossing her,” he laughs.
“Thank you, Mr. Helios,” Gwen says, smiling now.
“Well, if you don’t call me, I’m going to have Guinevere call you,” Arthur threatens.
“Fair enough,” he laughs.
They chat a bit longer, madami relaxed now, and Gwen excuses herself to the ladies’ room. She walks away and Isaac spots someone else he needs to see, leaving Arthur on his own.
He sits at a table, taking a few mga mani from the bowl on the table. He watches Morgana, still belle of the ball, even as a witch. He chuckles at her.
Always liked to be the center of attention, he thinks, smiling.
“Well, this is a coincidence,” a female voice purrs behind him. “James Dean, meet Marilyn Monroe,” Arthur turns to see a blonde woman dressed as Marilyn Monroe from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, in a kulay-rosas satin toga and diamonds, holding her hand out, palm-down, like she expects it to be kissed. He shakes it.
“Oh, now, is that any way to greet a fellow dead celebrity?” she admonishes, tutting at him.
“Hello, Morgause,” Arthur says politely. She sits beside him at the table.
“Arthur, I’m so happy to see you,” she says. “I heard you were in town. Is it true that it’s a permanent move?”
He nods. “Are you still in Chicago?” he asks.
“Yes, but I always make sure to make the drive up for Morgana’s Halloween party. Wouldn’t miss it. And you should come to Chicago for a visit some time. It’s so much madami sophisticated than Milwaukee.”
“Maybe my fiancée and I will take a drive down susunod summer, when the weather is nice again. Of course, sa pamamagitan ng that time she’ll be my wife,” he says pointedly.
“Oh, yes, that’s right. I did hear that you were engaged, and to a colored girl, no less,” she says. Her tone turns a bit icy. Disdainful.
Arthur looks towards the restrooms. Gwen has just appeared, but Morgana has kidnapped her, hooking her arm through Gwen’s and pulling her along to meet people.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Arthur asks. Now I remember why I never liked Morgause. She’s a bitch.
“Well, I’m just wondering why you feel the need to play house with one of them,” she says. “Weren’t there any nice white girls in Memphis?”
“Plenty. None of them interested me,” Arthur says.
“And she does?” she asks, nodding in Gwen’s direction.
“You know nothin’ about her,” he snaps. “And I don’t like what you seem to be implying.”
“What, that she’s just a novelty that you’re going to grow bored with? Trust me, I could keep you very interested,” she says, touching his hand.
“I highly doubt that,” he says, pulling his hand away. “My relationship with Guinevere is none of your damn business, Morgause.”
“She’s not right for you,” she pouts.
“Are you drunk? You barely know me, and you don’t know her at all.”
“So? She’s colored. That’s not right.”
“No, what’s ‘not right’ is your way of thinking,” Arthur says, standing.
“Fine, Arthur, go marry the dirty little secret you had to run away from tahanan to be with. Don’t expect me to be waiting for you when you realize that she was just a passing fancy.”
“The only thing stopping me from punching you right now is the fact that you at least appear to be a woman,” Arthur says, his fists in tight balls at his sides. “Say what you will about me, I don’t care, call me anything you want. But insult my future wife again and I may choose to forget you are female.”
Arthur stalks away, looking for Gwen. He doesn’t notice Isaac Helios standing nearby, mouth hanging open, having heard their entire conversation.
“I’d like to go home,” Arthur says, approaching Gwen and Morgana.
“What’s wrong, Baby? You look like you’re ready to kill someone,” Gwen says, placing her hand on his cheek.
“Morgana, if you expect me to come to any of your parties ever again, do not invite Morgause,” Arthur says.
“Who is Morgause?” Gwen asks.
“A friend from college,” Morgana says.
“A racist bitch,” Arthur adds.
“What?” both women chorus.
“I’m too mad right now to talk about it,” he says. “Morgana, if you want to know what happened and what her opinion is of my engagement to Guinevere, go ask her. Otherwise you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.”
“I just might do that,” Morgana says, narrowing her eyes.
“Which one is she?” Gwen asks. “So I can avoid her. Or “accidentally” spill something on her. I haven’t decided which.”
“Marilyn,” Arthur points. Morgause is at the bar.
“I’m going over,” Morgana says, straightening up and smoothing her dress. “If you want to go home, go ahead. I’ll get a ride from Alvarr. I’m sorry, Arthur.” She hugs her cousin, then hugs Gwen before striding purposefully towards Morgause.
Arthur and Gwen head out and collect Gwen’s coat. “Are you all right to drive?”
“Yes. I only had the one champagne,” Arthur says.
“I meant are you too angry.”
“I’m okay. I just want to go tahanan and hold you for a while.”
“Sounds good to me,” Gwen says. She takes his hand and squeezes it. “Tell me what happened when you’re ready.”
“Thank you, Guinevere. I pag-ibig you,” Arthur says.
xXx
“May I help you?” the receptionist asks Arthur when he walks through the doors of Helios’ offices. She reminds Arthur a little of Latoya, tall and elegant.
“Arthur Pendragon to see Mr. Helios,” Arthur says, smiling pleasantly.
“I’ll tell him,” she says, picking up a phone. Arthur looks around the lobby. It’s a small affair, clean. A large potted plant resides in a corner.
“Arthur,” Isaac comes out and greets him personally. “I told you I’d call,” he grins broadly.
“Only because you’ve got the fear o’ Guinevere in you,” Arthur laughs, shaking his hand. He follows Isaac back and into his office.
“So. You say we can help each other,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “I am intrigued.”
“Well, you are the name in civil rights law in this area,” Arthur says, deciding to open with a little light flattery. “I’m looking to make my name in civil rights law.”
“So far I don’t see how I benefit,” Isaac interjects.
“I’m gettin’ there. You’re overloaded. I’m lookin’ for clients. I propose you pass me your overflow, and I’ll give you back 25% of my fees.”
Isaac leans pasulong in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of his mouth. “50%,” he counters.
“Like hell,” Arthur laughs.
“Had to try,” Isaac’s face breaks.
“30,” Arthur says.
“40.”
“35.”
“35 it is,” Isaac says finally, reaching his hand forward. Just when Arthur is about to shake it, he pulls it away. “First tell me why.”
“Why what? Why does a rich white boy want to help poor colored folks?”
“Yes.”
“Let me tell you the story of Guinevere and me,” Arthur says, settling back in his chair.
“Are we going to need coffee for this?”
“I’d pag-ibig some,” Arthur says.
He picks up the phone. “How do you take it?” he asks.
“Black,” Arthur deadpans. Isaac laughs, then summons coffee to his office.
“I met Guinevere after a public viewing of Dr. King’s speech back in August,” Arthur starts.
“That’s not that long ago,” Isaac says, surprised.
“When you know, you know. We’ve been through quite a lot since then,” Arthur says. “Anyway, I literally knocked her on her ass…”
He goes on to tell the whole tale. Helios is fascinated. Angry. Shocked. But in the end, he is smiling.
“So I realized that I really liked helping them. All of them, not just Guinevere, who sa pamamagitan ng then I’d completely fallen for her like a pair o’ pants with no belt. But Duncan is now the warehouse manager and Ezra was able to get help to deal with his guilt over killing Tom. And they all have a better place to work. It felt… good. I want to keep doing that.”
“How is the factory doing now? Have you heard?”
“I spoke to Leon just last week. Percy has settled in nicely, made a lot of necessary changes, and things look very good. It’s now officially Andersen Paper, too.”
“One big victory and he’s ready to take on the world,” Isaac says, smirking. “Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
“So we have a deal, then?” Arthur says.
“Well, since you’re willing to part with 35% of your winnings, how can I say no?” he says, extending his hand again. This time he allows Arthur to shake it.
“Take care of Gwen, Arthur,” Helios says standing. “I could tell immediately that there is something special about her. Don’t ever forget that and don’t let her forget it, either.”
“My mission in life is to make her happy, Isaac, I guarantee,” Arthur says, also standing. He pauses a moment. “You were pretty disappointed to learn she was spoken for, weren’t you?” he asks, smirking at Isaac.
“Very,” he admits, chuckling. “But you don’t have anything to worry about, man.”
“I know,” Arthur says confidently.
As they walk back to the lobby, Isaac says, “By the way, I happened to overhear your conversation with that Marilyn Monroe, um, witch, at the party.”
“You did?” Arthur asks. He’s still angry about it. Telling Gwen helped, especially when he collected his reward for standing up for her, but he still sees red when he thinks about it.
“Yes. You’re all right.”
“Thanks.”
“I ‘accidentally’ tripped her later on, too,” Isaac admits. “She didn’t know it was me, but it still felt good. She didn’t injure herself or anything; I’m not a mean person. Just a little… mischievous.” They enter the lobby and stand, finishing their conversation.
Arthur laughs. “That must have been before Morgana had her thrown out,” he says.
“It was while she was on her way out after Morgana threw her out,” Isaac says, laughing. “I trust your cousin laid into her but good, right?”
“Lord, you would have thought that the flying monkeys were gonna come and carry Morgause away,” Arthur says. “At least that’s the way Morgana tells it.”
“She does have a flair for the dramatic, doesn’t she? I guess that’s why she’s so good at what she does.”
“Yeah, she’s a little scary sometimes,” Arthur chuckles.
“All right, I’ll let you get back to it. I’ll have some madami files for you later this week. I’ll send them over sa pamamagitan ng courier.”
“Thanks for these,” Arthur says, holding up the three folders Isaac has already ibingiay them.
“Call them tomorrow, though. I have to let them know that you’re taking over. Explain the situation, you know.”
“Of course,” Arthur says. “Thanks again.”
xXx
“I need a car,” Arthur says over dinner.
“What’s wrong with the Impala?” Morgana asks.
“That’s Guinevere’s car. I’m moving this weekend. If I have my own place, I need my own car. I can’t take hers.”
“I’d manage fine,” Gwen says.
“No, that’s not fair to you. After hapunan we’ll go and look.”
“We?”
“Well, certainly I want your opinion, darlin’.”
“Yeah, Gwen, you need to make sure he doesn’t buy something stupid, like another Corvette,” Morgana teases.
“There was nothing wrong with my Corvette,” Arthur says.
“Apart from the fact that you can only fit two people in it and it would be essentially undriveable here for three solid months?” Morgana asks, raising her eyebrows.
“Okay, there was nothing wrong with it in Memphis. When I was single…” he trails off, realizing he’s losing the argument.
“Men never truly grow up, dear,” Alice tells Gwen. “Their toys only get bigger and madami expensive.”
“Why don’t you go tomorrow?” Gaius suggests. “It’s getting late, so take the afternoon tomorrow.”
“I have to call the three clients from Helios, but I should be able to do that in the morning,” Arthur says. “Guinevere, do you have any plans?”
“You know I don’t,” she answers, rolling her eyes.
The susunod afternoon they head out in the Impala, cruising dealerships. Arthur looks forlornly at the Corvettes and Mustangs and other muscle cars, but he knows that’s just not practical any more. Especially if they want to have a family. Which he does.
I could still get one, just for fun, in the summer. Maybe a convertible, he thinks, pulling into a lot.
Arthur tries to convince Gwen to get a new car as well, trade in the old Impala for something newer.
“It’s five years old, Guinevere, time for an upgrade,” he says.
“I’m not ready to give it up yet,” she says. She glances at the salesman, who is watching them expectantly. Gwen can see the dollar signs floating in front of his eyes. “It was my daddy’s car, and…”
“I know,” he says softly. “All right. Just the Deville, then, Frank,” Arthur says, turning back to the salesman.
“The red one, sir?”
“Of course,” Arthur grins. Gwen shakes her head and looks at the ceiling.
They drop off Gwen’s car at the house and then Arthur takes her out to hapunan and a drive along the lake.
“Are you takin’ me out on a date, Arthur?” Gwen teases, watching the waves crash against the rocks, her head on Arthur’s shoulder. It’s a cloudy, windy day, and the lake is gray and rough.
“Yeah, I guess this is a date,” he says. “We’ve never actually been on one, have we?”
“Not in the traditional sense, no. O’ course, nothin’ about our courtship has been very traditional.”
“Wouldn’t change it, though,” Arthur says, halik her forehead. “It’s getting darker earlier,” he says, frowning.
“That does tend to happen this time o’ year, Baby.”
“Let’s go home,” he says, shifting the car into drive.
He parks in the driveway and turns to Gwen, a sly look on his face.
“What are you thinkin’?” she asks.
“I’m thinkin’ we need to try out the back seat.”
Gwen giggles and they both get out and ilipat to the back seat, where Arthur pounces. Gwen is ready for him, though, clutching his dyaket as he eases her back onto the seat, halik her deeply.
Arthur unzips her amerikana and slides a hand inside against her warm body. She hums contentedly, running her fingers through his hair, his tongue battling with hers within their mouths.
“It’s very roomy back here,” she gasps as Arthur places sucking kisses on her neck, working his way down. She notices him unbuttoning a couple buttons on her blouse, but pretends not to notice. Let him think he’s gettin’ away with somethin’.
“Mmm,” he replies, and Gwen giggles again. He’s busy. Arthur kisses his way lower, to her kwelyo bones, worming his way into her shirt, his hand now over her breast as well.
“Mmm yourself,” she whispers. Then she gasps slightly when he kisses the tuktok of her breast, above the line of her bra.
“This okay?” he asks distractedly. Gathering her courage, Gwen sagot sa pamamagitan ng sliding her hand down his back and grabbing his backside.
“Guinevere!” he exclaims, his head shooting up. He stares down at her, his face an array of emotions ranging from shocked to amused to aroused.
“That okay?” she asks. She hasn’t moved her hand.
“Oh, Lord…” he drops his head and kisses her hungrily.
“What on earth are they doing out there?” Alice asks. “He pulled in ten minutos ago…”
“Mother, are you dim?” Morgana asks, laughing.
“What? Oh. Oh!” Alice exclaims, closing the curtains hastily.
“They’re just making out, Mom. Nothing… improper,” Morgana says, still laughing. “Gwen told me Arthur promised to wait.”
“Good,” Alice says, eyeing the curtains suspiciously.
Part 22: link
