Goddess of Vengeance - Jackie Collins [2]
‘I cannot believe that Max is about to be eighteen. Little Maria, all grown up.’
‘Tell me about it,’ Lucky sighed. ‘Time goes too fast.’
‘You do realize that at eighteen there’s no way you can stop her from doing anything she wants?’
‘Unfortunately I understand that,’ Lucky said, nodding. ‘And if I know my Max, she’ll take full advantage.’
‘Hey – you were married young,’ Venus said brightly. ‘So maybe she’ll turn out to be street smart like you.’
‘Married off, you mean, by dear daddy Gino,’ Lucky said, shaking her head as if she still couldn’t quite believe that Gino had forced her into a marriage she didn’t want. ‘Can you imagine that Gino thought he was protecting me from my wild ways? What a joke that turned out to be!’
‘How come you didn’t fight it?’
‘I was sixteen,’ Lucky said, remembering the overwhelming rush of helplessness and dread she’d felt on her wedding day. ‘I guess I considered myself powerless to say no.’
‘C’mon, Lucky, it didn’t do you any harm,’ Venus said. ‘Just look at everything you’ve accomplished. You’ve built hotels, run a movie studio, had three kids, and you’re married to Mister Amazing. Admit it, you’re goddamn superwoman!’
‘No,’ Lucky answered after a thoughtful pause. ‘I’m a woman who took chances every inch of the way. I had to fight for my independence.’ A long beat. ‘Believe me, it wasn’t easy.’
‘Right,’ Venus said. ‘And that’s exactly why you and I understand each other so well. We both know that being a strong successful woman in this town can be a lonely and difficult path.’
‘Agreed,’ Lucky said. ‘You gotta kick ass like a guy, and get called a bitch for your trouble.’
‘Ain’t that the truth,’ Venus said.
‘But you know something?’ Lucky added. ‘I know who I am – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.’
‘Me too!’
‘I think we should drink to strong invincible women,’ Lucky said, raising her glass.
‘You got it, sister,’ Venus murmured.
They clinked glasses and smiled at each other.
‘I’ve been meaning to ask you,’ Lucky said. ‘Who’s getting the apartment at The Keys, you or Billy?’
‘Me, of course,’ Venus answered firmly. ‘I’ve already told my lawyer there’s no way I’m giving it up. It’s mine. Billy can go piss in the wind to get his hands on that piece of real estate.’
‘Glad to hear it. In this world you gotta claim what’s yours.’
‘Hell, yes. The apartment is in your hotel, and you’re my friend, so screw Billy.’
‘Right on!’ Lucky said, nodding her agreement.
After coffee and more conversation – mostly about what an asshole Billy was – Lucky signaled for the check.
A young waiter who’d been watching them all night, edged toward their table and presented it to her. Lucky threw down her black American Express card.
‘I guess that means it’s your turn,’ Venus said, removing a small gold compact from her oversized Chanel tote, and inspecting her flawless image. She knew there’d be a pack of paparazzi waiting for her exit, and there was nothing they liked better than catching a celebrity looking like crap. She wasn’t about to give them that pleasure.
The waiter hovered and cleared his throat. Although he was nervous, he saw an opportunity and he was seizing it – even if it meant getting fired should the manager catch him bothering a guest.
‘Excuse me, Miz uh . . .Venus,’ he ventured, stammering slightly. ‘I’ve uh, written a script that is so right for you. I was uh, hoping you might find time to read it.’
Venus threw him a look – the famous cool as an iced Martini look – her blue eyes raking him over.
Oh no, Lucky thought. Here we go. The diva is on the loose.
Venus didn’t disappoint. ‘Do I look like an agent?’ she purred. ‘Really?’
The waiter blanched, quickly picked up Lucky’s credit card plus the check, and slunk off.
‘Poor guy,’ Lucky said sympathetically. ‘He was merely taking a shot.’