Mildred Pierce - James M. Cain [85]
Around six, Monty called up to know if she had cold feet. Laughing, she asked: "What from?"
"Well, it's a little wet."
"Do you mean you're getting cold feet?"
"No, not at all. Just being the perfect host and giving you one last chance to back out if you want to."
"Why, this little shower is nothing."
"Then I'll be expecting you."
"Around ten."
By seven thirty not one customer had showed up, and Mrs. Gessler abruptly suggested that they close, and begin getting Mildred dressed, if she was still fool enough to go to the damned party. Mildred agreed, and started her preparations to lock up. Then she, Mrs. Gessler, Mrs. Kramer, Pancho, Josie, and Sigrid all burst out laughing at the discovery that there were no preparations—no dishes to wash, no bottles to put out, no cash to count. Mildred simply cut the lights and locked the door, and as the others went scuttling off into the night, she and Mrs. Gessler climbed into her car and drove down Pierce Drive. It was a little windswept, a little rough from the stones that had washed down on it, but otherwise as usual. Mildred parked close by the kitchen door and dived inside, then held out her hand to Mrs. Gessler.
She was surprised to find Letty and Veda there. Letty had been afraid to start home, and timidly asked Mildred if she could spend the night. Veda, due long ago at the Hannens' for dinner, a party, and an overnight visit, said Mrs. Hannen had called to say the party had been postponed. At this, Mrs. Gessler looked sharply at Mildred, and Mildred went calmly to her room and began taking off her uniform.
By nine, Mildred was powdered, puffed, perfumed, and patted to that state of semi-transparency that a woman seems to achieve when she is really dressed to go out. Her hair, waved the day before, was fluffed out softly; her dress adjusted to the last fold and flounce; her face fashioned to the fish-eyed look that marks the' last stage of such rites. Letty was entranced, and even Veda admitted that "you really look quite nice, Mother." Mildred stood before the full-length mirror for a final critical inspection, but Mrs. Gessler disappeared for a final look at the night. When she came back she camped on the bed, and looked moodily at Mildred. "Well, I hate to say it after taking all that trouble over you, but I wouldn't go to that party, if I were you."
"Why, for heaven's sake?"
"Because .it's bad out there. You call that idiot up and tell him you're not coming."
"Can't."
"Oh he'll understand. He'll be relieved."
"His phone's disconnected."
"It would be. Then send him a wire. It won't be delivered till tomorrow, but it'll prove you got manners."
"I'm going."
"Baby, you can't."
"I said I'm going."
Irritated, Mrs. Gessler ordered Veda to get the trench coat she wore to school, and her galoshes. Mildred protested, but when Veda appeared with the things, Mrs. Gessler went to work. She pinned Mildred's dress up, so it was a sort of sash around her hips, with a foot of white slip showing. Then she put on the galoshes, over the gold shoes. Then she put on the evening coat, and pulled the trench coat over it. Then she found a kerchief, and bound it tightly around Mildred's head. Mildred, suddenly transformed into something that looked like Topsy, sweetly said good-by to them all. Then she went to the kitchen door, reached out into the wet, and pulled open the car door. Then she hopped in. Then she started the motor. Then she started the wiper. Then she tucked the robe around her. Then, waving gaily to the three anxious faces at the door, she started the car, and went backing down to the street.
Turning into Colorado Boulevard, she laughed. Snug in her two coats, with the motor humming smoothly