Showbiz

"Maisie." A small but ostentatious bow, feathered hat swept low across the floor.

"How long has it been, exactly?"

"I stopped counting long before I met you, child. It's been a while, let's say."

"Let's. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. Still, you've got quite a nerve showing up here after what you tried to pull."

"Perhaps. But all's fair in love and war -- and besides, I'm known for my nerve."

"I thought you were known for your agreeableness?"

"I'm known for a great many things, my dear. Famous far and wide."

"So I gather."

Jack smiled agreeably.

"And yet, the last time we met I had no idea who you were. I'd never heard so much as a whispered rumour of you."

"Anonymity has its uses as well."

"I'm sure it does."

A waiter passed by with a tray, and Maisie snagged another saucer of champagne. You could never be sure of the company at these events, but the catering was reliably top notch.

"It pains me to see you in such humdrum surroundings, my dear. You were made for so much more."

"Why, thank you. Are you still smarting from the loss of me? I really hope so."

"That was a blow, no question. It would be discourteous to claim otherwise, and I hope you will never find me that. Your little faction seems to have a quite disproportionate impact sometimes. But the bargain I struck with your friend Oscar proved to be in everyone's best interests. We're all friends now."

"Are we?"

"Oh yes. Very good friends."

"How nice for us."

It seemed like the right moment to end the encounter, but Maisie's curiosity wasn't satisfied.

"Jack..."

"Yes?"

Yes. What was it she wanted to know, really?

"Did you enjoy the show?" That wasn't the question; but it might lead the way.

"Very much. It was utterly dreadful, of course, but that doesn't matter. It will be a hit, I have no doubt, and that makes it magical. Its shapes will resonate through the years, and that's what counts. It will spread like a virus. It will run and run."

"Were you... scouting?" Maisie found herself suddenly earnest. "Is this a hunting party, Jack?"

Jack just smiled benevolently.

"There are stars of the future in this show, Maisie. You know how that is -- you've been there yourself. Would you begrudge these little troupers their moment in the spotlight?"

"You know that's not what I was asking."

"And you know what my answer is."

There was still plenty of wine in the glass; she threw it all across Jack's face.

"Fuck you! They don't deserve you. We don't! We're just struggling to do our best!"

Maisie stalked away into the night, leaving Jack behind in the middle of the room, smirking. Champagne trickled down his face. His hat was stained and everybody was looking at him.

"Wow," said a voice beside him. "That was melodramatic. Let me get you some napkins to clean up with."
Posted by matt at May 6, 2005 11:32 PM