The Retrieval by Lucius Parhelion Page B

another charming attribute, not that most audiences would ever notice or care. However, even though his features were even enough for the cameras, they were too sharply defined for him to play a hero. And Jake’s oddly pale brown eyes were a big strike against any potential screen glamour, as were his all-too-vigorous gestures and his overly-expressive face.
    Shaking his head, Charlie said, “You don’t look like a talkies star… Maybe someone from the silents. A character actor, perhaps.”
    “That’ll be the day. As I said, not a star, and not anyone with influence, either. There’s no reason for Mrs. Lowery to want me around that doesn’t mean trouble.” Jake turned his face forward and frowned at the windshield so alarmingly that Charlie appreciated their not already being out in traffic. Jake’s expression would have been too much even in a bad second feature.
    “I will admit,” Charlie told him, “a dinner party doesn’t sound especially dire, only wearying. And I do need to meet more people in Hollywood than immigrants from the same old Manhattan literary circles. So what other delights does this day promise to put you into a state theatrical even for you?”
    In a way that should have caused him neck pain, Jake whipped his head around so he could glare at Charlie from point-blank range.
    Charlie held the indignant gaze with ease, raising his eyebrows in what he hoped was mild inquiry. He’d long ago realized Jake could be trouble and had meant to stay far, far away. The terrible twins were the ones who’d insisted on drafting him as the stand-in they wanted for an older brother back in Manhattan. Now they would have to keep bearing the consequences of their decision out here in Hollywood, just as Charlie would have to endure the unsettling pleasures of Jake’s company.
    Yielding ground, Jake grimaced. “You know something about old furniture and knick-knacks.”
    “A bit. A tiny bit, in fact. I never made any sort of official study of antiques; my general familiarity is only a lingering symptom of Boston Brahmanism.”
    “A tiny bit is more than I know. We’re picking up a birthday gift for Mr. Lowery. Laura’s hoping you’ll inspect the items before I hand over her check, to be certain she isn’t being too obviously conned.”
    Wonderful. Charlie allowed himself to slide down in his seat. It certainly was a comfortable and luxurious seat. “At least you’re realistic about what I can do: put on a show of knowledge.”
    “Keeping up a decent façade matters in this town.”
    “Fine. Since I’m browsing for my breakfast and speaking for my supper, I’ll want a superb lunch.”
    “During which you’ll eat two bites and then give me an earful about Thornton Wilder or some fellow like that.” Jake started the roadster at last. “No wonder you’re always so stringy. More catgut than cello over there.” Given the affection in his eyes, no one could have mistaken Jake’s wisecrack for anything other than one of the standard taunts that insulated warmth between males.
    Charlie made his own retort as mock-imperious as he could to hide both a wistful twinge and his smug satisfaction. “Desist from your feeble efforts. Your puerile judgment of my physique leaves me unmoved and undistracted. Do not delude yourself that this attempted diversion is keeping me from noticing that another favor remains unexplained.”
    “This is me tackling one problem at a time. My second favor will show up soon enough.”
    “Well, goody, goody. I can hardly wait.”
    “Oh, yes you can. But will my favor wait for you?” Jake asked, doing a decent job of playing cryptic.
    ***
    As was increasingly the case with popular New York writers, Charlie had visited Hollywood enough times to be slightly familiar with the Los Angeles landscape. But he didn’t have anything like Jake’s feel for the area given that the twins had been out here since sound in pictures suddenly made pretty singers valuable property.
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