The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1940-06-29
Ticket to
Hollywood

lsIOuyVSOAI
CONTINUED From Page Eight
Lets not go home yet, Fran
Gle pleaded. It's so nice out and
there's such a lovely moon.
Gusty grunted ungraciously' but
turned at the airport road. When
they reached the field, France
said. Let's stop and watch the
midnight plane come in on.
not here. Drive up where we can
be to ourselves
Gusty parked. Francie leaned
back and gazed up at big white
moon. She managed rather I'M
obtrusively to ease herself little
closer to Gusty-close enough, in
fact, 80 that she was sure the
French perfume wouldn't be
wasted.
Nor was it. Gusty bent, took
the bait in great whiffs.
Gee, you smell good, Francie.
Why doncha always put that
stuff on?"
She said demurely, II didn't
know you liked it."
We'll, l do
"Gusty :"
Huh ?"
do you like me?
well, for Pete's sake" Gusty
exploded. Who'd you think you
area glammer girl"
Francie WINGED but plunged on
valiantly: Il like you, Gusty Don't
be a wise-cracker :. just for q
little Bit
Gusty turned away from her
moment. She could see the tight
line of his jaw in the moonlight.
Without actually being aware of
il, Francie sensed the struggle 60
ing on within him. AS If he
wanted to be nice to her and was
afraid tor didn't know how.
You're a pretty fair sort Of
kid" he said finally.
rs that all, Gusty?"
He dropped his arm across her
shoulders. Nope, 1 guess not. l
guess like you pretty we'll" His
young voice was rough, a little
husky.
Francie gasped. For Gusty this
was daring admission. Love was
for saps, he always commended He
liked Francie only because she
knew good swing.
why, Gusty." She burrowed
under his arm, laid her face
against his coat. They sat like
that long time, without speak
ing. Once Francie thought she felt
Gusty's lips brush lightly over her
hair. She sighed. 1t was so per-
feet. She hadn't dreamed that
Gusty could be silent and tender.
Presently he said, Tim acting
like sap"
You're not, Gusty"
You know something. Francie.
I'm kinda in the dumps over those
Hicks. l never knew it was 80 nice
just to sit with girl and not say
anything. 1t makes a fellow feel
a lot better"
Remorse pressed down upon
Francie. If only Gusty would act
like this all the time she might
even forget her career. She gazed
longingly at the little gold trumpet
pinned to his shirt. Gusty had won
it in a statewide musical compe-
tition. 1t was his most beloved
possession.
Suppose Gusty should offer it to
her? With guilty start, Francie
thought of Aunt Hats warning:
Don't be soft, child. Broken
hearts are only stepping stones in
great career. Don't throw away
everything for worthless man"
Francie spoke softly, prying the
words from her reluctant tongue:
"Gusty, if l asked you now, would
you give me the ticket"
He stiffened. What for ?"
Pops may drive us to Holly
wood" She tugged at his sleeve.
Please, Gusty E.. :"
We'll, I'll be-" Gusty's laugh
shattered the peaceful silence hor-
ribly. so that's why you're so
nice to me tonight?" Just for an
instant the moonlight caught the
hurt in his life. Nothing DOING
"But-but you can't use it,"
"Oh, no? Maybe l will and
maybe l won't. But it's a cinch 1
wouldn't give it to you. Playing
me for a sap"
Gusty wheeled the car around
and sped back to town. He damned
to a stop in front Of Francie's
house and said gruffly, well, so
long; see you in the movies
Francie turned pale face to
him. Her voice quivered. You're
selfish, and hate you"
ITO Be Continued)