The taxi started. "Anyplace special?"
"Just drive around." Kelly looked at Diane incredulously. "You don't know where we're going?" "I'll know when we get there." Why did I come back? Kelly was asking herself.
During the ride, the two of them sat silent, side by side. In twenty minutes, they were crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.
"We're looking for a hotel," Diane told the driver. "I'm not sure which-" "You want a nice hotel, lady? I know just the one. It's called the Adams. You'll like it."
* * *
THE ADAMS HOTEL was a five-story brick building with a canopy in front and a doorman in attendance.
When the taxi pulled up at the curb, the driver asked, "Does this look okay?" Diane said, "This looks fine." Kelly said nothing.
They got out of the taxi, and the doorman greeted them. "Good day, ladies. Are you checking in?" Diane nodded. "Yes." "Do you have luggage?" Diane said glibly, "The airline lost our bags. Is there anyplace around here where we can shop and pick up some clothes?" "There's a very nice ladies' shop at the end of the block. Perhaps you would like to check in here first. Then we can have your things sent directly to your room." "Fine. Are you sure they'll have a room for us here?" "This time of the year, there's no problem."
* * *
THE CLERK BEHIND the hotel desk proffered registration forms. As Kelly signed hers, she said aloud, "Emily Bronte." Diane glanced at the clerk to see if there was any recognition on his face.
Nothing.
Diane wrote: Mary Cassatt.
The clerk took their registration cards. "And do you wish to pay by credit card?" "Yes, we-" "No," Diane interrupted quickly.
Kelly looked at her and reluctantly nodded.
"Luggage?"
"It's coming. We'll be back."
"You'll have suite 515." The clerk watched them walk out the door. Two real beauties. And alone. What a waste.
* * *
THE FOR MADAME shop was a cornucopia. There were women's clothes of every description, and a leather section with handbags and suitcases.
Kelly looked around and said, "It looks like we've lucked out." A saleslady walked up to them. "May I help you?" "We're just browsing," Diane told her.
The saleslady watched as they started walking through the store.
"Look!" said Kelly. "Stockings." She grabbed half a dozen pairs. Diane followed suit.
"Panty hose? Bras, blips.
Soon their arms were laden with lingerie.
The saleslady hurried over. "Let me help you." "Thank you." The saleswoman relieved them of their burdens.
Diane and Kelly began to move down the aisles.
Kelly was examining a rack of slacks. She selected four pairs and turned to Diane. "No telling when we're going to be able to shop again." Diane picked out some slacks and a striped summer dress.
"You can't wear that," Kelly said. "Stripes will make you look fat." Diane started to put it back, then looked at Kelly and handed the dress to the saleslady. "I'll take this."
* * *
THE SALESWOMAN WATCHED in amazement as Kelly and Diane went through the rest of the racks. By the time they had finished, their selections filled four suitcases.
Kelly looked at them and grinned. "That should hold us for a while." When they went to the cashier, she asked, "Will that be cash or credit card?" "Credit-" "Cash," Diane said.
Kelly and Diane opened their purses and divided the bill. They both had the same thought: Cash is running low.
Kelly said to the cashier, "We're staying at the Adams. I wonder if you could-" "Have your things delivered? Certainly. Your names?" Kelly hesitated a moment. "Charlotte Bronte." Diane looked at her and said quickly, "Emily. Emily Bronte." Kelly remembered. "Right." The cashier was watching them, a confused expression on her face. She turned to Diane. "And your name?" "I-er-" Diane's mind was spinning. What name had she signed? Georgia O'Keeffe.
.. Frida
Kahlo?Joan Mitchell?
"Her name is Mary Cassatt," Kelly said.
The cashier swallowed. "Of course."
* * *
NEXT TO THE For Madame shop was a drugstore. "We're in luck again." Diane smiled.
They hurried inside and began a second shopping spree.
"Mascara."
"Blush."
"Toothbrushes."
"Toothpaste."
"Tampons and panty liners."
"Lipstick."
"Hair clips."
"Powder."
* * *
BY THE TIME Diane and Kelly arrived back at their hotel, the four suitcases had already been delivered to their room.
Kelly stared at them. "I wonder which are yours and which are mine?' "It doesn't matter," Diane assured her. "We're going to be here for maybe a week or more, so we might as well just put everything away." "I suppose so." They began busily hanging up dresses and slacks, putting their lingerie in drawers, and placing their toilet articles in the bathroom.
When the suitcases were emptied and everything had been put in place, Diane took off her shoes and dress and gratefully sank down on one of the beds.
"This feels wonderful." She sighed contentedly. "I don't know about you, but I'm having dinner in bed. Then I'm going to take a nice, long, hot bath. I'm not moving from here." A pleasant-faced, uniformed maid knocked and came into the suite, carrying an armful of fresh towels.
Two minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom. "If there's anything you need, please ring for me. Have a good evening." "Thank you." Kelly watched her leave.