Private Scandals

call it a betrayal, a betrayal by two people I admired and cared for. Deliberate on Angela’s side, and pathetic on yours.”
    The muscle in his jaw began to twitch. “You and I had notfully committed to each other, sexually or emotionally.”
    “You’re saying that if I’d gone to bed with you, it wouldn’t have happened? I’m not buying it.” She sprang to her feet. “I’m not sharing the blame for this one, pal. You’re the one who thought with your glands. So take my advice, doctor, and get the hell out of my house. I want you to stay away from me. I don’t want you knocking at my door. I don’t want to hear your voice on the phone. And I don’t want any more calls in the middle of the damn night where you can’t even drum up the guts to speak.”
    He stood, standing stiffly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “Don’t you?” Her cheeks were flaming.
    “I only know that I want to make things right. My eyes have been opened during these months since you cut me out of your life, Deanna. I know you’re the only woman who can make me happy.”
    “Then you’re in for a sad life. I’m not available, and I’m not interested.”
    “There’s someone else.” He stepped forward, gripping her forearms before she could jerk away. “You can speak of betrayal when you so casually, so easily move from me to someone else.”
    “Yes, there’s someone else, Marshall. There’s me. Now take your hands off me.”
    “Let me remind you what we had,” he murmured, pulling her against him. “Let me show you the way it could be.”
    The old fear returned, making her tremble as she fought free of his grip. Struggling for air, she braced herself against the chair. Cornered, she was cruel. “You know what would make an interesting topic for my show, Marshall? Try this on. Respected family counselors who harass women they’ve dated as well as seducing underage girls.” She wrapped her arms tight around her body as his color drained. “Yes, I know all about it. A child, Marshall? Can you imagine how that revolts me? The woman you were seeing while youwere supposedly developing our relationship is small change compared to that. Angela sent me a little package before she left for New York.”
    Cold sweat pearled on his brow. “You have no right to publicize my private life.”
    “And no intention of doing so. Unless you continue to harass me. And if you do—” She trailed off.
    “I expected better than threats from you, Deanna.”
    “Well, looks like you were wrong again.” She strode to the door, yanked it open. “Now get out.”
    Shaken, he picked up his coat. “You owe me the courtesy of giving me the information you have.”
    “I owe you nothing. And if you’re not out this door in five seconds, I’m going to let out a scream that’ll raise the roof on this building and bring the neighbors running.”
    “You’re making a mistake,” he said as he walked to the door. “A very big mistake.”
    “Happy holidays,” she told him, then slammed the door and turned the bolt.
     
    “Great show, Deanna.” Marcie wiped at her eyes as Deanna walked back into the dressing room. “It was great to have all those families of soldiers over in the Gulf on together. And those tapes from over there.”
    “Thanks, Marcie.” Deanna walked over to the lighted makeup mirror and removed her earrings. “You know, Marcie, it’s New Year’s Eve.”
    “I’ve heard rumors.”
    “It’s that time for ‘Out with the old, in with the new.’ ” Pushing a hand through her hair, Deanna turned in front of the mirror, critically studying left profile, right, full face.
    “And Marcie, my friend, I’m feeling reckless.”
    “Oh yeah?” Marcie stopped arranging her makeup case in preparation for Bobby Marks. “What kind of reckless? Like going-out-and-picking-up-strange-men-at-cheap-bars reckless?”
    “I didn’t say I was insane, I said I was reckless. How much time do you have free before Bobby comes in?”
    “About twenty minutes.”
    “Okay, that should do it.” Deanna boosted herself into the swivel chair, then spun it away from the mirror. “Change me.”
    Marcie nearly gave in to the urge to rub her hands together. “You’re serious?”
    “Deadly. I had a nasty scene with a former relationship a few days ago. I don’t know if I’m going to have a job much less a career this time next month. I may just be falling in love with a man who spends more time out of the country than