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Italics denotes thoughts
The third and final triumphant episode of Ships was over. The reporters had hurried off to meet their deadlines for the morning papers. Things had quieted down significantly and the staff of WENN was making preparations to call it a day.
Gertie straightened her desk then slipped into her jacket. She looked around for her purse, then remembered she had left it in the Green Room where she and Tom had been playing a friendly game of Penny Parcheesi.
As she walked by Studio A, she heard low voices coming from inside. Curiosity got the best of her and she tiptoed closer to listen. When she heard what was being said and who was saying it, her mouth dropped open and her eyes grew big as saucers. She couldn't believe it. Veronica was declaring her love for Scott and asking him to come with her to Hollywood. She wanted him to co-star in her next movie. Gertie, ecstatic to be the first to know this earth shattering news, rushed off to spread it.
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In the Writer's Room, Betty heaved a sigh of relief as she put the cover on her typewriter and straightened the desk. She certainly was glad to see the end of this day finally come. Once again she thought of the conversation she had earlier with Veronica. After pondering it most of the day, she had convinced herself it would blow over when Veronica left. She would move on to another town and another man as she always did.
She walked to the door and turned around for one last glance at the room. Everything was neat and orderly. She would be very glad when order was returned to her emotions as well as everything else around the station.
She shut the door after her and walked down the hall pulling on her gloves. As she turned the corner she looked up and saw the ladies of WENN huddled outside her office discussing something that obviously had them very excited. Betty walked up with a smile and asked what was going on.
Gertie turned to her, "Oh, Betty. It's so exciting and romantic. Scott and Veronica are in love and he is going to Hollywood with her."
Betty's legs suddenly felt like they had turned to jelly and she felt the all too familiar tears starting to form. She pled with herself, Oh, please. Don't break down in front of everyone. She swallowed hard then retreated into the anger that had helped her get through the last three days. "Well, I'm sorry. He can't just up and leave! He has a contract with WENN!"
Maple pursed her lips and decided to put her two cents in. She took Betty aside and whispered, "Betty, whether you want to admit it or not, deep down Scotty's one of the good guys. He deserves to be happy. You've made it crystal clear you're not interested, so I say let him go. Give him the chance to find happiness somewhere else."
With that said, Maple joined Gertie and Eugenia as they headed toward the door still chattering with excitement. At the door, Maple reached up to turn off the reception area light and looked back. Betty hadn't moved. Maple shook her head, turned off the light and walked out the door.
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In Studio A, Scott had turned down Veronica's offer. Rejection was something Veronica Rivers was not used to. She was furious and lashed out. "What is wrong with you? Aren't you a man? Whenever we're alone you treat me like your little sister. And now you're turning down the acting opportunity of a lifetime!"
Seeing Scott's set jaw, she quickly realized that this tack wasn't working. She tried a different approach. She sauntered over and sat on his lap, ran her fingers through his hair and whispered against his lips. "Scotty, don't you find me attractive?"
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Out in the hall, the reception area light going off brought Betty out of her stupor. She noticed a light still on in Studio A and automatically walked over in a daze intending to turn if off. She glanced through the window just as Veronica sat on Scott's lap. She quickly turned away. Profound loneliness enveloped her momentarily but was quickly replaced by anger and determination. Her eyes got steely. "We'll see about this." She marched into her office.
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Scott slowly stood up, depositing Veronica. He walked over to the door and looked out at the now dark hallway. He noticed the light still on in Betty's office and wondered what she was doing. Turning around, he answered Veronica's questions with a sigh. "Of course I think you're attractive, and I…I'm really not interested in being an actor." He glanced across at Betty's office again. "That's not why I work here." His voice trailed off.
Veronica's eyes narrowed and she spoke sarcastically to the back of his head, "I see. Then there must be something or someone keeping you working here. Let's see who could it possibly be?" She clapped her hands together. "Oh, I've got it. It's that skinny, corn-fed hack writer, isn't it?"
This finally got Scott's undivided attention. He took a moment to get his anger in check before calmly replying, "Maybe it would be best if we got you to the train station as quickly as possible."
"Scotty dear, you're devotion to that little...girl is admirable. But will you take a bit of advice from a friend? Girls like that don't fall for men like you." It surprised Veronica to see the real pain in Scott's eyes. When he didn't respond, she shrugged her voluptuous shoulders. "Oh well. Your loss. There are plenty of men who would die to be with me."
Scott agreed, "Legions. And you deserve someone who can adore you like that. You ready to go?"
"Let me just freshen up a bit." Veronica exited into the dark hall. She stopped for a moment, her shoulders sagging. She reached up to wipe away a genuine tear. "Damn you, Scott Sherwood."
Betty's Journey of Discovery Series
Go to Betty's Journey of Discovery#8 - Do Dreams Really Come True?
Go Back to Betty's Journey of Discovery#6 - Veronica Stakes Her Claim!
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