Contemporary romance
Happy Birthday, Carole Lombard. What would you give a movie screen goddess for her birthday?
Carole Lombard on a date with singer Russ Columbo.
What would you give a movie screen goddess for her birthday? By Beverly Adam, the author of Two Lovers: the true love story of Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo.
Lovely Carole Lombard, the famous movie screen goddess, was Russ Columbo’s one true love. A Hoosier, Carole Lombard (bn: Peters) was born on the 6th of October, 1908, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She fell in love in 1933, with one of the most eligible bachelor’s in Hollywood, Russ Columbo. She had recently divorced film star, William Powell, (The Thin Man), when she started dating Columbo.
Russ Columbo was a very famous singer, song composer, and a popular radio and stage personality. They were completely besotted with each other, and the press noticed: “The Russ Columbo and Carole Lombard romance is one of Hollywood’s most charming,” noted Screenland Magazine (1934). Now what would Russ Columbo have given Carole for her birthday? How might they have celebrated?
The newspaper clipping Tony Toran discovered, informs us that Columbo gave her a dachshund and that they shared tennis lessons.
Most likely, this dachshund was Mr. Brownie, who adored Russ Columbo.
Mr. Brownie and Carole Lombard, as identified in Modern Screen Magazine, 1934
The couple was well-suited. They both enjoyed playing tennis and it was noted by pro-tennis coach, Eleanor Tennant that, “Russ Columbo has the speed and agility of a Bill Tilden,” the then number-one hardcourt champion at Wimbledon. In other words, he was a more than good player.
Undoubtedly Columbo paid for many of their shared tennis lessons and he showered Lombard with gifts, expensive jewelry ect. She was a Hollywood star, after all.
On October 2nd, tired of the rumors that Russ Columbo and her were “just friends…” Lombard put in a rather humorous response in the newspapers, which is noted in Two Lovers. She wanted the world to know that they were dating and it was serious. So- hands-off ladies, this handsome hunk was hers!
To learn more about the couple, how they lived, and who their friends were, you might want to read
Two Lovers: the true love story of Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo. By me- of course! Ta-ta- for now… That’s all folks!
Who considered portraying singer Russ Columbo in a biopic movie? Try George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Perry Como, for starters…
by Beverly Adam (author of Two Lovers: the love story of Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo).
Who wanted to portray Russ Columbo either in a movie or in a television musical? George Clooney, Tom Cruise, Tony Curtis, Perry Como, for starters. Some of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars and singers considered taking on the challenge of portraying the well-liked, handsome singer, violin virtuoso, and gifted songwriter, who had been engaged to marry film actress Carole Lombard.
Russ Columbo left a big imprint on Hollywood upon his death in 1934, with his handsome good-looks, velvety smooth baritone voice and wonderful romantic songs, which he had made famous on stage, radio, and in the movies. Upon his death, Russ Columbo left behind thousands of fans, including some emerging Latin singers and actors who considered him to be a role model to follow.
The year World War II ended, Paramount Pictures considered casting Andy Rusell in a bio-picture about Russ Columbo. Andy Russell was born in Mexico, as Andres Rabago. He received his stage name from orchestra leader Gus Arnheim, who had worked with Russ Columbo at the Cocoanut Grove. Arnheim was Andres Rabago’s legal guardian, as he was underage when he started working in the orchestra. Andres Rabago was young and performed professionally as a drummer and solo vocalist. Arnheim made the suggestion that Rabago change his name, in order to draw a bigger audience. Arnheim told him, “I used to have a singer, a famous singer fella that took Bing Crosby’s place years ago. His name was Russell Columbo, one of the famous singers of the era. I’m gonna call you Russell-Andy Russell.” (Wikipedia) And so, Rabago’s name was changed to Andy Rusell. He, unfortunately, was not chosen.
Perry Como, the singer, had met Russ Columbo in Chicago at the Golden Pheasant Club (1933). Russ Columbo was performing there, promoting songs for the motion pictures. The experience of meeting his idol left a big impression on the young Perry Como. It was well-known, being a first-generation Italian-American himself, Como styled himself to be like Columbo.
Perry Como’s recording of Prisoner of Love, which Russ Columbo had co-written and made famous, went #1 on the Billboard Charts in 1946. Perry Como tried to take on the role of Columbo in a bio-picture, but it did not come off.
Heartthrob, Johnny Desmond, (born: Giovanni Alfredo De Simone), the singer who had made a White Suit Coat and a Pink Carnation popular, had also recorded one of Columbo’s biggest hits, Guilty, on his record label. Johnny Desmond, it was reported, had planned to make a musical out of The Russ Columbo Story and wanted to perform it on Broadway first, and then turn it into a movie with a Hollywood production company. When he disputed with NBC, his plans fell apart. The television network claimed the rights and were planning a TV series based on Russ Columbo’s life. Desmond, as late as 1975, still planned to do a musical motion picture about Columbo. He was interviewed by The Chicago Tribune at the Playboy Club’s living room. He told the reporter, “I think the movie is going to be done. I had always planned to play Columbo, but now I think I should play his brother, Fury. (He meant Fiore, Russ Columbo’s older brother). I’d like to do the voice over for Columbo (singing).” He never did. Desmond passed away in 1985, not having achieved his goal to portray Russ Columbo’s life.
Don Cornell had a smooth baritone voice like Russ Columbo’s. He was born into a large Italian-American family in Bronx, NY, as Luigi Valaro. Cornell changed his name during World War II, Americanizing it. He made himself more acceptable to audiences in order not be booed-off the stage, due to anti- Mussollini sentiment, an event which had previously occurred during one of his performances. He had several Billboard Charted hits that went to the top of the charts. He also was rumored to have been considered for The Russ Columbo Story.
Singer and actor, Tony Martin, the husband of famous actress, Cyd Charisse, had his own television show and a long musical film career to back his ambitions. One of them was to portray Russ Columbo, in a biopic movie musical. Martin went so far as to approach one of Russ Columbo’s sisters about the possibility of obtaining the rights to Columbo’s life story. But once again, the production of another Russ Columbo Story fell through.
During the 1950s, finding the perfect singer-actor to portray Russ Columbo was a bit like a casting call of the singers Hall of Fame. This included young teen-idol, the dreamboat, Alan Dale. He had made a hit of the songs: Oh, Marie, Gentle and Sweet (#10 Billboard) and Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White. The teen was considered to be extremely talented and went by the moniker Prince of The Baritones. When he was still underage, Dale had his own TV show with Dumont and CBS Pictures (1948).
Alan Dale recorded the hit song Heart of My Heart, with fellow Russ Columbo wannabes, Don Cornell and Johnny Desmond. The song was on the Billboard Chart at number #10 (1953). Alan Dale was qualified to portray Columbo. Born in New York, he also had come from an Italian-American family (bn: Alando Sigismondi). His father had been a theater comedian. Alan Dale started performing onstage when he was nine-years old. It was reported in a couple of sources that in 1955, Dale was approached by film producers. They intended on making a motion picture of Russ Columbo’s life. It seemed like the singer was a “sure in” for the role, but for an unknown reason, most likely the copyrights, the motion picture was never made.
Movie actor Tony Curtis had set his sights on making a musical about Russ Columbo for NBC, which was to be aired for one hour on tv. The planned production went as far as rehearsals, but for various reasons, including a dispute with Johnny Desmond about the rights, the show fell apart and was not aired.
Comic, Sid Caesar, was a gifted linguist and musician. He performed on his own tv show with Benny Goodman, the big band orchestra leader, and drummer, Gene Krupa, both of whom had worked for Russ Columbo, when they were first starting out in the business. Contrary to what many biographers wrote, both Goodman and Krupa claimed on television that they had “enjoyed” working for Russ Columbo.
Imogene Coca wearing a locket and comic Sid Caesar dressed and looking like Russ Columbo.
Caesar did a comic sketch titled: “Housewarming” for his television show. Housewarming Sid Caesar Show (click link to view show) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0CYOj0kXYw&t=29s. If it does not connect, try youtube search engine) Imogene Coca wears a fur wrap similar in style to the one Carole Lombard wore to Clifton Webb’s housewarming party (lighter in color). Her date, according to movie actor Clifton Webb, in his biography, was Russ Columbo. Caesar is dressed in clothing identical to what Russ Columbo wore in the wedding scene from Broadway Thru a Keyhole, speaks in the same range of voice, and could pass for Columbo’s double. The sketch is also loaded with well-known Carole Lombard-isms connected to her life. Caesar was trying to show in a comedic manner that there were ways to go around the copyrights issues plaguing productions wanting to portray Russ Columbo’s life. And as you can see, from the photo above (Wikipedia), the comic often dressed and looked like Columbo on his show. By the way, yes, I think he was making a bid for the role. But as he had his own show, Caesar successfully went ahead and honored Russ Columbo and his romance with Carole Lombard in his own unique manner. Bravo!
Skip ahead a couple of decades…
Tom Cruise and Michelle Pfeiffer were at the top of their movie careers in the 1990s. Michelle Pfeiffer’s ethereal beauty and comedic timing was being compared in the newspaper and movie reviews to that of Carole Lombard’s. Michelle Pfeiffer and Tom Cruise, both won Golden Globe Awards for their outstanding performances as actors in film at the same time. There begins a rumor that they should be paired together. Michelle Pfeiffer, as Carole Lombard, and Tom Cruise, as her singing love interest, Russ Columbo. It would have made a great motion picture. A biopic, however, does not develop, and the idea is dropped.
Michelle Pfeiffer and Tom Cruise
George Clooney, the famously handsome actor-director, who owns a villa in Italy, had also considered making a movie about Russ Columbo, based on the book, Crooner Mystique, by Dennis Penna.
George Clooney’s favorite aunt was the well-known singer, Rosemary Clooney. She had once lived in the same house Russ Columbo had rented on Roxbury Drive in Beverly Hills. The house had been built by Monte Blue (movie actor) in the 1920s, and had been lived-in by the song composer, George Gershwin. Rosemary Clooney lived there, with husband, Jose Ferrer, raising her children. Bing Crosby came one day to visit Rosemary, to discuss their radio show. Crosby, wrongly thinking that Russ had died in the house, refused to step into the den. He should not have worried. Russ Columbo had been shot and killed by his friend Lansing Brown, in Brown’s parents’ home, not there.
Rosemary Clooney’s children, a bit frightened by the idea of a ghost haunting the house, used to call out as they went downstairs at night, “Hello Russ, we’re coming down!” Sadly, despite protests not to, the house was torn down in 2005. The other house, the one on Outpost Drive, which Russ Columbo owned and lived-in with his parents, still remains in existence today. Movie actress Melanie Griffith used to live there.
The only singer to complete a project and sing with the title, The Russ Columbo Story, was singer Paul Bruno. He released an album in 1960, where according to Billboard Chart Magazine, Bruno “warbled tunes associated with Russ Columbo,” and the album cover featured several pictures of Russ Columbo. For more information about Russ Columbo, read my free blog: So how famous was Russ Columbo?
How Russ Columbo became The Valentino of The Radio
by Beverly Adam (author of Two Lovers: the love story of Russ Columbo and Carole Lombard)
Russ Columbo’s connection to Rudolph Valentino was a genuine one. He worked, when he was a young man, for Pola Negri (Valentino’s last lover). He was a recognized violin virtuoso. He played both classical, as well as contemporary music. This ability brought him to the attention of silent movie star, Pola Negri.
Russ Columbo.
Russ Columbo was performing one evening in the ballroom, where the Mayfair Ball was held at the Biltmore Hotel, when Pola Negri walked in. She saw him and was immediately interested in the violinist. The resemblance between her lover, Rudolph Valentino, and Russ Columbo, was striking. She hired him on the spot, asking him to report to her set the following day to play background mood music. This was the era of silent film, when live music was played during filming to help set the mood for the actors.
Russ Columbo was a young eighteen-years-old, and had been looking for a way into motion pictures. He worked for Pola Negri, playing violin music. She occasionally found him work as an extra, an unnamed actor. For two years, Columbo was employed by Negri. She was involved with Rudolph Valentino, with whom she performed in motion pictures.
In August 1926, news was brought to the movie set that Rudolph Valentino had died in New York, from complications due to an appendicitis surgery. Valentino was only thirty-one. Columbo was in the middle of performing Dvorak’s Humoresque, while a love scene was in the process of being filmed. A messenger whispered to Columbo, “Valentino has collapsed into a coma and died.”
Humoresque click here to hear music.
Stunned by the news, Columbo suddenly ceased playing.
Noticing that Russ Columbo had stopped, and now wore a bereaved expression on his face, Negri asked, “What is the matter with you? Why did you stop playing right in the middle of a scene?”
“Rudolph Valentino is dead,” he responded.
The movie star fainted. Columbo later vouched for the fact that it was not an act, but from genuine shock. For days, Negri was inconsolable over the loss of her lover.
Russ Columbo went forward with his career and worked with the Gus Arnheim Orchestra, playing the violin and singing. It was at The Cocoanut Grove that he was discovered, during a performance by the songwriter, Con Conrad. He became Columbo’s manager and brought him to New York City. Columbo found stardom on the radio and stage. Russ won the hearts of thousands of young girls and listeners, who heard his velvety baritone voice on the radio. The songs he composed, such as, You Call It Madness, But I Call It Love, Prisoner of Love, and Too Beautiful For Words, became billboard charted hits.
Years later, Russ Columbo returned to Hollywood, after breaking up with his manager. Universal Pictures considered having him star in a biopic about Rudolph Valentino, but it did not come to fruition and the project was dropped. The moniker: The Valentino of the Radio, however, remained.
Rudolph Valentino in The Son of The Sheik. Below featured: Russ Columbo.
“We would have married,” said Carole Lombard about her romance with Russ Columbo.
by Beverly Adam (author of Two Lovers: the love story of Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo).
“We would have married,” said Carole Lombard during her interview with magazine writer, Sonia Lee, for Movie Screen Magazine, in 1934. Russ Columbo had been killed. Lombard revealed that she had been planning to marry the famous singer, whose movie and radio career she had been guiding.
Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo were young, the same age (twenty-five years old), and very much in love. She helped run his career, and was guiding him to film stardom. If any couple could be called soulmates, they were. 
Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo
Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo’s friends.
Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo were called by the magazine gossip wags in 1934, “the most charming,” couple in Hollywood. They each had an entourage of friends, family, and Hollywood notables who surrounded them.
Carole watched “The Valentino of The Radio”, Russ Columbo sing at the Cocoanut Grove, in August of 1933. She was recently divorced from her first husband, the suave actor, William Powell (The Thin Man).
Wesley Ruggles and his wife Arline Judge. They were close friends with both Russ and Carole and attended their parties.
Carole had met Russ before at several parties, including one at the home of Wesley Ruggles, who had directed her and Clark Gable in No Man of Her Own. She and Russ had also partied together at a celebration hosted by William (Bill) Powell, two months before she married Powell. Russ played the piano and sang Christmas Carols with Bill and actor Edmond Lowe(seen below), with whom Carole had been in the movie, Marriage by Transit ( 1932). Who was also in attendance is rather surprising, and often left out in most biographies. The information about the Christmas parties derived from newspaper and magazine articles found on public digital archives.
Years later, Carole and Russ met again when he sang at The Cocoanut Grove. They say, eyes are the windows to the soul, and theirs met. They fell deeply in love, beginning an unforgettable romance.
The Cocoanut Grove
Russ was singing with the Gus Arnheim Orchestra and wearing his signature white tuxedo with a black tie. He had just debuted in his first major supporting movie role in Broadway Thru A Keyhole with actress Constance Cummings. The music he had composed was timeless. He had a huge fan base and his voice was heard from coast to coast in the USA. The singer Perry Como would years later make the love song Russ wrote, The Prisoner of Love, a number #1 hit on the music charts in 1946.
Constance Cummings and Russ Columbo
Russ Columbo, Madalynne Fields, Carole Lombard, and John Barrymore
Carole’s closest friend was Madalynne Fields (aka: Fieldsie). They had met during her early career in Sennett’s comedies in the 1920’s. Fieldsie helped Carole advance her career and was her friend, as well as her personal secretary.
George Raft was the ex-gangster/ actor whom Carole dated publicly, while under pressure from Paramount to promote the movie Bolero. Mack Gray was George’s bodyguard and friend. Mack was dating Lucille Ball. This is biographical fiction.
Lucille Ball, George Raft, actress Virginia Pine, Joanie (Virginia’s daughter), Mack Gray (his bodyguard. This photo has been up for over 6 years on this page. It was downloadable and discovered on a public domain.
Lucille Ball, George Raft, actress Virginia Pine, Joanie (Virginia’s daughter), Mack Gray (bodyguard).
“Who is Walter Lang?” I was asked by a reader. He was a director and a member of Carole’s close knit entourage, attending all her parties and sometimes helping out. He would later play a role in helping Clark Gable and Carole Lombard’s romance, which was under wraps as Carole told the press, “Clark’s married. We’re just friends.” The press indicated Lang and Lombard weren’t compatible, thus ensuring that Gable could later stroll onto the scene as “the one” after he and his oil heiress wife, Rhea Langham (Gable’s second wife), finally divorced. Fieldsie and Walter married in 1937, and had one son, Richard. Fieldsie, with her encyclopedic knowledge of Hollywood, then began to help her husband’s career and raise their child.
That’s all for now folks!
Carole directed by Walter Lang in Love Before Breakfast, in 1936.
By Beverly Adam (author of Two Lovers: the love story of Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo)
I Love You Miss #3198 (short story-romance)
I Love You Miss #3198
California. Jeff Morgan stared grimly at his computer screen. The letters materializing from the online lovelorn network were less than inspiring. Such personals on the dating websites such as, “SFSM for nite of pn”- Single female seeks single male for a night of passion, did not exactly add up to someone looking for a lifetime commitment.
He had checked countless dating apps, matchmaking agencies, and been on more blind dates in the past few months than any single should be forced to endure. The buffet of women from nose-pierced students to chunky booted marketing executives with form fitting halter tops was amazing. But let’s be real… What did he have to show for all this activity? Zero. Not even the slightest proverbial zing of attraction had passed between himself and the women he had dated. Nada. Nothing. Heart rate slow and snoozing.
He took stock of himself as future husband material. At thirty-five, he was in good physical condition from tri-weekly workouts with his personal trainer. He held a challenging job in one of Silicon Valley’s foremost computer companies. As a product manager, his income was more than decent. He was considered to be a pretty nice guy. At least that is what his sister-in-law told him when asked. So- why was he having such a hard time finding the right woman to make a lifetime commitment?
Sure, at first it had been fun meeting a new woman every night, taking them out to different places. But lately the awkward goodnight swift pecks on the cheeks had, well, become less than satisfying, try damn frustrating.
He wanted to see the same woman, to be invited to come inside and stay for the rest of his life. He often found himself sitting around at home, waiting for texts and slowly returned phone calls that included awkward conversations. It wasn’t happening. No one had fired his thoughts or emotions.
Pulling a hand through his hair, Jeff faced the computer and clicked-up the menu to the network message board. Maybe wonder of wonders something new had popped up since the last time he looked? He was open to any suggestion that would get him out of his present dating funk.
The computer starburst into action with the click of the mouse, as if he were light-speeding into another universe. There, in the magical world where modern technology became part of the mythic legend of love potions, he expected to find the tonic pat answer to all of his heart’s befuddling demands.
The algorithms would check off his list of requirements, narrowing down the list of women. He would choose a few to contact and the life-changing adventure of discovering which was the one would begin.
“This is all scientifically perfected. The algorithms do all the work,” Jeff told himself. But he knew that if he did not put in the effort, clicking on pretty faces would get him nowhere fast. Action worked better than wishful thinking.
An animated cupid shooting arrows appeared on the screen. The little cherub winked at him, aimed, and let fly an arrow. It hit the heart dangling from a nearby message tree. Upon contact with the arrow the heart split open to reveal the paid message: MEET YOUR IDEAL WOMAN. ORDER TODAY. Below the message was the online application form. Jeff tapped the screen and leaned back in his swivel chair.
What did he have to lose? He decided to order three files, knowing that each one would contain an estimated thirty faces. Surely, he and the matchmaking agency could find one that met his idea of a wife?
Yeah, right. He frowned, recalling all the women he had met and dated. He impulsively ordered five more. Feeling as if he had just taken a giant step in the right direction, Jeff poured himself a cup full of his favorite percolated brew.
Holding a Chip-tech logo imprinted mug, he saluted the air. “To the future Mrs. Jeff Morgan, wherever you may be found.” Taking a sip, he sighed with contentment. Tomorrow night was the beginning of the weekend. For the first time in weeks he was looking forward to staying home.
Natalie paced her friend’s small living-room apartment in Illinois, reading aloud the typed paper before her. “Number 3198 likes music, books, and cooking. Never been married, she is a thirty-year-old single looking for a man who will make both a good husband and father. Contact her today and she may become yours truly.” She paused and looked incredulously at the tiny brunette seated on the sofa in front of her.
“This may have worked for you, Hannah. But me? I don’t think so.”
“Please, Nat,” pleaded her friend. The engagement ring on her left finger flashed, as she placed a hand on Natalie’s arm. ”’Give it a try. It’s a little expensive, because they do background checks. But your safety is worth it. I know this will work for you, too.”
Two weeks ago, Hannah had found herself engaged to a commercial photographer named Bob White. She was divorced. With an eight-year-old son to care for, she had never expected to fall in love again. But Bob had miraculously accepted both of them. She owed her present happiness to the matchmaking service. The wedding was set for next month.
Skeptical, Natalie continued to shake her head. It couldn’t possibly work. She was not nearly as pretty or as vivacious as her outspoken friend. Within minutes, everyone knew where they stood with Hannah. But her? No, not likely. A relationship, she told herself, took time.
Noting the defiant look in her friend’s brown eyes, Hannah said, “Listen, Nat… Every time I see you, you’re thinner and sadder. You have to do something before you fade away altogether.”
Hannah passed a critical eye over her taller friend’s willowy frame. She tried to see her through the eyes of a stranger. Natalie’s large brown eyes and long hair were all to her benefit. The fact she did not have a classical jawline and had a pert nose, did not detract from her sweet appearance. Natalie could be summarized as naturally pretty. No, her friend may not look like a beauty pageant contestant. However, she was a definite contender for a cherished Mrs. title.
“Hannah, I know my books won’t keep me warm at night. But the men here are so boring.” Natalie rolled her eyes and admitted, “Finally I just prefer to be-“
“Alone,” finished Hannah for her, with sympathetic nod. “That’s why I want you to try this. Who knows?” She flashed an impish grin. “Maybe there’s someone out there waiting for you, just as there was for me.”
Someone waiting for her… the phrase rang through Natalie’s thoughts and into her heart.
None of the men in her small Illinois town seemed to understand her quiet, but strong-minded and more progressive way of thinking. From a relatively well-to-do engineering family, she stood out noticeably from the other young women who were more interested in marrying men with lots of money than finding someone who would be their best friend.
It didn’t help that the majority of the men she met were absurdly competitive. She often found herself having to defend what she and her family had worked so hard for.
And if she could not find a man here who would respect her intelligence and warmly applauded her family’s hard-earned achievements… Maybe she should look elsewhere for someone who would? Ideally someone as well-off as her own family. Yes, but where to find such a man? Most of the men who had come close to fitting her wish list for a spouse were either in prolonged separations or divorced, with demanding ex-wives. Many were also so tiresomely full of themselves she found herself staring blankly into their eyes when her turn came to speak. The seeds that Hannah had sown into her thoughts began to take root.
Natalie considered cautiously the almost impossible odds of falling in love with a man outside her small town, possibly from another state. She came to a decision and telephoned her friend. “Hannah, make certain they take a picture of me smiling. I wouldn’t want him to think I am desperate. Besides, I’m not about to marry someone twice my age.” She made a face. “No, I am most definitely not looking for an inflexible man who reminds me of my last boss, full of unreasonable and outdated expectations. Besides, I don’t look good in a string bikini.”
“Never thought you needed to,” laughed Hannah. Talking a mile a minute about what Natalie should say and wear for her video interview, Hannah arranged to meet with her the next day at the studio. They would tape Natalie’s interview, helping her become Miss #3198.
California. One week later, after passing the background check, Jeff opened the email from the matchmaking agency. An explanation of how their matchmaking system worked was included.
He kicked-off his shoes and began to read the introduction. He stopped upon noticing that two of the ten codes with profiles of the women he was interested in were missing. It would appear that number 3306 and 2814 had already found husbands. Did that not prove how well their service worked? The letter slyly boasted. Not necessarily, the skeptical side of Jeff voted. It could simply mean that the gentlemen who lived next-door to the ladies might have scored points for hometown courting. There was after all an advantage to living in the same place as the one you are courting.
He noted that of the two missing, one had been recommended to him by his mother, Betty Morgan. He smiled as he recollected how his family had taken an active interest in his scheme to find a wife. After wading helplessly through screens shots full of faces, Jeff discovered he could not keep focused. He had decided to use the perspectives of those he valued the most- the highly opinionated Morgan clan.
Arriving at his parents’ home, with the tired look of one who has spent too much time in front of a computer, Jeff knocked on the door. His mother answered, greeting him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
His fraternal twin brother Gary, and his wife, Lynn, greeted him from the family room. Joe Morgan, the patriarch of the family, stepped inside from the garage. He nodded his head at him by way of greeting. “Better be careful of entrusting any of those women you fancy to your mother. She will pick out the wedding dinner menu before you can say your name to the lady.”
“Really Joe, I’m not as bad as all that,” retorted his wife, Betty. She sat on the sofa and began writing down numbers. Family chatter stopped. All stared at the intent mother-in-law to be. She peered intently through her glasses up at the television screen before her, engrossed.
Joe bent over his wife and stage-whispered, “Jeff, might want a pen and paper too, honey.”
At this the room broke into a roar of laughter. Flushed, the mother of the noisy brood stood-up, placed a swift kiss on her husband’s face and went to fetch the writing materials. By the end of the evening, candidates were submitted for his final scrutiny. Jeff, knowing his family had faith in him to find the woman he would love for the rest of his life, felt renewed energy and determination.
For another hour, Jeff looked over the photos and interests of the women they had selected. When he reached his father’s choices, he couldn’t help but laugh. Dad’s idea of the ideal wife for him bordered on theatrical fantasy. All of the women looked like the glamour vamps from a reality show. They stared out at him wearing wigs and spray on tans. His father apparently thought he needed a sexy woman to warm his bed. He had chosen one of the women his father had picked, with an almost see-through blouse that left nothing to the imagination, to humor him. He leaned back and observed the television screen connected wirelessly to his computer. He planned on viewing all of the recorded interviews that night.
Natalie stared at the Texan in front of her. They were meeting in Chicago, a long drive from her family’s Victorian house located on a picturesque woodland hill in the countryside. It was almost surreal that the man she had been talking to for the last two weeks online was seated across from her in this small coffee shop. His hair had been closely shaved into a short haircut and above his mouth was a neatly trimmed mustache. His eyes watched her as she sat down. Mr. Arthur O’Keefe was thirty-six, had been married before, but had no children.
He was one of the handsomest men she had ever met. She felt a tad uneasy. He looked too good to be true. He in turn was looking her over, taking in the jacket and wrap dress. His eyes flicked over her shoulder-length hair neatly pulled back with a pearled hair comb.
“Well, how do I measure up?” Natalie asked, her midwestern accent hanging thickly in the air. The noise of the people talking behind them causing her to speak a little louder than usual. It was near mid-morning and many were ordering last minute pastries.
“Fine,” O’Keefe said, as though trying to picture her in some other way. She looked at him quizzically. “You’re the first one I’ve met today who has not asked me to reimburse her for the trip. That’s a point for you.”
“I am the first one?” Natalie asked, a frown lightly crossing her brow. She looked around her to see if there was someone else he knew there. “What others are you talking about?”
“I thought you knew. Well, at least I told you, didn’t I? I have been meeting with women since early this morning,” O’Keefe said, as if he were talking of hiring a woman to be his wife. “I wanted to meet with you all. You know, to figure out which one of you would make the best wife for me.”
“Oh-” Natalie, a sick feeling fluttering in her stomach, suddenly embarrassed. Naively, she had thought she was the only one he had made an appointment with. He had said on the phone that he wanted to meet her and contact some of his other friends in the area, while on a business trip. She had foolishly thought he meant other Texans like himself, not other single, Illinois women.
“How many more are you going to meet?” she asked carefully, trying to keep her voice light, even though her pride hurt.
“You’re number four. I’ve got one more rendezvous with a lady at three and then I will make up my mind.” Then, as if he suddenly remembered that she was one of the women he was supposed to be interested in, he brought out an expensively wrapped package.
“Here, honey, this is for you.” O’Keefe handed it to her.
“Thank-you,” she answered and politely put it beside her. He looked at her expectantly.
“Well, aren’t ya going to open it, Natalie?”
“Oh, of course.” She smiled at him. And as she undid the wrapping paper, he sat back and drank his coffee.
“All the ladies I picked to meet love chic clothes. So, I thought I’d bring you all a present.”
Natalie forced a smile. It was very considerate of him to think of such a gift. Although it made her feel as if she were some sort of fashion doll he was trying clothes on. She took the lid off the box. Beneath the tissue paper lay a name-brand black spandex skirt with a matching bodice. She noted that the waist was elastic.
“The description of you was small,” O’Keefe said as way of explanation. “But I thought it best to buy one outfit that would fit any size. The last gal I met was so excited she jumped right up and gave me a big kiss.”
“It was thoughtful of you.” Natalie observed him. Summarizing her own feelings about their encounter, she shrewdly asked, “You have already come to a decision about us. You are meeting with me today out of politeness. Because we agreed to, right?”
He sat up a little straighter. The look he gave her told Natalie that she was putting him on the spot. Some innate sixth sense had told her just from the few minutes that they had spent together that he had already decided whom he wanted to marry.
“Yes,” he answered, some of the good ol’ boy facade slipping.
She stood-up and gave him a genuine smile of friendship. She spoke formally, deciding to be polite. There was no need for any unnecessary drama. “I think I will be going, Mr. O’ Keefe. I hope the rest of your stay in Chicago is a pleasant one. It was nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure was all mine.” O’Keefe smiled, obviously relieved that she was not sore at him.
Natalie walked out the coffee shop door. She headed towards the car park and reminded herself how fortunate she was not to have invested herself too much in the Texan and have a broken heart. Despite Mr. O’ Keefe having behaved like a perfect gentleman, she was lucky to have escaped becoming his future wife. She was not certain that a man who bought clothes for her on their very first date would want to limit himself to choices involving her wardrobe.
The encounter with the Texan did not put Natalie off from the idea of finding a husband. She told herself she would be more particular about the inquiries she chose to reply to in the future.
California. It had been almost two months since Jeff had begun corresponding with the women from The Cupid’s Arrow. One woman had written him openly asking for money- so she could come and visit him. But Betty Morgan hadn’t raised a fool. He told the woman that he would be happy to repay her expenses once she arrived at the airport. He never heard from her again.
Only two had made him feel as if they were writing to him and not to his bank account. He had begun corresponding exclusively to one of them over the last two weeks. She had been the one who appeared to be seeking not just a husband, but a close friend. Their conversations online had become more and more intimate and personal. She sent him her home phone number.
They had gone beyond the typical chitchat of strangers meeting for the first time. He had recently found himself daydreaming about her sitting next to him in his townhouse, talking and laughing with her after a hard day at work. After their last conversation, he had begun to have a clear vision of introducing her to the Morgan clan and becoming more than just online friends.
Jeff spoke to her on the phone, “Natalie, I have been thinking it over. I think it’s time that we met. I’ve enjoyed our face-timing and conversations on the phone. I want to meet you in person. Do you want me to come to Illinois?”
“To meet here…” she murmured breathlessly, then with firm certainty. “Yes, Jeff. I would love for you to come!” Her reply caused his heart to skip a beat. He could hear the happy delight in her voice.
The next day he began to make arrangements to take time off from work and to book a flight. He wanted her to be exclusively his. He was ready to consider making a lifetime commitment.
Chicago, Illinois. Natalie looked at Jeff. He stood a head taller than her. She gazed into his warm hazel eyes. Since the moment he had stepped in front of her in the reception area, she had not been able to take her eyes off him. The way he smiled down at her made her melt.
“Natalie?” Jess asked, looking at her.
“Yes,” Natalie replied flustered and excited. She was at last meeting the man whom she considered to be her special friend these last few weeks. She almost wanted to pinch herself to make certain that the moment between them was happening. This was not a figment of her romantic imagination. He had come all the way to Chicago just for her.
She put a hand on her heart. “I am so happy to meet you at last, Jeff.”
“Me too. It’s good to be here.” Jeff smiled back.
They went to a little restaurant not far from the hotel. They laughed and talked for hours. They said goodnight, agreeing to meet the next day. She intended on taking Jeff on a sightseeing tour of Chicago.
By the end of the third day, Jeff walked with Natalie on his arm around the city. He knew that everything between the two of them was going to work out. Since the moment he had locked eyes with Natalie, everyone and everything around him hadn’t really mattered, except this beautiful, intelligent woman.
In the evening, Jeff sat staring at her from across a candlelit table. Natalie was so pretty and refined. He felt like the luckiest man in the world. He loved her midwestern accent and the way she tilted her head when listening to him.
“Is something the matter? Do I have food on my face?” Natalie asked.
“No. It’s just the restaurant, the wine, the candles, the conversation, and well, being here with you, Natalie.”
“Me? What about me?”
“Adorable! You are beautiful inside as well as out.” Jeff shook his hand expressively as if he had just touched a hot stove. They both laughed.
But the seriousness of their conversation returned, as Natalie confessed, “When you wrote and told me about your family, I knew that you were a good man. I think you will make a wonderful husband and father. You are such a sincere person.”
“I like you too, Natalie. You are an amazing lady. I never thought I would meet someone interested in me. A lot of women back home think I am a computer nerd.”
“They must be fools, then.” Natalie dismissed these others with the wave of her hand.
“Not to mention, they lack your intelligence, your wit.” Jeff whispered boldly, “and your sexiness.”
She smiled, a light blush making her cheeks rosy.
“Would you like to come up and have a night cap in my room?” she asked, having decided to stay at the same hotel as him when they made the decision to see each other in the city. She was ready to take a leap of faith concerning their relationship.
“I would.” The zing he had been feeling in his heart was definitely there.
Jeff turned towards her as they reached a lit tree on their walk back to the hotel. Holding Natalie’s face gently in his hands, he said softly, “I think I am falling in love with you, Natalie.” He then kissed her the way he had wanted to since the very first moment they had met. It was a kiss full of promise…
The Author: Beverly Adam is a romance author living in California. She first wrote this story in the 1990s based on a magazine article she read concerning a dating service. She thought you, the reader, might enjoy this short story which has transformed over the years.
Be careful out there, ladies and gentlemen, I would not want any of you to be hurt.
All the best, Beverly Adam.
Free Short Story for those who love Kleptomaniac kitties-The Return of Cyrano
by Beverly Adam (author of Two Lovers: the true love story of Carole Lombard and Russ Columbo).
Any advertisements shown on any of my webpages have not been endorsed by me, as WordPress has not given me a dime in repayment.
The Return of Cyrano
by Beverly Adam
Cyrano looked at his mistress with loving, yellow eyes of devotion. He had been tenderly cared for by Anne Sears since the first moment she had found him unceremoniously dumped on the front porch of her home. At first, she had left him there, under the protective cover of the porch, refusing to believe the obvious, that a cold-hearted human had purposefully abandoned the helpless kitten.
Cyrano had meowed piteously up at her and given a cute little rumble of a purr to let her know he was pleased to meet her when she petted him. She brought him bowls of water and food. That night, he slept in a shallow box on the porch. With a full belly and soft blanket, he rolled up into a tight ball and did not budge. He may have been a little over a month and a half old, but he knew a good home when he found one.
He quickly learned his mistress was a female Saint Francis of Assisi. No animal went unprotected while Anne was around. Strays were almost guaranteed to be found a good home by the tenderhearted, redheaded woman with the smiling gray eyes. After not much debate, Anne had decided to keep him. The stray had been devoted to her ever since.
“What’s this you’ve got here, Cyrano?” Anne asked, looking at the object he was carrying proudly in his mouth. “You’ve been out thieving again, haven’t you?” She took the black, medium-sized men’s underwear from out of the cat’s clenched mouth.
He growled a small protest. Hey- I was very brave to have stolen it! And I’m not done poking holes.
“It’s a wonder you haven’t been arrested, carrying off people’s property the way you do- you little thief.” She laughed fondly. Anne held out the Ralph Lauren briefs for inspection. These were not lowly white cotton boxers. They were of a more endurable quality. Her cat had good taste.
Cyrano was a bonafide kleptomaniac. Ever since the orange tabby had been old enough to hunt on his own, he had tried to prove his worth by bringing home these little gifts. Everything caught and found by Cyrano from dead mice, to shoes, toys, and even once a stuffed dinosaur, had found their way to her front porch.
“So, when are you going to bring me home some diamonds?” Anne mused aloud, laughing at his latest gift. “Or even better, bring me home the man who goes with these? Expensively sexy, don’t you think, Cyrano?”
Cyrano rumbled back a happy reply. All in good time, mistress. I’ll bring you back something better next time, I promise.
Philip looked out the kitchen window. He watched in amazement as the familiar tabby climbed up his fence and with surprising agility, made off with one of the undergarments he had been drying on a clothesline.Since coming to California to work as a French professor at the local university, Philip had not given up his habit of drying clothes on a line. It was the frugal side of his character, instilled by his scholarly French-Canadian parents, who had immigrated from Toronto, Canada. He supposed it was the same reserved part of his personality which had kept him from dating the available single ladies he was introduced to by coworkers.
Many of the women he had met were aggressively assertive, like competitive reality show contestants, frightening him off by never letting him take the lead. He shuddered inwardly, remembering his last date. The woman with a low, tight-fitting blouse had practically thrust her pierced tongue into his unwilling mouth.
“Hey!” he called out at the cat, hoping to frighten the daring animal into dropping the undergarment.
Cyrano paused in his stroll across the top of the fence, giving him a wide-eyed stare.
Philip yelled, “Don’t you think that you’re getting a little personal stealing that?!”
The cat gave him a low growl, which Philip correctly interpreted as I don’t think so… And with the flick of his striped tail, the cat disappeared from view.
“Is that a fact,” Philip muttered into his coffee cup, taking a fortifying sip of the hot brew. “We shall see about that, Monsieur le chat. Indeed, we shall see.”
Over the next few days, Cyrano brought home more small items from Philip’s house. Anne was beginning to get a picture of the stranger’s everyday wardrobe. She knew that some of the items had come from the same owner, having the identical hint of men’s cologne. These items Anne had grouped into one pile on her bed. She picked them up and carefully looked them over.
“One monogrammed handkerchief, initials PJAF. One silver tie tack. Three mismatched Docker socks, and one Ralph Lauren underwear. Whoever he is, Cyrano, he must have a very good taste.” Then stroking Cyrano’s soft silky head, she added fondly, “Just like you.”
Cyrano purred back, Thank-you, Anne.
But it was not until one week later, she met the mysterious owner of the stolen items.
Philip had been giving his wood garden furniture an extra coat of white paint . He had taken off his watch, setting it aside for safe keeping- or so he thought. Unbeknownst to him, a small hunter was prowling in a nearby bush. His intelligent yellow eyes were fixed upon the gleaming gold object, his next prize.
When Philip turned to clean one of his paint brushes, Cyrano took advantage. He bounded forward, streaking across the backyard, and swiped the gold-plated watch off the low gardening table with a hooking paw. He put the shiny object into his mouth and took-off at a run, as fast as his four legs could propel him.
Philip turned around just in time to see Cyrano hightail it over the fence with the gold valuable in his mouth.
“Maudit, chat!” He yelled after the little thief, swearing aloud in French and English. He pounded the garden table in frustration. “You’re not welcome, you damn cat!”
Agitated, some of the white paint spilled onto Philip’s bare feet. This caused him to curse some more.
A few minutes later, Cyrano proudly deposited the watch at Anne’s sandaled feet. She gave a large sigh.
Not quite diamonds. But this was the best that I could do, rumbled Cyrano as he entwined his body around her legs.
“Oh my- now you’ve gone and done it.” Anne picked up the men’s watch, noticing the initials imprinted on the back were the same as the monogrammed handkerchief’s.”I better put up some signs in the neighborhood about your new treasure. You little pirate, next time he just might shoot you.”
Anne put up found notices around the neighborhood. A day later, she heard a knock on her front door. Upon opening it, she met a tall, dark-haired man with startling hazel eyes and a wide, sexy grin.
“I’ve come about the watch,” Philip said, a hint of a French-Canadian accent highlighting his speech. “I believe your cat stole it from me.”
“Ah yes,” Anne said. “But first, the initials on the back are?”
“P-J-A-F. They stand for Philip Jacques Anton Fortin, who is standing before your door. Miss?”
“Anne Sears.” She smiled back at him. “And I am sorry that the thieving scamp, better known as my cat, has caused you any trouble. Cyrano certainly has taken a liking to stealing things.”
“He has good taste.”
“He most certainly does,” Anne agreed, not taking her eyes off the amiable man before her. “Please, come in. I’ll get your watch. I think Cyrano may have stolen a few other items that belong to you. May I make a guess that during the last month you have also lost a plain white handkerchief with your initials embroidered on it, as well as some other smaller items?”
“I have… I think your cat may have also taken a few things of a more personal nature.” Philip laughed.
“How right you are. I’ll go fetch them for you, shall I? “Anne agreed, thinking of the intimate apparel her tabby had brought home.
Philip stepped inside and took a cursory look. It was a pleasant, sunlit living room. A few pictures hung on the wall and a white-washed brick fireplace dominated the space. A vase of freshly cut pink and white roses sat centered on the mantle. Anne’s cottage, he noted, was located only a few doors down from his own ranch house. His home was almost twice the size of her detached two bedroom cottage, but it did not feel nearly as homey and cheerful.
Anne returned and handed him a paper bag full of the stolen items.
Philip took a quick look inside. He noticed a swimsuit bottom and held it up for examination.
“I didn’t notice this was missing. I thought I’d simply misplaced it,” he sheepishly confessed.
“I’m afraid all of these items are my Cyrano’s stolen cache.” She nodded her head in the direction where the small tabby was sunbathing on the windowsill.
“Ah yes-” said Philip. “The famous Cyrano.” He walked over to the window. “Is it all right if I pet him?”
Anne nodded her head, hesitating. “He likes to be scratched under the chin. But I’m afraid he doesn’t like men.”
Cyrano purred as Philip scratched him. He moved his head. A little more to the left, Philip. Ahh… that’s better.
She closely watched Philip with Cyrano. The two were getting along surprisingly well. Cyrano had always hissed at her ex-boyfriend, whom the tabby had openly disliked. She had broken off the relationship over a year ago, upon discovering her ex-boyfriend had been dating other women on the sly. Since then, her family and friends had been urging her to go out on dates. She had been reluctant, unwilling to risk again her heart being broken..
“Would you like some tea?” she asked, curious about Philip.
“That would be nice, thank-you.”
Philip noticed that there were no photographs of any men around, except in formal family group shots.
They sat and chatted for a while, discussing the neighborhood and their jobs. Anne, Philip learned, was a local high-school teacher. She taught courses in English Literature, World History, and French.
“It’s all very basic what I teach… Two of my students went abroad last year on an exchange program in Belgium.”
When he asked her to speak in French he found her accent to be quite charming and told her so.
“Anne, would you consider going out with me?” Philip asked, not quite believing the incredible way he had met her, how the cat had played a part as the matchmaker. “There is a comedy by Moliere, The Miser, being performed in English at a community theater nearby. I have two tickets and wondered if you would consider attending with me?”
“Yes, I would like that.” They agreed to meet the following Friday.
***
A year later, a white bow tied around his neck, Cyrano found himself seated on a white satin-lined basket. It was carried by a freckled little flower girl, Mandy, his mistress’s seven-year-old niece.
Anne walked slowly behind them, dressed in a creamy white gown of polished silk and sheer tulle. The aisle was next-to a manicured lawn situated in a lovely country garden. Before she reached Philip, standing beneath a rose-covered trellis, she stopped and gave the cat a loving caress.
Cyrano purred up to her. See, I told you I would find you something of worth, mistress- a handsome mate. Giving a smug little purr, he settled down for a nap, as the happy couple exchanged their solemn vows of love before the assembled guests.
Author’s Notes: Cyrano is a real bandit cat living near the author’s home. He is notorious for stealing small objects out of backyards. The story has transformed over the years and may continue to change.
Here is a story concerning another kleptomaniac kitty named Dusty.
Author Beverly Adam 