the biggest clients in the country.' 233 ' do? I'm not '. yes. We handle celebrities, banks, big businesses, chain stores ', I -' ,... supermarkets. You name it, we represent them all." - ' me tell you how I got started.' He never stopped talking during dinner, and the only subject was Ted Riddle. ' was, probably just nervous,' Sally apologized.
"Well, I can tell you, he made me nervous. If there's anything you want to know about the life of Ted Riddle since the day he was born, just ask me!" Mckinley.""att ' Mckinley. I just remembered. He used to date a girlfriend of mine. She was absolutely crazy about him?
"Thanks, Sally, but no.."'m going to call him.' "Me following night, Jerry Mckinley appeared. He was nice-looking, and he had a sweet and engaging personality. When he walked in the door and looked at Julia he said,'I know blind dates are always difficult. I'm rather shy myself, so I know. how you must feel, Julia.' 234 She liked him immediately. They went to the Evergreen Chinese Restaurant on State Avenue for dinner.
"You work for an architectural firm. That must be exciting. I don't think people realize how important architects are.' He's sensitive, Julia thought happily. She smiled. ' couldn't agree with you more.' The evening was delightful, and the more they talked, the more Julia liked him. She decided to be bold. ' you like to come back to the apartment for a nightcapt she asked. '. Let's go back to my placd."
"Your placer He leaned forward and squeezed her hand. ''s where I keep the whips and chains.' Henry Wesson owned an accounting firm in the building where Peters, Eastman & Tolkin was quartered. Two or three mornings a week, Julia would find herself in the elevator with him.. He seemed. a pleasant enough man. He was in his thirties, quietly intelligentlooking, sandy-haired, and he wore black-rimmed glasses. The acquaintance began with polite nods, then, ' morning,' then, ''re looking very well today,' and after a few months, ' wonder if you'd like to have dinner with me some evenine.' He was 235 watching her eagerly, waiting for an answer. Julia smiled. ' right.' It was -instant love on Henry's part. On their first date, he took Julia to EBT, one of the top restaurants in Kansas City. He was obviously thrilled to be out with her. He told her a little about himself. ' was born right here in good old KC. My father was born here, too. The acorn doesn't fall far from the oak. You know what I meant Julia knew what he meant. ' always knew I wanted to be an accountant. When I got out of school, I went to work for the Bigelow & Benson Financial Corporation.
Now I have my own firm."'s nice,' Julia said. ''s about all there is to tell about me. Tell me about you.' Julia was silent for a moment. rm the illegitimate daughter of one o I , the richest men in the world. You ve probably heard of him. Hejust drowned. I'm an heiress to his estate. She looked around the elegant room. I could buy this restaurant, if I wanted to. I couldprobably buy this whole town, if I wanted to. Henry was staring at her. '?"! I ... I'm sorry. I was born in Milwaukee. My . my father died when I was young. My mother and I traveled around the country a great deal. When she 236 passed away, I decided to stay here and get a job.' I hope my nose isn't growing- Henry Wesson put a hand over hers. ' you've never had a man to take care of you.' He leaned forward and said earnestly, ' would like to take care of YOU for the rest of your life.' Julia looked at him in surprise. ' don't mean to sound like Doris Day, but we hardly know each other." want to change that.' When Julia got home, Sally was waiting for her.'Well?' she asked. ' did your date got Julia said, thoughtfully, ''s very sweet, and .. ''s crazy about you!' Julia smiled. ' think he proposed.' Sally's, eyes widened. ' think he proposed? My God! Don't you know if the man proposed or not?", he said he wanted to take care of me for the rest of my life."'s a proposal!' Sally exclaimed. ''s a proposal! Marry him! Quick! M arry him before he changes his mind!' Julia laughed.