human
What else do you do, Sweetheart? the chunky man said.
gpt
Let me see whatever you do. I want some wide-talent stuff, you know, for the place. Class.
human
I dance and sing, she said.
gpt
I could do a dance for you, but my music is upstairs. You want me to go and get it?
human
How about a song, baby? You mind singing without a piano?
gpt
I don't have anything prepared, the girl said, her eyes wide.
human
I didn't know this was going to be a special audition. I thought, you know, just a burlesque audition, so I didn't bring anything.
gpt
O.K., Sweetheart, he said.
human
You got a nice shape, you'll fit in the line anyhow. But just sing a song you know. How about that? If you make it with that, you could get yourself a featured spot. More dough.
gpt
Gee, she said slowly.
human
I could do 'God Bless America'. O.K., Mr. Palveri?
gpt
Never mind, he said.
human
Go get dressed, tell Tony you got the number five spot in the line. O.K.?
gpt
Gee, she said.
human
Maybe I could work on something and do it for you some other time, Mr. Palveri?
gpt
Some other time, he said.
human
Sure.
gpt
Mr. Malone, he said,
human
How'd you know I was there? he said.
gpt
Much less who I was?
human
In this business, Palveri said, still without turning,