Cast An Evil Eye Read Online Free Page A

she shrugged. Lots of Europeans speak several languages. But who does he know in France?
    When Manny saw her coming he said a hasty goodbye and replaced the phone to its cradle in the back of the seat in front of him. But not before Courtney heard the last few words.
    “Don’t worry. Everything is going to plan.” He hung up and motioned to Courtney to join him.
    “Hi,” she greeted him. “Is this seat taken?” she joked.
    He grinned. “It is now. Won’t your folks object to your being here?”
    “I don’t care if they do. I’m old enough to make my own choices.” She sat down and fastened her seat belt. As soon as she was settled she turned to him. “Uh—do you know someone in France? I heard you talking in French.” She tried not to sound too probing, but she was curious.
    Manny averted his eyes. For just a moment he seemed at a loss for words. Then he turned to her and smiled. “Wouldn’t you like to know!” he teased. Then he relented. “It’s no secret. Just a business call. I’ve done a lot of work in France, and I was talking to a client. Just boring business stuff.”
    The flight attendant was beginning to serve afternoon tea and Courtney unfastened her seat belt and started to rise to her feet.
    “Stay,” Manny invited her. “Business Class is almost empty. I’m sure they won’t mind.”
    Courtney sat down again.
    “You’re not supposed to be here in this section,” the flight attendant admonished her. “Didn’t you come back here from First Class?”
    “It’s okay,” Manny told her. “I want her here. She’s a friend of mine.”
    The attendant hesitated. “Well—I guess it’s okay. Would you like some tea and scones?”
    “Yes, please,” Courtney answered with a smile.
    As soon as she and Manny had been served he turned to her. His eyes were warm and welcoming. “I’m glad you came back here. I was getting a little lonely. It’s nice to have someone to talk to.” He took a sip of tea and bit into one of the scones. Then he turned his attention to her. “I guess you’re going to New York to attend your musical. Why weren’t you there for opening night?”
    Courtney seemed surprised. “How did you know I wasn’t?” she asked him.
    Manny was silent for a moment. “Well—” he floundered—“uh—the opening was two nights ago, and you must have been in France. I just figured—”
    “You’re right. I was afraid it might be a flop. I just couldn’t face people if it wasn’t a success. They’d compare me to my grandmother and mother, and I—I—guess I was a coward. I was wrong. I realize that now.”
    Manny put his hand over hers in an intimate gesture. “I understand. But it’s a smash hit! Isn’t that great?”
    Courtney held on to his hand. She appeared to be almost in a trance. “It sure is!” she agreed, moon-eyed. “I can’t wait to see it!”
    Manny looked a little wistful. “I’d sure like to see it,” he told her. “Maybe while I’m there I’ll get a chance—”
    “I’ve got a great idea!” she interrupted. “We’re going to attend the theatre tonight! Why don’t you come? You’ll be my guest!”
    “Oh!” Manny exclaimed. “I’d love to! I’m free tonight. What time does it start?”
    “Curtain goes up at eight sharp! Oh, please say you’ll come!” she begged. “We have a private box on the second level. I’ll see you there! Tonight! I’ll tell them at the Box Office!”
    “I’ll look forward to it,” he promised.
    Time seemed to fly as Courtney and Manny visited. Soon the attendant came with their dinners, but Courtney was so entranced with Manny that she just picked at her food. Time seemed all too short when the Captain announced that they were approaching Kennedy Airport, and it was time to fasten the seat belts.
    Courtney rose from her seat, then turned back to Manny. “Don’t forget,” she reminded him. “I’ll look for you. I want you to join us in our private box.”
    She said goodbye and rushed back to