The Naked Venus

1

No, we must get closer.

Now, that's it.

Oh, Mrs. Dixon is going to like this.

Bob.

I'm afraid of your mother. Let's not go.

Now, honey...

Please.

Look... we've been all

through this before.

Can't you get it into your little head,

my father died. My mother needs me.

I've got to go and you're going with me.

You'll like her and she'll

love you and Sherie.

She doesn't even know I exist.

Why didn't you tell her, Bob?

In all these years...

Why couldn't you have said:

"I got married, and we have a child"?

Was it easier to live a lie?

A white lie.

I had to.

I wasn't supposed to stay on in

Paris after my army discharge.

And take up painting of all things.

But I did. And I was

lucky. Damned lucky.

Didn't the Museum of Contemporary

Art in New York buy my painting?

You aren't just lucky, Bob.

You are a good painter.

I am now. Even in my mother's eyes.

Yvonne.

Just.

Just try to get used to her.

She's quite a gal.

Sure she can be stubborn as a mule, but

there's nothing she wouldn't do for me.

And you, you're part of me, funny-face.

Look. We're packed.

Jim's found us someone to take

over our lease until we come back.

And we're coming back,

honey. I love Paris.

I found myself here. And you.

For the first time, you did

something you wanted to do.

Painting.

And you didn't listen to anybody.

Not even to your mother.

For once, you were yourself.

And oh Bob, I loved you for it.

And I love you, too.

Even when you're a pain in the neck.

Now come on, you're tired. We can

finish packing in the morning.

Bob, we don't have to go.

We don't have to do anything.

But we're going.

And you'll love California. Ma's got a

big place. Swimming pool, tennis courts

You can play tennis with her.

A good way to get acquainted.

I bet I can wangle a

sports-car out of mother.

I can pay her back when I get

the money from the will.

Hey. You smiled.

- I'm scared.

- You're not scared.

Oh, who in the heck is that, now?

Yes.

Jim.

Sorry old boy, we're already in bed.

Oh, have a heart. We've got to

finish packing in the morning.

The New York Times?

Ah, no don't read it to me.

I'll be right over in a moment.

You'd better forget the drink.

Yvonne is making a face already.

I must go?

The art critic of the New York

Times liked Naked Venus.

He says I can paint.

- Don't leave me alone tonight.

- What's so different about tonight?

Everything.

Oh, quit worrying. Everything

is going to work out just great.

Hi, everybody.

- Thanks. You mind?

- Why should I?

Say, Jim. Pretty good, huh? I like

what he says about my brush stroke.

And this:
"definitely a

personality... in the making."

What's the matter with that guy?

He's a critic, kid. He's got

to criticize something.

To our fuming genius.

How is Yvonne?

- Lousy, thanks.

- Why? What's the problem?

She's already made up her mind.

She and mother won't get along.

Of course they won't.

Mothers-in-law and wives never do.

Why try to be different?

Poor Bob... if you hadn't tried to ditch

me, you wouldn't have that problem.

I know how to handle

your precious mother.

- That's just what I was afraid of.

- And what else?

Don't try and find out. I did.

Look who's talking.

And where would you be

dear, if it weren't for me?

Working... it could be, you know.

The great sculptor talking.

That's all he ever does. Talk.

Okay sweetheart. Jim talks.

- Some people find it very entertaining.

- I don't.

Not when I have to cough up the rent.

I'm not a bank, you know.

- Unfortunately not.

- You'd like that, wouldn't you.

I'd love it.

Which reminds me, old pal.

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