Beautiful Stranger (standard:drama, 3744 words)
Author: Hulsey	Added: Aug 03 2003	Views/Reads: 4771/2543	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Multi millionaire Henry Miller is entranced by a beautiful girl, but is she really as good as he seems?

The beautiful sweeping music escaping from the Grand piano thrilled
Henry Miller. How he loved the music of Chopin. The tunes of the great 
pianist were the main reason for his frequent stays at the Mayfair 
Hotel. Not that he needed accommodation, with his mansion only a couple 
of miles away. 

Henry Miller was a self-made multi-millionaire, but all the money in the
world could not buy this man happiness. Despite his popularity and many 
friends, Henry craved love, not passion and sex, but real old fashioned 
love. He had married twice, both times ending in divorce. Henry liked 
the good things in life, classical music, theatre, and a good brandy. 
His ex-wives coveted the fast life; casinos, parties, and any social 
event on the calendar, where they could flaunt themselves for the 
greedy tabloids. 

All Henry wanted was privacy; that and someone to love him, really love
him. He clapped his hands wildly, cigar clenched between his teeth. The 
pianist, a short, red-faced man bowed before scampering away, his work 
for the evening complete. 

“Well, Henry, what do you make of the new pianist?” asked a military
looking gentleman, sporting a handlebar moustache. 

“Splendid James. I never thought anyone could replace old Hanley, but I
must admit, I was impressed.” 

“Good. I thought you'd like him. Come on through to the bar old chap and
I'll buy you a drink.” 

Everyone in the Grand piano room was similarly attired in tuxedos.
Another thing they all had in common was that they were all extremely 
wealthy. 

The ornate architecture of the Mayfair never failed to impress Henry.
The magnificent crystal chandeliers, the marble pillars and the 
sweeping spiral staircase reminded him of the umpteen ballrooms he had 
frequented over the years. 

Henry was not a handsome man; in fact some would say he was downright
ugly. He was fifty-three years of age and realised time had passed him 
by in his quest to find the elusive faithful bride. His distinguished 
silver hair and tall stature were negated by his protruding teeth.  His 
ex-wives had nagged him time and time again to get them attended to, 
hell he had enough money, but Henry believed if God intended him to 
look like this, then so be it. 

The two men settled in the comfy armchairs and swilled their brandies
around their large glasses, exchanging old stories from another 
century. 

Henry noticed her first, a vision in a long flowing emerald-green dress
and matching hat. She climbed onto a barstool and the barman lit her 
cigarette. She swivelled on her stool to face the two admirers and 
smiled, the mysterious enchantress oozing class and sophistication. She 
was approximately thirty-years of age. Her eyes were as blue as the 
Pacific Ocean, her teeth perfect like flawless pearls, and her nose 
small and slightly upturned. She looked so lost sitting at the bar 
alone, like a misguided child aspiring to find her way home. 

Henry motioned to the waiter. “George, would you kindly ask the young
lady if she'd care to join us?” 

The waiter nodded and whispered into the ear of the beautiful stranger.
She turned her head and raised her cocktail glass to the pair before 
gliding over to them, her walk so graceful. 

James nudged his companion. “Hell Henry you old fox. She's actually
coming over.” 

“Yes she is isn't she?” 

The two love-smitten men rose to greet the woman. “Good evening. Henry
Miller at your service, and this is my good friend James. I hope you 
don't think I'm being too forward my dear. You seemed so lonely.” 



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