Can I do something for you?
Harry almost screamed with relief as he nodded, then almost screamed in despair as he realized he could not stop his damn head from bobbing up and down. He finally grinned it into submission. Harry took a deep breath, Im going to be here tomorrow night for dinner with someone and I would appreciate it if -
Dempsey smiled reassuringly, You want to make an impression on a girl, eh?
Harry refused to allow his head to bob and grinned as little as possible. Yes.
No problem. Whats your name?
Harry. Harry Lewis. I really appreciate yo -
Always like to help someone out. He put a hand on Harrys shoulder, Anytime Mr. Lewis.
Harry could feel himself grinning up at him.
I've got to go. See you tomorrow night.
Harry watched him walk away and just allowed his head to bob…
Then he was outside. In the air. It felt good. O God it felt good. He wasnt grinning. He hoped. He could see clearly. Head must not be bobbing. Face feels strange… he chuckled. Must be relaxed. He was walking. Stopped. Looked around, Where am I???? O yeah. Okay. He slowed his pace. Plenty of time… plenty of time…
Saturdays always took care of themselves. No thinking and almost no planning was necessary. He simply did the things that could only be done on Saturday such as the cleaning, the laundry, shopping, and the odds and ends that pile up during the week. The laundromat was just around the corner and he went to one store while the clothes were washing, and another while they were drying, but waiting for the machines to be available took up most of the time. That was when he caught up on his magazine reading.
When he got back to the apartment he straightened it up a bit and puttered around, listened to a little music and watched an old horror film on TV. It was not until late in the afternoon that he started to think about his date with Rita. Soon it was time to get dressed and leave.
Rita smiled as she opened the door, Come on in. But dont go too far or youll be out the back door. At least you would if there was a back door. Rita chuckled and Harry laughed. I just have to put on my coat and I’ll be ready. I used to live in a larger place, with a roommate, but I decided I would rather have something like this and have privacy.
Harry helped her on with her coat. I feel the same way. I like to be free to do what I want when I want… and with who I want.
She went to the door, Be careful, Im going to open the door. She laughed.
They stood on the corner waiting for a cab. I thought we’d go to Jack Dempseys for dinner. I havent been there for a while and I suddenly had the urge to see if its still the same.
She smiled, Thats fine with me. I dont think Ive ever been there.
Its been quite a while since Ive been there, but I think youll like it.
Harry made a conscious effort to relax as they entered the restaurant. There was a party of six in front of them and though Jack Dempseys voice could be heard they could only get a glimpse of him. The Maitre'd came over and escorted the party to their table and suddenly Jack Dempsey was standing in front of Harry and Rita.
Jacks face brightened and beamed, Harry, Harry Lewis, how are you? Jack patted Harry on the back and shook his hand, How have you been?
Just fine, champ. Moving right along. You know.
Yeah. I know.
O Jack, I’d like you to meet my friend Rita. Hi.
Pleased to meet you.
Youre looking great, champ.
You know me Harry. Jack called the Maitre'd, Henry, Mr. Lewis would like a quiet table out of the way.
Henry nodded, Of course. This way please.
See you, champ.
They sat and Harry opened his napkin and felt like opening his arms. He felt expanded and expansive.
Rita smiled, I didnt know you knew Jack Dempsey.
Well, we’re not exactly bosom buddies, but… you know.
I think thats terrific. Im really impressed.
Harry smiled and nodded in acceptance of the compliment. Hes really a very nice guy you know. I mean a regular guy. I like the way he speaks. I guess I must have been expecting some sort of rough—she shrugged her shoulders—certainly not such a nice, gentle man.
Yeah, the movies have tended to stereotype certain –
Would you care for a drink before dinner?
Harry looked at the waiter for a second… Yes, I think so. I’ll have a dry martini, very dry. How about you?
Yes that will do fine.
When the martinis came Harry sipped his… Thats good. I dont like to taste the wine, or even smell it. He smiled. The dryer the better.
I dont think Ive ever noticed. She picked up her drink, Well heres to you, champ. They both chuckled.
Everything went smoothly. They enjoyed the food and each others conversation. There did not seem to be any embarrassing lulls in the conversation, or any lulls at all for that matter. They both contributed to the conversation and they went from one subject to another, listening, talking, both feeling relaxed in the others company.
When they left the resaurant Harry waved at Jack, So long, champ.
He smiled and waved back, Have a good night.
Well, what would you like to do now Rita?
Did you have anything special in mind?
Harry shook his head, No. Im loose and open.
Rita had an almost impish smile on her face. Well, theres a horror film festival at that theater on East 12th. I think theyre showing Frankenstein and the Bride of Frankenstein tonight.
Hey, no kidding. Thats terrific.
There was a sound of glee in Ritas voice, Would you like to go?
Love it. I always did like Elsa Lancaster.
They both laughed and held hands as they walked to the corner to get a cab.
The theater was filled with afficionados and there was a feeling of excitement. Harry and Rita settled into their seats, enjoying the movies, and each others company, sharing their enjoyment and thus increasing it.
When they left the theater they both automatically, and almost simultaneously, took a deep breath, almost sighing as they exhaled. They looked at each other and laughed.
Like to go around to the Cedar for a nightcap?
No, I dont think so, champ. Im not much for drinking. If you dont mind?
No, not at all.
Why dont we pick up a cheese cake, or something, and go up to my place and I’ll make a pot of coffee.
Sounds terrific. Im all for that.
Harry put his arm around Ritas shoulder as they walked leisurely down the street.
When Rita unlocked the door she told Harry to be careful, dont go too far, youll bump into a wall.
Harry chuckled, I can always go out the back door instead.
Youd better wait until they build a stairway.
And a door.
Rita laughed. In the meantime give me that and make yourself at home. She took the cake from him and went into the kitchen. When the coffee was brewed they sat around the table eating the cake and drinking coffee.
Hmmmmm, this is good coffee. Whats the secret. Mines terrible.
Simple. Never clean the pot.
Harry almost choked as he laughed with a mouthful of coffee, trying desperately not to spit it out.
Youre terrific, absolutely great for my ego. You laugh at all my bad jokes.
I didnt know they were jokes.
Her coffee cup was at her lips when she started laughing and she held it tightly with both hands as she lowered it to its saucer. Maybe we should declare a truce and wait until we’ve finished the coffee before making any more cracks.
Okay—Harry raised his right hand—scouts honor. But you know, its hard not to be a little silly with you.
O… Rita raised an eyebrow and smiled.
Now dont start. We just made a pact. What I mean is—he shrugged—that I feel so relaxed. You make me feel so… so… at home.
Rita smiled appreciatively. Thank you. Thats a very kind thing to say.
Well, youre a very nice person—They smiled at each other unselfconsciously, taking pleasure in each others smile, and their own—And your idea of going to the flicks was a stroke of genius.
Well, to tell you the truth I was scheming all day how I could get you to take me there.
They laughed.
Well it sure didnt take much talking.