by Douglas Young<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Raleigh Reynolds was selling tickets as fast as he could for Friday night\u2019s second show at the campus cinema. From behind open-air bars in the theater\u2019s round ticket booth inside the student center, he enjoyed seeing how fast he could dispense tickets, make change, and keep the line moving. When a ticket-buyer was chatting with a buddy or slow getting out his money, Raleigh leaned over to sell tickets to the next customers in line which invariably prompted the person in front to speed up. To further quicken the pace, Mr. Reynolds would ask for whoever had exact change to come to the side of the booth. Convinced he was the fastest ticket-seller anywhere, he relished the challenge of getting an extra-long line of patrons into the theater by showtime or at least by the end of the previews.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This particular line stretched so far into the lobby that it was doubtful if everyone queued up would get to see the movie. It was an especially boisterous crowd, and Raleigh fed off its energy and joy as students were glad to be out on a Friday night.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cExcuse me, but do you think everyone will get a seat? I\u2019m in the back of the line and I really don\u2019t want to waste my time if there\u2019s no way of getting inside.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Turning to the left side of the booth to see who spoke, Raleigh blinked and felt his face break into a full smile. Framed by thick swirls of long brown hair was a fabulous face featuring hazel-green eyes and a slightly flirty grin. The young lady wore a bronze tan and appeared to be glowing in a bright yellow dress accentuating a voluptuous figure.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Normally Raleigh would have apologized that she likely would not get inside and then gently urge her to arrive much earlier next time, especially for a 9:30 Friday or Saturday film. But momentarily mesmerized by the young lady who kept smiling at him, he hesitated. Turning to give the next customer his change and surveying just how very long the line remained, he looked back at her.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJust a minute,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, okay,\u201d she replied in a mock conspiratorial tone as he quickly sold tickets to the next several people in line. He then reached into a drawer for a roll of differently colored tickets.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow many folks in your party?\u201d he asked in a low tone, glancing around to see if the student building manager was around.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJust me and a friend,\u201d she answered sotto voce, mischievous smile intact. He gave her two tickets.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWow,\u201d she replied as she looked at him with widened eyes. \u201cHow exceptionally thoughtful. My gallant Southern gentleman to the rescue, and I don\u2019t even know you. Thank you, kind sir.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Still selling tickets briskly, he smiled at her between sales. \u201cYou\u2019re welcome. Thanks for the compliments, but the passes ain\u2019t coming out of my salary and, since I don\u2019t see the manager anywhere, I don\u2019t think I\u2019ll get in trouble,\u201d he stated before quickly scouring the scene in an exaggerated manner.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Her smile was now a full grin as she continued looking at him. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll tell you what I\u2019m going to do, my shining knight. I\u2019m going to return here tomorrow at noon. Be here and we\u2019ll go to lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He gave her a surprised look and chuckled. \u201cUh, huh.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo you don\u2019t believe me? Come here at noon and see.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With a face that said he had a better chance of winning the lottery, but was still intrigued, he finally replied.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOkay, you\u2019re on. But if you don\u2019t show, don\u2019t expect another free pass.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t worry, big boy. I\u2019ll be here. Oh, and I like to know the names of the men I go out with. So what\u2019s yours?\u201d
\n\u201cRaleigh Reynolds, fearless ticket-seller, at your service.\u201d He smiled and bowed.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNice name, quite masculine,\u201d she slowly drawled in an accent he could not guess, though it sounded vaguely West European.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAnd you are?\u201d he asked between ticket sales.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cChiara Cohen, your delightful damsel in distress.\u201d She curtsied with a giggle. \u201cSee you here at noon, and don\u2019t be late. I hate to wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSays the gal who waits until the last minute to show up for the big Friday night show.\u201d He laughed.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cUntil tomorrow, Mr. Raleigh.\u201d She smiled and turned to head back to her friend in line.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wow. Was that real? I feel like I\u2019ve just acted out a scene in a film<\/em>, he marveled. What a bona fide fox. If she shows up tomorrow, she will officially be the most gorgeous gal I have ever gone out with \u2013 and by far. If she shows up. But who could have imagined what just happened? She might actually appear. Well, I guess we\u2019ll just have to see then, won\u2019t we? <\/em>He caught himself smiling.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A couple minutes later Chiara and another pretty girl walked by the ticket booth. Miss Cohen waved and, pointing at Raleigh, told her friend, \u201cSee? There\u2019s our dashing hero.\u201d The other girl waved, blew him a kiss, and laughed. Mr. Reynolds chuckled and waved before turning back to the line.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Once the film sold out, Raleigh went into the locked little room between the ticket booth and the theater to count the money. The movie was a popular comedy and he heard the raucous crowd frequently roar laughing. But he could not stop thinking about the stunning girl in the yellow dress. I got a feeling she may show up tomorrow<\/em>, he mused.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 When the film ended, he was back in the booth selling tickets for the midnight movie, for which there was another large crowd. Raleigh kept looking for Chiara on her way out despite dreading she might tell him \u201cSomething has come up\u201d to preclude her from meeting him the next day. While disappointed he did not see her, he was relieved she had not canceled on him. He also figured he might have trouble sleeping that night in anticipation of the approaching noon hour. Whatever happened, he was grateful for a fun little experience and the possibility of a memorable lunch date.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chiara Cohen did not think much about the friendly boy in the ticket booth. She was surprised and touched by the free passes and wanted to show her appreciation. While she found the young man decent looking, she had gone out with much cuter guys and way more well-heeled ones who never needed to work as a ticket-seller. But this was a rare period when she had no beau, which was why she was out with a girlfriend who was also momentarily unattached. It was fun flirting with him<\/em>, Chiara thought as she took her seat in the cinema, and she got a charge at how thrilled Raleigh was to meet and get a lunch date with her, however skeptical he was that she would show up. She looked forward to his excitement when she not only returned, but on time. I\u2019ll wow him in my best dress too<\/em>, Chiara smiled. She had no doubt he would show up, and early. Miss Cohen concluded having a leisurely lunch with a charming new male acquaintance might prove pleasant.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Having slept better than expected, Raleigh Reynolds spent most of Saturday morning doing homework. Being a graduate student and working two jobs to help pay tuition and rent, he never had remotely enough time to do all the readings assigned. So he just read the introduction and conclusion to each book chapter and journal article.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thinking about his hoped-for lunch date as he shaved, showered, and dressed much better than usual, he recalled romantic comedy films he had enjoyed since he felt like he was entering waking dream territory again. Even if she doesn\u2019t show<\/em>, Raleigh reminded himself, what the heck? I can visit with whoever\u2019s working the matinee shift and still walk to a restaurant downtown.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At 11:50 a.m., Mr. Reynolds entered the student center and sat at one of the many tables in the large lobby in front of the theater. To make it less obvious if he got stood up, Raleigh brought a paperback novel he had long wanted to read. Since none of his colleagues had arrived at the cinema, he opened his book.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chiara Cohen had enjoyed her night out with a dear friend and slept late that morning. Though a college junior, she still spent little time on homework since she had never needed to study much for decent grades and was unwilling to put in the time for A\u2019s. She found most school work boring, and there was way too much fun to be had. Besides, she had always figured she would have no trouble marrying a successful young man. Her mother and older sisters had done that and, provided she was progressing toward earning a college degree in four years, her father paid her tuition, rent, and an allowance.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Curious to learn about Raleigh and wanting to impress him, she put on her favorite, form-fitting black dress and red sandals. She smiled imagining his reaction when she arrived, and precisely at noon.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Without looking obvious, every couple of minutes Raleigh furtively scanned the lobby. By 11:58, he grew convinced his would be a solo lunch and turned his attention to the novel in earnest. Hey, so what if she doesn\u2019t show? Nobody has to know. I\u2019m just here reading my book and soon on my way to a swell lunch that will be better than what I would have had at the apartment. I might actually bump into somebody I know.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Just as he focused on his reading, he felt the presence of someone standing in front of him. Looking up, his eyes widened.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFigured you\u2019d get stood up?\u201d Chiara asked with a bit of a grin and one hand on her hip.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Raleigh blinked and was embarrassed that his mouth had opened as he admired the striking coed in a tight, jet-black dress. He was momentarily lost for words.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cRather read your book?\u201d she got out before chuckling.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, ma\u2019am,\u201d he replied and jumped up.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat does your watch say?\u201d she asked with raised eyebrows.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTwelve o\u2019clock noon. As The Monkees sing, \u2018Now, I\u2019m a believer.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He bowed slightly and extended his hand. She smiled and shook it.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cEver the gentleman. Well, let\u2019s go eat. I slept through breakfast and if I wait much longer, I may start shaking and you\u2019ll have to carry me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll do it,\u201d Mr. Reynolds replied.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI bet you would. Ever my shining knight,\u201d Miss Cohen answered and patted his shoulder.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They began walking the short distance across campus to downtown. Along the way, Raleigh was elated that a few acquaintances saw him with such a beauty. One guy gave him a thumbs up.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHey, Mister Raleigh.\u201d Zella Montgomery waved as Raleigh smiled and nodded. Though classmates since middle school who had always gotten along, Mr. Reynolds was guarded around Miss Montgomery since she was the biggest gossip he had ever known. For once, he relished what she might now tell mutual acquaintances.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWho\u2019s your friend?\u201d Zella asked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, this is Chiara Cohen,\u201d Raleigh answered. Miss Cohen smiled.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow do y\u2019all know each other?\u201d Zella queried.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAh \u2026 we both love movies,\u201d Mr. Reynolds replied.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe picked me up at the university cinema last night,\u201d Chiara interjected.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, my,\u201d Zella remarked with wide eyes as Raleigh looked uncomfortable and Chiara grinned.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAll right. Good seeing you, Zella. We\u2019re late to lunch,\u201d he remarked with a wave and kept walking.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWho knew a knight could blush,\u201d Chiara noted.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell, Miss Zella loves to spin all kinds of stuff out of nothing,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, and is this nothing?\u201d She looked at him.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, no!\u201d He shook his head and waved his hand to reassure her, only relaxing once she giggled.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo where are you from?\u201d she asked as they continued down the tree-lined sidewalk to John Hunt Morgan Avenue on the edge of campus.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI grew up here,\u201d he answered, \u201cand liked it too much to leave. Most of my friends stayed and went to the university, so I figured I would, too, and become a college-educated<\/em> redneck. How \u2019bout you? From what parts do you hail?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNew York City\u2019s largest Jewish suburb,\u201d she answered looking at him with a little smile.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBrooklyn?\u201d he asked, to which she shook her head. \u201cThe Bronx?\u201d She shook her head again with a growing grin. \u201cLong Island?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNope. Miami.\u201d She smiled at him.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAh, here I figured you were a Yankee who\u2019d come down to Dixie, when lo and behold, come to find out you came north<\/em>. I also thought you might have a European accent.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDaddy came from France and Momma\u2019s from Italy. Chiara is Italian for \u2018clear, bright light.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPretty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They agreed to eat at A Mean Bean Indeed, a vegetarian restaurant across the street from the prettiest part of campus where large oak trees, daffodils, and tulips were in full glory. Flower baskets hung from street lamps on both sides of the street, and pink and white dogwoods bloomed in front of the eatery. As they sat at a sidewalk table, Raleigh noticed a few guys and gals eyeing his date. Looking to see how she reacted, Miss Cohen appeared completely nonplussed. They soon ordered their food and Chiara leaned back, crossed her legs, and lit a gold-filtered black cigarette from a pack of the same colors that Raleigh picked up to admire.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI do believe this is the fanciest, most expensive-looking pack of cancer sticks I ever did see,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBecause it is,\u201d she replied. \u201cSobranie Black Russian.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow can you afford them on a student budget?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMy, my, and who gives you such hifalutin\u2019 coffin nails?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cA beau. Alas, an ex-beau.\u201d She gave an exaggerated pout. \u201cAnd this is my last pack.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI reckon he\u2019s earning a right pretty penny to give you these.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe\u2019s a pilot,\u201d she stated matter-of-factly before taking a drag on her cigarette.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWow. He can afford his own plane?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe just flies a big one.\u201d She exhaled.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, he\u2019s an airline pilot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 She nodded and winked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow does a coed land such a big catch?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHe saw me in first-class and invited me into the cockpit.\u201d She smiled.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSounds like something out of a movie,\u201d Raleigh noted. \u201cI \u2019spect that adds a whole new dimension to \u2018sweeping a gal right off her feet.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s a fair way of putting it.\u201d She chuckled and blew some smoke.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo how\u2019d you lose such a big fish? Or was he just a jerk?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell, he turned out to be. But I don\u2019t regret it. We sure had a lot of fun. It was exciting getting to fly all over. Then like a foolish little girl I fell in love with him and actually believed him when he said he\u2019d leave his wife. When I pressed him about it, suddenly my strong knight of the skies became Mr. Wuss.\u201d She rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHmm. I\u2019m not absolutely sure I follow you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201c\u2018I\u2019m sorry, Chiara,\u2019\u201d she moaned in a faux male voice. \u201c\u2018You know I love you, honey bunny, but I just can\u2019t leave my family. My heart\u2019s being ripped from both sides and I just don\u2019t know what to do.\u2019\u201d She imitated big sobs. \u201cOh, yeah? Well, boo-hoo. Try finding your testicles. I don\u2019t get off on men who are emotionally incontinent.\u201d She took a hit off her cigarette and looked at the tall trees and flowers across the street.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWould you really want him to leave his wife and children?\u201d Raleigh asked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, at the time, yeah, absolutely. I was completely \u2018in love\u2019 and only thinking of myself. But, no, not now. It couldn\u2019t have worked. I should have seen the whole thing for what it was and just been grateful for a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Their food arrived and they began to eat, but still mostly talked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo what\u2019s been happening in Mr. Raleigh\u2019s Loveland? Anything exciting?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m looking right at her.\u201d He smiled.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chiara laughed. \u201cNo intriguing romantic tales to tell? Come on. I shared mine, or one of them.\u201d She smiled with a raised eyebrow.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cActually, my last girlfriend, Adalyn, left me for another guy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOuch. Boy, that hurts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNot nifty.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSorry, babe. Tell me more \u2013 if it\u2019s not too painful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, no. Though it was distinctly unpleasant at first, I likely lucked out big time, seeing how unfaithful she was.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDefinitely not marriage material, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPrecisely \u2013 like Mr. Airline Pilot.\u201d He winked and she winked back and pointed at him.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cTruth be told, it wasn\u2019t a major relationship,\u201d Raleigh stated. \u201cWe\u2019d only been dating a few months and there were already a number of red flags. But she\u2019s a real looker and I guess that made me overlook a lot of baggage.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMany a good man\u2019s downfall,\u201d Chiara pointed her fork at him with squinted eyes.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThere\u2019s this guy we both know who she sure mentioned a lot,\u201d Raleigh observed. \u201cBut I never suspected anything on account of he\u2019s real shy and she even referred to him as \u2018Virgin Van\u2019 since he actually confided that to her one time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, he definitely wanted her,\u201d Chiara chimed in quickly.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYeah, all of her, as it turned out,\u201d Raleigh agreed.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOhhh, I think the plot just thickened.\u201d Chiara giggled.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019d been acting kind of weird and one day mentioned Van again, to which I said, \u2018Oh, Virgin Van?\u2019 to which she replied, \u2018Mmmm\u2026 not anymore.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chiara raised her head and looked at him trying not to laugh.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYep. It turns out she had just de-virginized him.\u201d He sighed.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cJuicy,\u201d Chiara noted. \u201cDo dish.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cDefinitely not kosher. To her credit, she did tell me, and it wasn\u2019t like we were living together or engaged. She cried and I just wanted to be done with it all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou didn\u2019t want to take her back? Even after she confessed and begged for forgiveness?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNot particularly, and who said she wanted us to stay together? The little cheat just told me Van was no longer \u2018Virgin Van\u2019 and that she\u2019d hitched her wagon to his.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou weren\u2019t hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, sure, but I figured it was a blessing to find out so soon that she couldn\u2019t be trusted.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAgreed.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut I did confront the ex-virgin Van the next time I saw him,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOhhh. Did you fight it out?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo, but I sure put him in his place when he sheepishly tried to explain it all away with the classic excuse of \u2018Well, we didn\u2019t mean to, man, but, you know, it just happened.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, so \u2018it just happened,\u2019 huh, Van? Let\u2019s see. So you just happened to be out driving one night and, of all the places you could have driven to, you just happened to drive straight to Adalyn\u2019s apartment. Then you just happened to knock on her door and she just happened to let you in. Then y\u2019all just happened to mosey on back to her bedroom where you each just happened to get naked and then you just happened to stick your penis inside her vagina and it just happened to\u2026 erupt. So, yeah, I guess it all \u2018just happened.\u2019 Uh huh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chiara hunched over the sidewalk in case her laughter caused her to spit out any food. Raleigh was tickled she enjoyed the story so much, and each time he retold it he felt the Adalyn scales had been balanced a little more in his favor.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhat an awesome put-down \u2013 way better than any fisticuffs,\u201d she pronounced. \u201cDid you verbally trounce Miss Adalyn, too?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNaw. She was crying when she told me. I just wanted the whole thing to be over and get away from all that melodramatic angst.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou let her off mighty easy. Still always a gentleman with the ladies.\u201d She nodded while taking a sip of wine.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou can be right or you can have peace.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThat sounds like a rationalization.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m in graduate school. Everything I learn is rationalization.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 They finished their meal and continued chatting while watching a parade of students, townies, workers, and families walk by them. The conversation veered from the romantic realm into politics and history, especially concerning the Middle East. Miss Cohen talked enthusiastically and at length regarding her many visits to Israel, and she was surprised and impressed by how well-versed Mr. Reynolds was about the region, particularly the Jewish state.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSo have you been to Israel?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo ma\u2019am,\u201d he answered.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d He shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t recall ever thinking about it. I\u2019m sure it\u2019s nice, like you say. But I\u2019ve yet to go to Europe or a lot of other places either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou are Jewish, aren\u2019t you?\u201d she inquired with a suddenly serious and surprised look.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d he replied slowly as he realized just how important his answer might be. She blinked and said nothing. \u201cBut I am circumcised.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cMazel tov.\u201d She chuckled and raised her glass.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNow that\u2019s definitely kosher.\u201d He beamed.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIndeed.\u201d She nodded with a grin.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cBut I sense major disappointment that I\u2019m not Jewish,\u201d he lamented.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOh, no,\u201d she answered. \u201cI just assumed you were since you know so much about Israel \u2013 even more than I do \u2013 and you drop certain words with ease, like \u2018kosher.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSomething your boiled shrimp was definitely not,\u201d he volunteered, to which she giggled.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cSee, there you go.\u201d She pointed to the shrimp shells. \u201cYou could have easily fooled most any Jewish gal that you were a nice Jewish boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cGosh, I hope I can still be a nice goy boy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOf course. A nice free-pass goy boy.\u201d She grinned.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cFrom what I\u2019ve seen of your diet, I\u2019m guessing you ain\u2019t Orthodox, and I have a hard time imagining Miss Chiara ever fasting.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo,\u201d she declared with a wave of her hand. \u201cLife\u2019s hard enough.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNot a speck of daylight between us on that one, shug. But I still can\u2019t help thinking you\u2019re majorly disappointed that we ain\u2019t in the same tribe.\u201d He frowned.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cStop. I have lots of gentile friends,\u201d she declared. \u201cYou\u2019re the one making a big deal out of it. Do you see me going anywhere?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cAw, thanks, Miss Chiara. Hey, if I\u2019m not one of the chosen people, I\u2019m at least one of the frozen chosen.\u201d He smiled.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWho are?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cPresbyterians \u2013 the original church of Caucasian rhythm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chiara chuckled and lit a cigarette.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re still shook up about this,\u201d she noted. \u201cDon\u2019t be. All it means is that I just couldn\u2019t marry you. That\u2019s all. Don\u2019t sweat it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After a pause, he started to speak but stopped.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cCome on. Speak up. You know I don\u2019t bite. Just say whatever\u2019s on your mind,\u201d she remarked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell, I\u2019m right flattered to think you might have actually considered me a possible suitor on your marriage radar,\u201d he said with a smile.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cYou should be,\u201d she replied with a laugh. \u201cBut, I\u2019m sorry, I just can\u2019t have a marriage with a man who\u2019s not Jewish.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He took a sip of water, paused, and then smiled before leaning forward and lowering his voice.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cHow \u2019bout a torrid affair?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chiara burst out laughing and continued looking at him with a big grin. When he failed to say anything but just smiled, she took a long drag off her cigarette while keeping her eyes on him.<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cWell,\u201d she stated smiling before exhaling a large puff of smoke, \u201cI guess we\u2019ll just have to see then, won\u2019t we?\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" by Douglas Young \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Raleigh Reynolds was selling tickets as fast as he could for Friday night\u2019s second show at the campus cinema. From behind open-air bars in the theater\u2019s round ticket booth inside the student center, he enjoyed seeing how fast he could dispense tickets, make change, and keep the line moving. When a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1730,77],"tags":[1565,1728,1123],"class_list":["post-15481","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-egophobia-83","category-english","tag-douglas-young","tag-egophobia-83","tag-english"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6DakB-41H","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15481","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15481"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15481\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15482,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15481\/revisions\/15482"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15481"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15481"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/egophobia.ro\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15481"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}