Checkin' It Out
4:55. You wonder where everyone is. The previews are underway and what was supposed to be an evening with several old friends is beginning to look like it will be a twosome. Not a complete surprise since most everyone was noncommittal, but you never expected it would be just the two of you. Might be a little awkward, you think, since you've always been more of friends-in-law. What the hell, she's (he's) nice enough and it'll be easy enough to watch the movie together and then cut out.
"Don't you just love Paul Newman!" she blurts out as you leave the theater. Or course you do, but you're not really looking forward to another conversation about "those BLUE eyes."
"He never resorts to extreme physical changes or dialect to prove he's an actor." she continues. "It's all internal. He never hides his face, but then he never hides his soul, either. The changes are beautiful in their subtlety, don't you think?"
Yes. You do think. And have always thought so, but never have you heard it put so well. "He should have won for THE VERDICT in 1982." you add. "That is one of the finest performances in film."
"Agreed. Hey, it's still early, how about a bite to eat." she offers.
Several hours later, as you prepare to say goodnight, you are struck by the sense of discovery in this person you have known, but never known. You gaze silently, wanting to know more about her, wanting to kiss her, wanting to ask to see her again, but you hold yourself back. Each of you utters a good-bye, smiles longingly, and says nothing more. What can you say? What can you do? She is your best friend's ex.
