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“Listen, Sam, I only got here from LA two weeks ago. I, too, went through something that had me down and out.”
“Do you live here?” I ask in amazement.
“My heart lives here but, due to my various commitments, I’m rarely ever here. But, generally, yes - this is my home. The most important people in my life are here. The truth is that, lately, I’ve also been rethinking my steps regarding my career. This life is very demanding, and I want to settle down already.”
“Listen,” I smile proudly, “I’ve been a fan of yours for many years now, you’re so talented and passionate! Like in that movie, ‘Empty Childhood’, when you played Jim, a young boy who’s forced to be dragged around by a single mother, with all of her adventures with men, drugs, and a self-destructive lifestyle. To me, it was a moving, unforgettable role.”
“Yeah, thanks,” he laughs bitterly. “That was a long time ago. Too bad that role later turned into a lifestyle that nearly killed me. I partied quite a bit back then, you know, and I was led into some pretty dangerous situations.”
I lay my hand on his and look at him warmly.
“Michael, who would we have been without our mistakes? But, with all the pain and heartbreak, I wouldn’t give up the lessons I’ve learned. They’ve helped me become more attuned to myself.”
“I agree.” He smiles again, almost blushing, not showing his teeth this time. “You know what? When I saw you over there, at the café, you looked so beautiful, kind, and warm. And I asked myself, why can’t I be with someone normal, a woman like you.”
“Certainly by now you’ve changed your mind,” I reply in my usual sarcasm, but he simply looks at me and said, “No, not at all. Now I can add honest and funny to the list.”
I shrugged, disinterestedly, as if he were speaking of someone else.
“I have a proposal for you. Listen, since we’re both a bit lost and also looking to get lost for a while, let’s disappear together. Let’s go on a two-day journey, no strings attached, no thinking. Just clear our minds together.”
“A journey?” I ask.
“A journey,” he replies, pointing at the row of yachts. “Let’s put one of those yachts into gear and sail to Greece. We’ll rest and enjoy our ourselves; we’ll get to know each other and...”
“And what?” I ask. “Listen, Michael, you don’t know me and I’m not certain you’d like to. But I’m aware of your glamorous lifestyle, the incredible music you create, the movies you played in, the commercials and catalogues you’ve been in. And even so, your proposal, as crazy and irresponsible as it may be, actually sounds right to me. I even have my passport. Good thing that after the divorce, I’ve been making sure to put all my important personal documents in my purse.” I smile a small victorious smile. “But, Michael, are you even sure you want me there, on that yacht, with you?” I ask dubiously.
“Positive! So, are we going?” he asks.
“We’re going,” I reply. Whatever. What else could happen to me that hasn’t already happened? After all, I’m known for my rash decisions.
Avi is waiting for us on a bench facing the sea, talking on his phone and looking at me. Michael and I wait for him to finish his phone call. “Don’t forget to change my schedule. Unless they expect you to show up instead of me. I’m not interested in traveling that far. Start being my assistant instead of catering to others,” he half-jokingly berates her. “Ok, bye.” He says and hangs up, lifting his head up and looking at me sideways. His eyes and bewitching gaze capture mine and I silently stifle my embarrassment.
“So, Michael, what’s up?” he asks.
“What’s up is that I’ll see you in a couple of days. Sam and I are going to clear our heads for a bit and sail to Greece together.”
“Really?” Avi asks with a tone of surprise and jumps to his feet.
“Yes,” Michael replies. “What’s there for me to do here, anyway? All I do is yap away and lash out at you. I need a breather. Come on, we’ll walk you to the car, I have to pick up my stuff. I left my hat there, as well, and I don’t feel like being recognized. Pray for me that I’ll be left alone, just for today.” He smiles a little smile and despairingly rolls his eyes.
“I should be so lucky to have that kind of problem,” I snigger.
We walk silently towards the open-air parking lot.
Michael’s phone rings. He looks at the screen and sighs heavily.
“Here’s another reason for me to get away from it all. Avi,” he mutters at him, “I have to take this, it’s Michelle. I’ll join you in a bit.” He takes her call and keeps walking in the same direction but crosses to the other side of the road, talking to her with blatant impatience.
Avi and I walk together, slowly, putting one foot after another. Occasionally, we glance towards him.
“It’s his sister,”
“I’m the last person on earth he should make excuses for, we don’t even know each other.”
“Do you always belittle yourself like that?” he asks in a somewhat annoyed but gentle tone, his face is so beautiful. His gray eyes draw me in and soothe me. He smiles faintly. “You’re totally adorable!” he concludes.
I look at him, bemused and baffled by the feeling awakening inside of me when he looks at me. I raise my right shoulder towards my chin, embarrassed. Blushing. What’s with you? I berate myself. You just got divorced. Just as we get to the parking lot, Michael returns to us and clicks the beautiful car’s remote. It’s a shiny black Porsche with bright seats, the epitome of everyone’s envy.
