Tuesday, September 25
Rebecca looked at the e-mail message and smiled. It
was from "HeartlessTinMan," and she was amused that he
had created the account just to talk to her.
From: HeartlessTinMan
To: Rebecca Moore
Subject: Movie night
-----------------------
Are you free tonight? It's my turn to take you
to dinner. Then come back for another Oz
movie. I've got everything from the recent
"Oz: The Great and Powerful" all the way
back to the silent movie, "Patchwork Girl of
Oz" (the only one that L. Frank Baum
actually worked on). "Patchwork" is a total
snooze fest, but it's something that no true
Oz fan should miss.
I really worried that it would be awkward
being with you and having my jaw wired
shut. But I have to say that it was great fun,
and I had a wonderful time. And, of course,
watching "The Wizard of Oz" was a special
treat, something that most of my friends
don't care much about. It's a real thrill to
watch it with a true devotee.
Anyway, since I'm food challenged, I propose
a soup restaurant, the appropriately named
"Liquid Lunch," on 28th Street, just a few
blocks from Dan's place. Meet me there,
tonight at 7:00.
Am I being too pushy and self-centered? I
know I do that, and I'm trying to repent. If
you prefer a different dinner choice, feel free
to make a suggestion (as long as they make
liquid meals).
I look forward to seeing you.
-- O.E.
Such a sweet note. Rebecca read the message again and
again, warming herself with his words. They were so sweet
that she momentarily forgot they came from the man who
boasted about everything yet actually had nothing. Was she
really falling for a homeless, unemployed man who couldn't
even afford dinner? Maybe.
Liquid Lunch was noisy, even where they were seated in
the farthest back booth. O.E. couldn't shout out his order
like everyone else so he raised his menu to the waiter and
pointed. When he tried to ask if the soup had solid pieces
in it, Rebecca had to intercede.
"My friend is recovering from jaw surgery and has his
mouth wired shut. He needs a purely liquid meal. Can you
make this one with just broth, or even better, blend the
solid pieces so he can get it past his teeth?"
O.E. smiled at the waiter and showed off his hardware.
The man snapped his head and stared with wide eyes at
O.E.'s face. After a second, he looked down at his order pad
and scribbled something. "I'll tell them. It should be fine."