Thought Widget get learnt
Related Articles
Day 2
I am loading up to go to Little Havana: all the equipment in the car, grabbing some extra clothes, when she buttonholes me. Was I going south? No more bikes up here; can you take me as far as Sunrise? Sure, why not? She gets in and off we go. 40-something corporate ladder-climber. That ‘s enough for me to appreciate the peril. On the short drive my suspicions are confirmed – a phone call about “the report”, a recitation of her last three travel destinations. Cabo is so gringo these days. The application is being made. Her appearance speaks of too much sun, too much fried food, too many margaritas. I discharge her at the agreed spot. She leans in – I’m sure we’ll see each other around – it is more imperative than predictive.
Off to the sticky atmosphere and politics of the Cuban diaspora. Héroes y villanos. Martí y Castro. Suspicion and hostility – downpressor man on calle ocho. The pink-skinned, flip-flopped yanqui couples with their strollers are easy enough to take – objects of amusement – sell them a box of cigars and a t-shirt. But a solitary, vaguely latin man with a camera – that is too suspicious. CIA? DGI? After stealing some good footage and getting the finger, I cool off in Hollywood’s clean sea.
A white-haired Québécois next to me on a park bench. The wife talks on and on. He turns to me and comments. Je ne parle pas français. He doesn’t seem to notice. The sun burns. He smiles and keeps talking. He bears an odd euphoric expression. Nothing happier than a Canadian snowbird.
Returning to the lodge, I slip into my room. I make dinner and stay in.
Day 3
It’s back to Hollywood for a shoot. Chicks and dudes. Paddle ball. Ice cream and volleyball. Walking across the courtyard, past the pool. She laptop-drives. How’s it going? My future is being mapped out. He seems nice enough. Well-spoken. Quiet. Maybe not so bright? Easily led. Berth mate. Sounding board. Stories of corporate politics and sailing trips. Cocktails at happy hour. In a suit. Sun, fried food, margaritas. A perfect accessory.
Keep walking. Out the door to the lot and into the car. She has decided. She strides purposefully toward the door. Just do it. Why not? Seize the moment. The last chance. Behind me, the traffic clears. I ease the car into the street. Moving forward, looking straight ahead. Not today, honey. It’s not in the business plan.
