2.01.2008

My Ex-Ex-Ex

I went to dinner the other night with some friends, namely, the first friend I ever made in New York, another friend who was in from out of town (who happens to be the second friend I ever made in New York), his sister and her wife. Afterwards we all stood on 23rd Street and, with the Chelsea Hotel's neon sign hovering over us in the background, we posed for a picture . I would post this picture, except I do not know how to yet. It was a real camera, by the way (or should I say "BTW"?), not a camera phone. As we were saying our goodbyes, I heard a familiar voice call my name.

I turned around, and there was my ex-ex-ex, guitar, or possibly guitars, on his back, heading to the A train. He sounded genuinely happy to see me. The last time I ran into him was last June,
when I spotted him coming into the subway as I was exiting. He spent ten minutes politely giving me the run-down of the current state of his life, not making eye contact with me. It was the first time I'd seen him since we both decided we were through with each other. (Actually, I don't think he realizes I was as much done with him as he was with me, but I can live with that.) Anyway, the other night's sighting was much shorter than June's, but much friendlier.

His birthday is in a couple of days, and although it would make many of my friends shudder and then tell me what a stupid idea it would be, I might call him to say "Happy B-Day."

I don't know why I would do that. No, my alarmed friends, I have no intention of trying to make him my ex-ex-ex-ex. Just one of those things I guess, ensuring good karma or striving for a normalcy we never had, or sticking it to him that I still kind of look okay, if you look at me in the right light and squint a little.

(Truthfully, my ex-ex-ex and I will never be normal.)

2 comments:

Buzz Stephens Fri Feb 01, 10:31:00 AM EST  

Hmmm. Eh, um, er, uh, I'm not sure if I buy that "just a Birthday call" bit, but you don't need anyone's approval or disapproval. Just follow your foolish heart (even if it takes you to that dark horrible place it did the other times you were involved with this, this musician.
I'm of the school of thought that it is better to have loved and lost (or be emotionally tortured)
than to not love at all.
We all love you no matter what, and will be there to pick up the pieces again, if need be.
And speaking of Birthday's, mine is coming up soon, want to take me out to lunch tomorrow?

Anonymous,  Mon Feb 04, 04:57:00 PM EST  

Oh, but if it's who I think it is (and who else could it be?) perhaps you don't need to let him know you're remembering.

Hopefully, he has others in his life who remember.

And if he doesn't, well, he should have thought of that before he acted the way he did, time and time again!

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