Conversation
by
Sheila Maurer
The restaurant was hot and crowded and noisy Friday night when nobody wanted to cook at home. Harry and Jill had to wait to be seated.
"Smoking or non-smoking?"
"Non," said Harry.
"Smoking," said Jill.
The waiter looked puzzled. "Oh well," said Harry, "go ahead. Smoking."
The two were led to a table by the window overlooking the river. "You see," said Jill, "this is a good table, lovely view. Come on, Harry, don't look so gloomy."
"What is there to be happy about? You've told me this is the last time you want to go out with me."
"Yes, I know. I'm selfish, egotistical, demanding. You'd much better find yourself a nice girl who does what you want, doesn't smoke, everything that I'm not. But as this is the last time, let's enjoy ourselves." She blew out a puff of smoke and flipped through the menu. "I'm hungry, so I'm going to have soup, then a big steak - rare, and probably some kind of rich dessert. What are you having?"
"I don't feel like much - just a salad."
"Oh, Harry, come on. This isn't the end of the world. I'm not the right type for you. I'm a horrible cook and housekeeper, I don't want children, and I do love my work in the theatre."
"I know, I'm proud of what you do. I don't want you to be a home maker, I just want us to set up house together..."
"But, you silly old thing, I'll be at the theatre most of the time, rehearsing, performing. I'm not a home body."
"Why did you ever come out with me in the first place?"
"You're kind, sweet, attentive, and very flattering about my performances."
Here the waiter approached to take their orders. "Just a salad for you, sir?"
"No," said Jill, "bring him some chicken tetrazzini you know you like that, Harry."
"I don't feel hungry. But you will after a drink. Bring us a carafe of the house wine, will you? Look, Harry, you find yourself a nice girl who wants to settle down, cooks well, loves children, is house proud and a good hostess."
"I don't want somebody like that. I need to be stimulated, brought out of myself." He filled the two wine glasses and gulped down a good mouthful. "Don't you see? You're the first really interesting woman I've met. I love to hear about what you do it's exciting I've never had much excitement in my life, and when I saw you on the stage I knew I had to get to know you."
"You were sweet, I really appreciated the flowers but don't you see we've got different aims in life, you want to settle down and I want to make a name for myself as an actress. You're a safe person, kind, considerate and I like going out with you, but it's time to end all that. Now, have another drink and let's enjoy our last meal together that sounds dramatic, doesn't it?"
The noise in the room was getting louder and the air was cloudy with smoke. Jill ate with relish, Harry smeared his chicken over his plate and sipped his wine.
"It's been a lovely way to say good-bye," said Jill. "Thanks for everything, Harry, you're a really nice guy but we just don't fit together."
Harry gave the waiter a credit card; he suddenly looked cheerful. "I've got to thank you too, Jill. I'm writing a book about an egotistical, selfish, bossy woman, and now I have the material I need."