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“How many times do I have to tell you I don’t need or want to be set up.” The volume of my voice grows louder than I anticipated.
This is a sore subject for many reasons. For one, I have no problem acquiring female company regularly and on my terms.
Another reason, the boys don’t understand, and I’m glad they don’t. As little as I think of love and relationships, they couldn’t be more opposite. What they don’t understand is that we are different. A happy ending is not in the cards for everyone. They are both head over heels for their girlfriends, and I couldn’t be more elated for them. I’m thankful they found someone to love and care for, as they will do in return. I don’t want my boys to end up alone and grouchy old men like me.
Finn shrugs his shoulders, “I hate to break it to you, Dad, but this wasn’t a setup. Lucy has been hanging out with us for weeks now. You came in to visit, and we invited you to join our regular activities.”
I can usually tell when they are lying, which I am starting to think that they aren’t since Finn appears to be telling the truth. When he was younger he had some pretty obvious tells when he would lie. He would rock weight between his legs, yet he’s standing perfectly still. I look over to check his brother’s expression.
Oliver sighs, “He’s being honest, Dad. Sure, we would love you to find someone, but we’ve given up on trying to set you up quite a long time ago.”
Finn moves to stand tall, “Not to mention, we like having Lucy around. She’s trying to start a new life for herself. We aren’t interested in ruining that new life before it even really gets started.”
“Ruining?” I question.
Oliver replies, “She said something about a bad breakup before she left the States. We know what kind of relationships you have and that’s not what she needs right now.”
I hadn’t considered this on the walk home, but hearing it is upsetting. How I act with women is my choice. Being married to their mother for twenty-two years was enough time to teach me what I didn’t want. In the eight years since I’ve found casual dating works best for me. I know what relationships are supposed to be like, but I just don’t want that. If I decided I wanted to pursue Lucy, I could be a good partner.
Hypothetically, of course.
Before my mind can wander too far in the fantasy of what dating Lucy could be like, Finn takes advantage of the silence, “Don’t worry, Olly. Pops was quick to offend Lucy and wouldn’t stand a chance with her now anyway.” He turns to me, “But you need to work on your manners if you are going to spend more time with us during your stay. We have plans with Lucy all week, and I won’t have you being rude to our friend.”
When did the roles reverse, and why am I being spoken to like a child? I can act perfectly well when I amnot the victim of an ambush like I was tonight. I suppose now that I know she isn’t interested in dating, I could relax a little around her. “What happened with that relationship from the States?”
Oliver responds, “We don’t have many details, but it’s not our story to tell. Just know that she’s pretty torn up about it.”
Finn smiles, “If you want to know more, you’re going to have to ask her yourself, which means you’ll need to be nice to her and probably become her friend.”
After last night, I find myself content to be in the company of one of my closest mates. Max Shaw still looks every bit of the leading man at fifty as he did at twenty. Sitting back in his chair in the small café with confidence radiating from him in his clean, pressed suit that complements his toned physique—sans tie—leaving the buttons open at the top. His shaved head and oversized glasses round out his signature look.
Early in his acting career, he was overlooked, but when he continued to shine as the leading man in all of my movies, he quickly found himself in high demand. We were inseparable in our younger days after meeting at University. I’ve been thankful every day that I was rooming with this shy American kid. A dynamic duo who were at the top of our careers and shared many personal achievements throughout our friendship.
We both married and started our families very young. His marriage ended far sooner than mine. He and his wifeVeronica met during his brief time on Broadway. She was a dancer in the show and they married within six months of meeting. During their three years of marriage, their two beautiful daughters, Anna and Emily, were born. Max and Veronica put a pause on their careers to start their family. Being away from dancing and the stage took a toll on Veronica, and just six months after Emily was born, she left Max and the girls to return to the stage.
I tried to be there for him as best I could, but he was never the same again. Since then, we haven’t spoken about Veronica, and Max has never shared any intention of dating again. He raised the girls with help from family, and as he got older, he took on more and more roles. When we would do movies together, the girls would always come stay with us. They are practically sisters to Oliver and Finn.
As for his current acting career, like mine, he has slowed down, looking toward retirement. He spends most of his time with his daughters, who are now grown and starting their own careers.
“So what brings you to the UK this time, Max?”
“Aside from your warm company?” he says with a slight smile.
“I was reminded just last night of just how unappealing my company can be, so I know it’s not that.”
“I’ve always told you, you need to work on your first impression…and your second and third impressions aren’t usually great either.” He smirks at me. “You come off gruff.” Max loves to bestow his wisdom as the older of the two of us by six months.Well, I’m taller.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“Didn’t Viewmont call you yet?” Viewmont is a production company we’ve worked with for years, but I haven’t heard from them since we wrapped our last film years ago. I shake my head at Max, and he continues, “They flew me in to discuss the movie. I asked if you were involved, and they said they are still in talks with everyone. I assumed they only called me because you were already signed on.”
“What movie? I haven’t heard anything from Mark.” Sure, during our last call, I told him to leave me the fuck alone. Yet, if Max was involved, he should know I’d want to be informed.
“Oh…Henry…” This wasn’t good.Why is he hesitating?“They are making a new adaptation ofPride and Prejudice.”
My shoulders slump and my chin falls to my chest. It’s the most famous Jane Austen story and arguably the most popular love story ever told. These adaptations are wildly coveted among actors and directors. I’ve spent my entire career begging Viewmont Productions to let me have an adaptation ofPride and Prejudice.
“Call Mark now, I don’t mind.” Max is a friend like no other. If he hadn’t been contacted about this movie, would it have been made without me? I pick my phone up and try to ignore the knot in my stomach.
