"Stimulating?" asked Eric, as he watched his tee shot hit the fairway.
"Oh, yes! You never realize just how insubstantial most conversations are until you sit down with somebody and really, really talk with them. You know, share something with each other more interesting than the weather?"
"Like?"
"We started with Bette Davis movies. He's seen 'All About Eve' and loves it, which scores points in the Hugo little black book. As you know, all of my friends must cherish that fine example of celluloid excellence - "
" 'Dark Victory' is better," interrupted Eric.
"It figures that the one about a horrible medical condition would be your favorite. Where was I? We talked about the theater and decided that while the classics are always the best, we both wanted to see that new play 'Party' at the Henry Fonda. "
" 'Party' ?" asked Eric.
"The one with all the naked men in it."
He nodded.
"He likes alternative music. We'll never see eye to eye on that one," I continued. "His politics are a little more conservative than I'm comfortable with, but it's so typical of young people today. What can you do?"
Eric moved his, his voice sotto voce. "What about the big question?"
"You mean, is he single?"
He leaned back, folding his arms in front of him. "Of course."
"He tells me he's single, but not looking."
"How sad."
"On the contrary. I'm not looking for sex. He's very beautiful, but nobody said I had to stop looking at him. I'm much more interested in his mind. I want to know what makes him tick."
I called Steve that evening.
"I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed our time together the other day."
"Same here, Hugo. Same here."
"Good. Listen, I have to do a restaurant review for next week's column. I'd love to have you along for company, if you're interested."
"No, I'm sorry," he said. "I can't. I'd like to, but I have other plans."
"Are you coming over to the coffee house tomorrow?"
"No. I'll be out of town for a couple of days. I'll see you when I get back."
