Chapter Seven:
The Professor and Ms. Ainsworth were in the middle of a discussion concerning the mating habits of the tapeworm when their food came.
"Oh yes," the Professor continued their conversation, "I found that trait most intriguing."
"Yes, but were you aware that," Ms. Ainsworth continued to speak words inaudible to the Professor.
He was frozen with shock as he gazed across the deck and saw Ginger staring back at him. She turned her head quickly and he did likewise.
"Roy, are you listening to me?" she asked skeptically.
"Oh yes! Forgive me, I was just caught in dire fascination at how complex tapeworm's can be…" his voice trailed off as Ginger met his eyes once more.
"Why! Mr. Hinkley, you cad! You ought to be ashamed of yourself, asking me out to dinner then starring at some other woman like, like that!"
The Professor barely noticed Ms. Ainsworth leave the table in fury. His head was spinning and his heart pounding. Now was his chance to apologize for being vulgar. He didn't care if she was with someone else, didn't care if she didn't love him anymore… He had to speak with her.
But he couldn't just walk over and interrupt. That indeed would be very rude. But he couldn't wait any longer. Suppose he missed his chance, he might not see her again for a long time.
He pondered another five minutes until final he stood up and tried to calm himself.
Out of the corner of her eye, Ginger saw the Professor stand up and walk towards her table. She continued to talk casually to Brian, attempting to ward off the nervous feelings that were filling her with each step the Professor took.
"So like I was saying, Dundaugh is really starting to tick me off and," Brian's voice trailed off as the Professor arrived at their table. "Can we help you?"
"Yes, in fact you can. Please forgive me for interrupting, but I was wondering if I could speak with Ginger for a moment…"
Ginger opened her mouth to speak but Brian got to it first, "Actually, I'm afraid you can't."
"Oh, but I'm afraid I must. Ginger, I need to speak to you," the Professor insisted, eyeing Brian coolly.
"Look, what don't you understand? I said no, now please, leave us alone!" Brian practically shouted.
"I am aware that you said no. But it does not concern me what you say. I am asking to speak with Ginger and therefore I will ask her! Ginger, may I speak to you?!"
"Well, yes I suppose so," Ginger answered, trying to hide the eagerness in her voice.
"Ginger do you know this," he finished the sentence with something vulgar, "or is he just a fan?"
"No, he's from the island. And he's not like that…" Ginger said, addressing Brian's rather rude comment.
"Well look, can you two have a reunion some other time?"
"No, I can't wait…" the Professor answered staring not at Brian but at Ginger who was staring back at him.
"Neither can I…" Ginger agreed.
"Oh, I see how it is!" Brian announced, "Well look baby, it's either me or him. You choose."
Ginger looked at Brian, and then at the Professor. Her eyes lingered on his a moment before turning back to Brian with her answer.
"Him."
"What?! You'd rather be with this nerd than with charming, handsome me?"
"Charming and handsome?! Why, you're a nut case!" Ginger laughed, almost hysterically. She stood up and attempted to walk away with the Professor but Brian grabbed her arm. "Ow! Let me go!"
"Now wait a minute Ginger, you can't just leave!"
"Oh yes I can, and I intend to do so if you would kindly let go of my arm."
"But what about our movie?"
"What about it?"
"Well, we can't hate each other in real life put pretend to love each other while the camera's rolling."
"Sure we can. You see, in our profession, there's this thing we do called acting. Now let go of my arm," she said coolly.
"You burn me up, you little," he muttered something else and continued to hold her arm tightly.
"Well here, this ought to cool you off," Ginger said vehemently as she picked up her glass of wine with her free hand and doused Brian's face.
Finally he let go of her arm and Ginger turned to the Professor, "Let's go."
