Caroline and the Surprise Shower

Chapter 2

Once out of her apartment building, at least part of Richard's plan seems to be working. The main idea was to get Caroline out of the apartment for the shower preparations, but he actually does want to cheer her up so she can get more ideas for the strip. He notices Caroline seems more carefree.

"So Richard, what would you like to do?" Caroline asks.

"Whatever you like. After all, we're doing this to get you mind off of things. Although, since you asked, I could stand to get a bite. Annie did toss my lunch."

"What about Angie's lasagna?" queries Caroline.

"Lasagna? Oh yeah, right… uh, you know, it was pretty tasty, but Annie didn't have much left over. It just didn't fill me" Richard covers.

"Okay, let's go to Remo's" Caroline responds.

******

On the way to Remo's, Richard notices the Palace Theater marquee. "Hmm" he thinks. "A movie, that's an idea. "The Wind and the Lion", sounds like something she'd like. After lunch and a movie, I only have to think of a way to kill two more hours."

******

A little later at Remo's Ristorante, Remo himself greets and seats Caroline and Richard "Ah, Carolina, Ricardo. So good to see you. But isn't it a little late for lunch?"

"Yes it is, Remo. We're only here for a light snack. Besides", she grins "we're playing hookey!"

After they order, Caroline and Richard start conversing.

"Getting away was a good idea, Richard. I'm feeling a little better already."

"That's good" Richard replies. Then he asks "Caroline, I noticed "The Wind and the Lion" is playing at the Palace. Would you like to go see it after lunch?"

"That's a great old picture! Sean Connery plays a rebel sheik in turn of the century North Africa. It's one of my favorites! How did you know?" Caroline replies enthusiastically.

"Oh, just a lucky guess" say Richard nonchalantly. "And that's the absolute truth!" he grins.

"Oh, but Richard, it has action, adventure, and romance. Are you sure you want to watch it?" Caroline teases.

"No, but you do. And the whole idea is to get your mind off of things. I figure, the more relaxed you are, the sooner ideas for your strip will come to you. The sooner that happens, the sooner I can work less overtime." Richard answers.

"Well, thank you anyway, Richard. And yes, I would love to go see that movie."

"Oh goodie" Richard answers, feigning reluctance. Secretly, he is quite happy to go – not for the movie, but for the chance to be alone with Caroline.

Caroline shrugs off Richard's reluctance and asks "Richard, do you mind if I ask you a question?" Richard grunts and nods. "You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but I notice that you've been irritable and depressed lately. I mean, more so even for you. Is something bugging you? I know you're working a lot of overtime, but I can't help it, because of the wedding. Is that what's bugging you?"

Richard sat for awhile, contemplating his answer. "She's right, I have been irritable. It's not the overtime. I mean, the hours are bad, but I get double time pay. And I get to spend more time with Caroline. Ahh! Where did that thought come from?… She's getting married, she's getting married, she's getting married… Maybe that's my problem: she's getting married. She's my friend, and I think she's making a big mistake, Del's the wrong guy for her. She shouldn't be marrying Del. She should be marrying…. No, I don't want to even think about it. She's completely the wrong type for me, and I'm completely the wrong type for her. And even if she weren't the wrong type, nothing good ever happens to me, so since I want her, she can't ever want me. Did I say "since", I meant "if", "if"… And even if I weren't the wrong type, I'm such a nobody, why would she ever want me? She's already made her choice."

"Richard? Our food is here. You've been pretty quiet since I asked my question. I'm sorry if it disturbed you."

"No, Caroline, no. That's okay. It's just that… I don't know, it's just that… I'm not sure what to say."

"That's okay, Richard. We can talk about something else if you want to. How's your antipasto?"

Richard sighs "Well, I've got to get past this. Caroline's my friend, and she needs my help now. I've got almost five hours, and I am going to cheer her up, no matter what it takes." He forces out a crooked smile. "My antipasto's fine. You know, I had to think about it awhile, but I think you're right, it must be the overtime. I'll try to be less irritable."

"Oh… that's great" she replies, disquieted by the oddly forced nature of Richard's rare smile. "Thank you, Richard. Besides, it's really my fault." Caroline raises her water glass "Well, here's to many ideas for my strip!" she toasts.

"Hear, hear!" Richard responds.