With every turn, right, left, or center, I observe novelty, unfamiliar faces, facades, and finery. The conversations that linger over the opulent surround sound lobby release a fusion of shouting and laughter. New Yorkers are not whisperers, and my annoying sensitivity to sound, forces me to go in and outside a dozen times a day. That is when I meet the guests, perched on benches and rocking chairs. In the six days I’ve been, here I’ve accumulated dozens of conversations, not just niceties but life stories expressed in thirty-minutes.
The first day of arrival began with a dining hallabaloo organized by the best broker, Scott Varley, who sold my home. At the table, Scott and his friends, who knew the bartender’s, waitress, restaurant manager, and a few guests at the bar, so our table became a Musso Frank sort of mise en scene. I, as usual, was punctuated with awe, as this is a new kind of adventure in livingness after Ballston Spa. Drinks arrived with the speed of a remote, and as we all filed in for the liberated moment, when we exhumed our true selves. Lynn, the woman next to me, was a beautiful, statuesque, stylish woman whose poised and confident aura emanated from her.
“ I hear Scott sold your home. Is that a good thing for you? It’s not always.”
“ Yes, a few days ago. Well, a paradox, I loved the home, a Victorian, but it was also most of my income.
“ What will you do now?”
“ About what?” She laughed and tilted her head back.
“ Where are you moving?”
“ I don’t know yet.” Her eyes widened, and she responded flatly.
“ You don’t know? You have to have some idea.”
“ It depends on the proceeds, an ex is involved, it’s too complicated over a martini, and all this talk. I can barely hear you. “
“ An ex is always involved. How long are you staying at the hotel?”
“ You’ll love this..
“ Don’t tell me, you don’t know. You’re adorable.”
“ Thank you, and I sense you are very strong.”
“ You bet I am.! She punctuated that with a fist to the table. “
The night zigzagged, with Lynn and Scott scurrying into the casino, while I remained, as casinos mean, the genes of my father may flare up. The bar was baritone loud and after what seemed four hours, I returned to my room, quite comfort, marvelous pillows unlike I’ve ever felt, “ I can’t fucking believe this.” To be continued
ADVENTURERS IN SINGLE LIVINGNESS 