-Jules Verne
PARIS IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, the Lost Novel
The Beginnings – Part 78: NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN
August 29, 1983
It was my first day back to work in Downtown Oakland. The old gangs of fellow workers were there and it was actually nice to see everyone again. It was a very busy work day though.
I spent my lunch hour with Helen Wong.
I made my announcement proudly: “I met someone I really like!”
“You did, who?” Helen asked.
I explained about my meeting Susan Low during a Happy Hour in San Francisco the other night. I neglected to mention about the possibility of her being a possible celebrity. After all…it is likely. I know she sings well.
After work I took my bike out for an extensive, exhilarating ride along the beach. It felt so good. George urged me to drive down to Sunnyvale. While I was tempted I didn’t go because it was a work day tomorrow and I simply wasn’t up for the drive.
I went to mom and dad’s house. I ended up watching a couple of movies with my brother, John. We watched A STREET CAR NAMED DESIRE and THE EXORCIST II. After the films I went straight to bed.
George and I haven’t done anything ‘sexual’ since last Wednesday while we were at the Drive-In movie theater (not watching the Stephen King film CUJO). So I think we are both kind of nerve-racked.
I must admit that I did get a rather scrumptious kiss from Susan Low on Sunday night though. It stays with me still.
Tuesday, August 30, 1983
Barbara Reynolds returned to work after her one day Jury Duty assignment. I ended up having a very good day of sales. I drove in to work with my brother, Tony. We got along well for a change. I think it’s because we haven’t spent too much time together lately.
I went to the new Townhouse after work and brought a lot of my furniture. My Dad helped me. He’s such a thoughtful guy. When Dad left I did a good job of emptying boxes. I also set up my Queen-sized bed. It feels good to accomplish so much in one day. I can’t wait until everything is all set up. I am also looking forward to George moving-in on Saturday.
I also have Friday as a day off. I’m ecstatic about something else. This Friday I will see Susan Low again. I can’t wait to see her.
Jackie called while I was at my new pad (the Townhouse). We had a nice chat.
Jackie said, “You know, Mike…some guy I used to date has syphilis.”
“Oh my God…he told you that!”
“Yes, I knew he visited MUSTANG RANCH, a whorehouse, in Las Vegas but he claims that he got it from some other girl in Fremont.”
“He sounds like bad news.”
“I agree.”
I guess Jackie just needed to vent her latest troubles. I lent my ear as any friend would do.
I telephoned George and he seemed to be having a very good time at work. He shared some vivid ideas and thought of what he wants to do to me (sexually). It is driving me wild.
I saw the Miss Teenage USA pageant tonight. It’s funny how these teeny bopper beauty contestants look like they range from age twenty-five to twenty-eight.
Wednesday, August 31, 1983
Work was all right. Helen and I went to the Health Food store together. I bought some multi-vitamins and some Vitamin E per her suggestion.
I received a collect call from Bonni Jayne in New York today. I only heard about it because my Dad said he answered the phone but he didn’t accept the call.
“I would have accepted it if you were at home,” my Dad said.
“It’s okay…she’ll call back if it’s important.”
Michael Padazinksi called as well.
Dad said, “He said he’d call you back.”
I’m still waiting.
“Hi Mike.”
“Hey Michael…I’m so glad you called. I heard that you quit and I was wondering what had happened.”
“Yes, that’s why I’m calling. I wanted to let you know because you’re one of the few people I really liked there. I decided to quit the phone company to join the priesthood.”
“The priesthood?” I asked, feeling rather puzzled.
“Yes, it’s something I’ve often thought about and finally decided to take this path.”
I was supportive of him and felt an admiration for choosing what he really wanted to do. I envied his move after he spoke so positively about it.
I asked myself after I hung-up the phone, “Could I do that?”
I thought I ‘perhaps’ could join the seminary. It has crossed my mind more than once. Then I immediately shunned the idea.
Nici Maurino had phoned me earlier and asked, “Do you want to go to dinner?”
I was thinking of going but I ‘faced her’ and pulled a no-show. I should have gone because she called me later and I learned that her ex-black blood bartender boss tried to rape her. She was crying. I felt so bad. The only reason I didn’t meet her for dinner was because I had previously promised Tammy Duhr one last visit to the Jacuzzi at THE TIMBERS in San Leandro. It could only be done this one last time since I’m officially moved-out of there tomorrow (September 1, 1983).
It was nice to see Tammy again. We caught up on things. I do like her and I know she enjoys my company as well. She is just a bit to risqué for me at times. It’s not that Tammy is a ‘bad gal’. In fact, when I am alone with her I don’t feel that way at all.
Tammy, herself, said to me, “I feel sane when I’m with you, Michael.”
Those words meant so much to me. We kissed good night.
She said, “Michael, I want to see you again.”
We both simultaneously promised one another with the same words: “I promise to NEVER say NEVER again.”
We also made a pact to see that 007 Movie together: NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN (starring Sean Connery and Kim Basinger). I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
She has infected the place with optimism, the very germ we’ve needed.
-John Rolfe Gardiner
SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE, a novel
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