Tentative Plans

"Do you think she'll be enough for you?"
Penelope Cruz to Javier Bardem
"Vicky, Cristina Barcelona"

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 8, 1985
Wednesday

I have tentative plans to workout with Rachelle after work. The reason I say tentative is because I telephoned mom and she gave me new news.
“John called and asked if you would babysit Ashley tonight because he and Sherri want to go to a game.”
“Okay, I will,” I said, forgetting about my workout plans with Rachelle.
“Ashley is all freaked out because of all of the ‘Happy Birthday’s’ she’s been getting all day.”
I laughed. “Does she actually understand what’s going on?”

Today was the day that Dale and I went to MACY’s at lunch. Our time was limited and we didn’t buy a thing.

Dale listened while I spoke to a woman named Wendy Yee abut available retail space in San Francisco.

I accompanied Mary McTiernan during my last break to the 370 Third Street ‘Pac Bell’ building. She was buying Marine World tickets. I happened to open my wallet and she saw my Great Western Bank PREMIER VISA with the $5000 credit limit.
“I want it,” Mary said.
I laughed. I learned later from Dale that she thought it was an immature action for me to show off my credit card. Who said I was showing it off? Get a grip.

I was pissed-off again later that evening. I learned that mom had told John about Rachelle Davies being eighteen years old. Why does she have to tell these things? She didn’t think she was doing any harm but now John will be giving me a hard time about robbing the cradle. In addition, Dale told Ryan about ‘eighteen year old’ Rachelle, too. It is my business. And now they’re all giving me a complex over her age and all.

Sherri decided to stay home after all. I telephoned Rachelle and arranged to pick her up at her Grandma’s house in San Leandro. It’s a beautiful home I might add. Rachelle accompanied me to MACY’s at Bay Fair Shopping Mall and I bought Tony a birthday gift and Ashley an outfit. We had a nice evening out. She’s sweet but I’m leery about it all because I’m still uncertain as to what limits I want our relationship to reach. I mean, Rachelle called me at work today from a public telephone at her high-school. She is kind of childish at times, too. I could not believe her pouting after I almost gave her a rain check on meeting tonight (because of my having to babysit Ashley).
Rachelle said, “I rolled my hair and everything!”
I’m glad she didn’t see my smile and surprised look over the phone when she uttered those words.

We did not go to the gym. I felt guilty but I will make up for it tomorrow night.

"There he was...happy as a lark and without a cent."
-in reference to 'Harry Lime' played by Orson Welles
in the 1949 film "The Third Man"