The Incident

Even the unusual must have its limits.
"So you still don't understand me?"
So vacant a stare renders one helpless.
It could tempt one into saying more than one intends, if only to fill the vacancy with sense.
-Franz Kafka
"Blumfeld, an Elderly Bachelor"

Twenty-five years ago today:

May 3, 1985
Friday

Today is Michael Miller’s Birthday (and Dennis Reno, too, so I’ve heard).

Stephanie Bautista sat with me a lot of today, observing my work habits and telephone Account Executive to client skills. I did not relish over her being there. And to think…it is my three-year Anniversary of perfect attendance with the company (and it went unrecognized). When I told Dale he made a big scene over it. It made Stephanie Bautista feel four-feet smaller than she already is right now.

I decided to lay the groundwork with Stephanie, my supervisor, sharing with her about ‘The Paloma Predicament’. She was very consoling and shared some of her own personal experiences and indecisiveness about marriage. I appreciated her insight.

Dale and I scouted retail greeting card stores at noon time. We discussed more about our business plans.

After work I got on my bike and rode along the beach for about an hour to take advantage of the beautiful day. I passed Marty Louie, my roommate, jogging over the Bay Farm Island Bridge. I don’t think he realized it was me. He just kept going.

I was at the gym by 8PM and Rachelle Davies was there. We worked out together. It was pretty fun to have a partner to work with.
“Hey, would you like to go out for a drink afterwards,” I asked.
She hesitated.
“We could just go somewhere at Bay Fair,” I said, referring to the Shopping Center across the street.
“Okay, but I have to call my mom to tell her not to pick me up.”
I laughed, “Well, okay…that’s fine.”

Rachelle and I went to the RED ROBIN for “veggies” and talked. I showed her pictures in my wallet. Suddenly Paloma’s picture appeared.
“She’s my cousin,” I said, referring to Paloma’s photo.
Why did I do that? I don’t know.
PHOTO: Rachelle Davies and her younger brother
circa 1983

After our light bite we drove together into Castro Valley. I parked the car and we continued to talk. Rachelle did not look too thrilled by my YAZ or ALPHAVILLE music. We drove by my Aunt Lillian’s house in Castro Valley. Rachelle began to open up with me and shared a story about a jealous beau named Norm who was allegedly sent to jail for attempted assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, etc.
“That’s scary. It’s good that he’s not in your life anymore. Why did he do that?” I asked.
“I don’t know. He apparently side crashed into a car while I was in that car with my boyfriend, Joe. Then Joe pulled over and Norm got me to drive the car. Then Norm stabbed himself, blaming me for everything.”
“What?” She kept going…blah blah blah. Unbelievable.
“That’s a pretty traumatic and violent story if you ask me!” I exclaimed.

I ended up driving Rachelle home by 12:45AM and we made a tentative date for tomorrow night. I had remembered that Danny Garcia had called me earlier today, saying that Jamie could not go to The Oasis tomorrow night.
Danny had said, “You can still go out with me and Robert…if you want.”
It was Saturday night and I decided I’d rather go out with Rachelle instead (even if Robert is a temptation).

Finally I said I thought this a most remarkable incident and that I couldn't make head or tail of it.
-Franz Kafka
"Description of a Struggle"