A Wanted Man

PHOTO: The 'young' Karl Lagerfeld

"Plastic just complicates your life."
-John Katzenbach
"The Analyst"

Twenty-five years ago today:

August 24, 1986
Sunday

Once Ron and I arrived at San Francisco International Airport I was happy to see Margaret Lai there, waiting for us. We all went to the Taiwan Restaurant in Berkeley for a bite to eat. Sweet Margaret insisted on treating us. Margaret and her son, Lance, took us back to their home in El Sobrante where my car was waiting for me.

I decided to just feel comfortable about the fact that Ron Leoni was still here with me in Alameda. We didn’t say much to each other. There’s definitely a communication barrier of some kind. I went through all of my personal mail. I had to report my Security National Bank MasterCard stolen.
Later, Ron finally opened his mouth and said, “I can’t rent a car unless I have a major credit card.”
Now I am beginning to suspect that he took mine. I can’t wait until he leaves. Believe me—it’s doubtful that he will reenter my life in any real significance any time soon.

As I think back I was rather appalled by some of his New York friends. I mean…drug dealers, etc.! It’s not too promising. One gal, Cathy and her friend, Nancy (who worked at Merrill Lynch) seemed really nice though; however, both of them were still too much into “cocaine”.

While I was gone I received voice mail messages on my recorder from Suzy Miller, Nici Maurino, Steph Redding and Johnny Schaefer.
Johnny shouted excitedly, “I have tickets to the Moody Blues with BACKSTAGE Passes on Saturday!”
And so, I am thinking I may fly down to Southern California for the fun of it. I know the Moody Blues are famous for the NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN song.

I went to mom’s house on this Saturday night and we had a NATIONS Burger together. I shared tidbits of my trip. When I returned to my pad Ron was still asleep (in snoring mode). I unpacked and was feeling total happiness when I discovered my silver chain and little bike necklace that had been missing since October 1984 (when I went to visit Jim Koran in Los Angeles). I found it! It was almost two years ago now. The good luck charm is back in my life. I hope it won’t be that long until I see my black leather jacket again.

I washed my car on this very Sunday morning. I left for mom’s house and had a quick breakfast there. When I returned to my place Ron was—once again—still sleeping; however, he was just waking-up. I chose to lie on the downstairs sofa while watching the TIME TUNNEL. I was reading my book (EXTRAORDINARY INVESTMENTS FOR ORDINARY INVESTORS) during the TV commercials. Ron came down and watched a bit of television as well. I decided to take a nap and when I woke up went off for a bike ride.

When I returned to my pad I learned—from Ron—that Sherri and Ashley had stopped by.

Margaret Lai called me, too.
“Guess what, Michael?” Margaret asked.
“What now?” I asked back.
“I bought a new BMW!”
“Oh—congratulations,” I said.
I went to John and Sherri’s house to deliver the book I purchased for Ashley from the MUSEUM OF MODERN ART in New York City. Ashley wasn’t in a very friendly mood, so I left. She wouldn’t kiss me good bye. As I was leaving she did say, “Bye.”

Ron made some pasta. I ate some of it. He kept smoking out in the patio.
Ron finally said, “I think I may leave tomorrow—Monday—but the car rental idea is out of the question.”
“I wish I could help you there but my credit cards were at their limits,” I said.
I believe he understood. He had to forget that possibility.

I thought the worst any friend could do is steal from me. Why do I think he took my MasterCard? I may be wrong but I can’t help but not feeling like I trust him. I am crazy to leave him alone in my house. I figured it helped when I said, “Just to let you know…my Dad might drop in while I’m at work tomorrow.”

Judy Geniella, my coworker, telephoned to say, “Michael, there’s a pot-luck for Mary and Margaret on Monday.”
I replied, “Oh, okay…I’ll bring something.”
I decided I would not bring anything though. Everyone always brings more than enough.

Mark Landreth telephoned as well.
“Hey Mike, I got your postcard.”
“Oh great, what’s new?”
“Well, I no longer work at TEXAS INSTRUMENTS and I have this week off.”
“That’s great…when do you start the new job.”
“I start working at SIERRA SEMICONDUCTOR on September 2nd.”
I realized that I had missed Mark. Maybe he called me because on the postcard I specifically remember writing “To my best-buddy” or “How’s my best-buddy?” I learned that he’s been windsurfing in Alameda all week.
Mark added, “I only went to the gym once this week.”
I thought to myself, “I almost wish I wasn’t going to L.A. this weekend because dinner with Mark and perhaps Anne and Patty might have been a nice outing instead.”

I was pleasantly surprised on Saturday to find the black vase and flowers that were left for me on my doorstep. They were from Birda, my ‘sometimes’ bike-riding partner. That was too sweet of her. It looks like I am 'a wanted man’ by Judy, Birda (perhaps), Anne (perhaps) and then some…then again, maybe NOT.

"At least make it a challenge for me."
-as heard while watching the
2011 film "THOR"