PART FOUR cont'd
"I love movies." My reply was simple and to the point. "I saw my first one when I was...four-years-old. Not some...Disney cartoon, but a movie...a real, honest to God movie...I never forgot that. It was...It was like they were performing just for me and I knew...remember - I was only four...there was an orchestra hiding somewhere behind the screen. I fell in love with how movies were made. I fell in love with soundtracks. I...worshipped John Williams, Bernard Hermann, Miklos Rosza and Max Steiner as much as I did Selznick or Spielberg, or Hitchcock, or VonStroheim. I could hum you the entire score to 'Titanic' and 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' *and* 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' if you wanted me to." I saw them shaking their heads in amazement and Max whispering an "Unbelievable" as John said "Oh my God."
I continued. "There was just this...magic about movies which made it more special to me than TV. I never loved any TV show - - no, not even *liked* a show with the same intensity I have for some movies."
"Do you think," John started, "it's because TV comes into our homes on a daily basis? It never had that...special event-type atmosphere around it. Hope that made sense."
"Perfect sense, and I think you're probably right. Commercials have a lot to do with ruining that...You don't have commercials interrupting a film every ten or fifteen minutes." We chuckled. "Not yet anyway. I mean, TV's starting to enter the twenty-first century though. With big screens, DVD's and high definition sets...the possibilities are endless."
"Bud showed me one of the new HDTV's a couple of weeks ago when we went to one of those electronics places he adores," Max told me. "The...clarity - I think that's the right word - was remarkable."
"I know, I just saw one too. How'd you like to see 'Gladiator' or 'Mystery, Alaska' on one of those suckers in your own home."
"Overwhelmed," Max commented, smiling. "It was almost *too* life-like. We have one of those big screens in our little theater here...."
"Sixty inches; complete surround sound system; nice cushioned seats in that stadium seating setting that's so popular."
"Aw man...." I sighed.
John continued. "We use it for special occasions - our own little movie premiers for instance. Or when we get together as a group to watch something better suited for a screen that size. Like being in a real theater. And sometimes...one of the guys might...reserve it, say for a birthday...."
"Or a date?" I teased, laughing softly, but I noticed that the sheriff lowered his head as he actually blushed. It was difficult to tell with the turtleneck under his other sweater, but I could have sworn that his neck was becoming a soft shade of red as well. For a second it took me by surprise. It had only been a joke; there had been no intention to embarrass him. All I could think to say was "Oh John, I hope I didn't..."
He glanced at me, the color fading some but still noticeable, and I realized he was not making complete eye contact with me. "I'm...uh...I'm...No apology necessary, Tina." He chuckled lightly. "Guess *that's* why the place stays so booked up. You almost have to reserve it a year in advance."
Maximus must have also noticed for he added, "You must forgive us, Tina. One of the attributes Russell imbued us with...well, I've noticed we all blush at the slightest..." He laughed. "Let us just say that often, it doesn't take much. The longer you're with us, the more you'll notice it, and it's nearly all of us. Bud..."
"Bud?!" I almost choked.
"Yes, Bud," Max continued, smiling, "both the Jeffs, Cort, Alex..."
"Colin, Andy. Oh God...and Arthur."
"Arthur?" That name was very unknown.
"Arthur Baskin," John explained. "Very young, quiet, shy; brought up in a religiously conservative household."
"I can empathize - - so was I. Non-denominational Pentecostal."
John had returned to a normal skin tone. "How about that. But Arthur...he'll come down and join in with us sometime." He pointed at a far booth, where I could just make out a nerdy looking boy, with an even more baby face than Cort and slicked back hair. He was in conversation with a dark haired girl likely about his age. "That's him over there now...I've seen her here before...She's mainly a lurker right now, but the two of them...." He smiled and shrugged.
"Aw...he's cute," I remarked. "RC must have been a baby when he played him. Of course, he's practically a baby right now." I turned back to my table companions, noticing that both had heightening reddish complexions. Giggling, I said, "Geez guys, I see what you mean." They chuckled almost similarly: infectiously soft baritones that sent a tingle through my lower half. "I can't wait to see Bud do that. Not something I'd expect from him."
Maximus smiled. "No, you wouldn't think so." Now his demeanor grew serious. "There are however..." He stole a glance at the sheriff. "There are a couple here you would never see blush under any circumstances...Sid for one."
"Oh...Sid. No, I wouldn't think so. *When* would he ever be embarrassed, or bashful, or tentative enough?" I had to wonder though. Considering the makeup of his bio-system, would he blush human red, or nano-gook blue? The idea of seeing his "flesh" colors transform him into a blueberry was enough to make me snicker to myself.
"And there's one other," Maximus continued, still very serious, and John nodded in agreement. "We *definitely* need to warn you about him...considering...."
"Considering...what?" I didn't like the hesitation.
"Have you seen 'Romper Stomper'?" the general asked me, and I shook my head. "Then you are familiar with Hando?"
My eyebrows raised as I stammered, "Hando? No...The movie's not...But then, I don't know *all* of RC's movies yet."
John spoke up. "Well thankfully, Hando doesn't come around us much. Tends to stay to himself a lot, which is fine with everyone."
"Not very sociable, huh?" I tried to lightly say, but when neither of them laughed, my smile fell as my eyes widened. "You two are starting to scare me."
"Sorry Tina, don't mean to," Max told me, "but it's important you be aware of him in case...well, in case you should meet up with him one day."
"He sounds almost worst than Sid."
"In a way he is," John said softly. "At least Sid can be ingratingly charming when he wants to be. Hando - excuse my language - is just a lousy son-of-a-bitch; totally useless. And..." He sighed as he sat back. "Sorry but...we're just trying to find a way to tell you because Hando's...Hando's a skinhead."
"A...what?!" I exclaimed, nearly knocking over my bottle of water. "I don't...I...*Why* would you all allow a *skinhead* to be here with the rest of you guys? I mean Sid's bad enough..."
Max smiled slightly. "I would almost deal with Sid better than Hando and they are both despicable lowlifes. But Hando hates everyone and everything."
"Skinheads normally do." I was tyring not to let my nervousness be too obvious. "But I *still* don't understand why..."
"Because," John started as he leaned forward, "he's one of Russell's characters. It's as simple as that. *All* his characters are here, and unfortunately, it means - as cliched as it sounds - the good and the bad. There's not much we can do but try to live together the best we can. But that's why, in a nutshell, we have to put up with Hando or Sid - - and whoever else may come in the future."
"And although Sid is a pain..." Max began then the sheriff finished.
"Hando almost makes *him* pale. Sorry to drop all of this on you, but we wanted to warn you, just in case you run into him and one of us isn't around."
"I appreciate it, guys. So...what does he look like? If he's a neo-Nazi I imagine hair shaven to the scalp."
"Loads of tattoos. Nasty looking. Nobody else comes close." I know John saw me grimace when he said that. "You'd know him when you see him. Nobody else comes close."
"And if you are fortunate...you never will. However, caution is always best."
"Absolutely. Well like I said, I appreciate you all telling me. His look would have turned me off anyway, but...considering my Kentucky hospitality, I might have tried to smile and speak to him. I mean for me, he'd just be another Russell portrayal."
John reached over and as he had done when we were exchanging seats, a hand gently touched one of my wrists. "Exactly. I'm not trying to insult you or hurt you, Tina, but Hando would *definitely* let you know his feelings towards...someone of color."
I sighed. "Yeah, I'll bet he would. An African-American would be bad enough, but I'd really throw him for a loop. I'm biracial."
Maximus smiled and nodded, while John subtly removed his hand, although I enjoyed the gentle almost innocent touch. The general added: "Well as we said, Hando fortunately keeps to himself. When he does venture about, he usually goes no further than the bar, and only when everyone else is gone, so I wouldn't wander about the Tavern after it's closed. I half believe he *is* attempting to avoid all of us, no matter our race. I think since I arrived, I've seen him...once."
"I've seen him less than a half-dozen times since I got here, and that's just a few months short of a year."
"So if I'm lucky..."
Max grinned. "You'll *never* see him. Our little group here is becoming too diverse for him."
"Thank God."
John spoke again. "Like we said, we're not trying to scare you, just warn you. And if you do happen to meet him, just head in the opposite direction, okay? Or look for one of us. Don't try to confront him, no matter what he says."
"That doesn't mean you shouldn't feel as though you're a prisoner here though. Just be at home, all right?" I nodded.
John chuckled. "Well I know you needed to be warned, but how the hell did we get off on Hando?"
I smiled. "We were discussing how little it takes for you Boyz to blush."
"Oh yeah," John said, rubbing a hand over his beard. "Oh, and we were talking movies before that."
"How passionate you are for them."
"And how they mean the world to you." John's smile was teasing, as were his eyes. "Quick...off the top of your head. Name your ten favorite movies."
"In any order?"
"Any order."
"That's easy. My favorite of all time: 'Titanic'. Second is 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and third is Cecil B. DeMille's 'The Ten Commandments'. It's been number three forever; never changes position. Number five: I combine two movies as one..."
"What about your fourth favorite?" Max quizzed, eyebrows raising.
"I'll get to it in a moment. Where was... Oh, number five is 'The Godfather' and 'The Godfather Part II'
"No 'Godfather III'?" John asked, the little smile he gave letting me know he suspected what my answer would be.
"No, since it was a disaster. Okay, Sofia Coppola didn't ruin her father's movie, but she sure as hell didn't help."
"Now that comment," Max spoke up, "*makes* me want to see it." We laughed and he said, "All right you have five more. What are the others?"
"In no particular order: 'Pulp Fiction', 'Gone with the Wind', 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir', Oliver Stone's 'JFK', the 1989 'Batman', 'Full Metal Jacket', 'The Right Stuff', 'Ben-Hur', 'The Silence of the Lambs', 'Laura', 'Citizen Kane'..."
"That's more than five," Maximus interrupted.
"Don't stop me. I'm on a roll." Both of them laughed and I continued. "'The Shawshank Redemption', VonStroheim's mangled silent epic, 'Greed', 'King Kong' - - the original, not that remake which stunk big time."
"Amen," John commented his smile increasing.
"'Wuthering Heights' - the 1939 classic version, 'The Mummy' and 'The Bride of Frankenstein' - - both with Karloff, 'The Sea Hawk', 'Casablanca', 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Rear Window', 'Psycho', 'Vertigo', 'Star Wars', 'The Empire Strikes Back', 'The English Patient', 'South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut', 'Terminator II: Judgement Day'." I exhaled. "There's more, but you get my drift.
And they both applauded, laughing and cheering as they did.
"That was..." Max began, "...Tina... that was positively incredible. Wasn't it, John?"
"That's an understatement. And none of them fall into one particular category. You're all over the place - - and that's a compliment, darlin', not a criticism. Just shows you have eclectic tastes."
I smiled, blushing a little. "Yeah, well, thanks. But you asked."
"Indeed we did," the general continued, "however...you still have not told us your fourth favorite movie."
My eyes twinkled. "Didn't I?"
"Not yet and believe me, after hearing your other selections, my curiosity is definitely even more increased."
"Mine too, Max. So 'fess up Ms. Stewart. What's number four?" John asked.
Bowing my head, I sighed. "You can't guess?"
"I think we have a pretty good idea," Max teased, "but we want to hear it from *your* mouth. Come on now, don't be getting shy on us again."
"All right, all right." My voice dropped to a whisper as my cheeks burned. "It's 'Gladiator'." I looked at both of their beaming faces. "Happy?"
"Well I am. How about you John?"
"Delighted. She's definitely got great tastes in movies."
I laughed again, but this time even I felt it. I nearly fumbled my water bottle as my eyes started to droop. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was just close to eleven (time definitely slowed down in this dimension). Not only had it been an exciting day for me, but also the mimosas were slowly kicking into gear.
"You must be getting tired," I heard Maximus gently say, and I nodded.
"I was just going to ask you all if you know a motel close by I could walk to. Or even catch a cab there without paying an arm and a leg. I just don't want to take a chance of driving home if my...well, if I'm a little under the influence. I had a little bit more than usual, and I don't want to take any chances."
"Absolutely not," John said. "That's smart on your part." He and Maximus exchanged looks." You obviously... Nobody told you about the hotel?"
"Hotel? No - -"
"Crowe's Hotel," Max explained, and he pointed in a westward direction. "It's right up the hill from here. Strictly for our guests."
"Oh God, you know what? I *do* remember Bud mentioning a hotel restaurant, but I don't think it sank in or really clicked with me. Hotel... Okay, makes sense. So you guys live..."
"Upstairs," they both answered.
"Here at the Tavern, and...I've got it. Sorry."
"Well we'd be happy to get you a room since you're going to stay overnight."
"That would be great, Max. Really it would. Thanks. Hope they take credit cards."
John grinned, his eyes becoming playful again. "We're very trusting. You just have to answer one question."
Oh, so he wanted to play games, huh? Okay, I'd bite. "Shoot."
"Name your top favorite Russell Crowe movies." That started me laughing until I wondered if I could stop, and my tablemates joined in. As I shook my head, John added, "That's your deposit, Ms. Stewart. Come on come clean. I *know* you've got at least three, don't you?"
"Aw man..."
"John's correct. The time for perfect honesty is at hand, Ms. Stewart. Name them," he said quite gravely, but there was that darn smile, giving away his true feelings.
I looked away for an instant, then opened my mouth to speak, just as a voice suddenly announced: "Don't be so pushy, fellas. You two are going to be hugely disappointed when she tells you 'L.A. Confidential' is her favorite." We all laughed as Bud White leaned over, good-naturedly placing his chin on my shoulder. "Go ahead, honey. Tell these two losers."
"In order: 'Gladiator', 'Mystery, Alaska', and 'L.A. Confidential'," I said quickly. "Sorry Wendell."
"Aw shit." Bud pretended to pout in disappointment while John stuck his tongue out at him.
"She liked mine better than yours, White."
The cop snorted, as he stood upright. "Well she liked *his* better than either of them."
Max crossed his arms, and sat back with a satisfied smile, trying not to laugh any harder. "Thank you, Etienne. John was right about one thing: you do have most excellent taste. Gentleman, the lady has spoken."
"Oh shut the hell up," Bud growled before he burst out laughing, joining the rest of us.
"Wendell," Maximus sighed, "this isn't my fault. Everyone likes 'Gladiator'."
"Except Roger Ebert," I admitted in a matter of fact way, pretending I was ultra-serious.
"He's an idiot," Bud announced, "even if he did love 'L.A. Confidential'."
"He's *still* an idiot, Bud," John admitted. "But I was thinking more along the lines of SOB."
"And I was thinking -" I paused. "Forget what I was thinking. I've never been a fan of the bastard anyway."
"Such language, young lady," Bud teased. "Hey honey, I wanted to introduce someone to you before we lose her to the company of some of our more *interesting* guys..." That was when I realized that there was a young woman standing off to White's side, her sense of humor intact as well. "Michelle - - this is Etienne, better known as Tina. Tina - this is Michelle. She's the one we call The Keeper. I don't know if you two have met online or not."
"Yes we have," Michelle enthusiastically said as she extended her hand so we could shake when I stood up. John and Maximus started to rise as well, greeting her like an old friend, but she motioned for them to remain seated. "Tina... it's great to finally meet you."
"Yeah, same here. How are you?"
"Exhausted," she sighed. "Just got off from work and decided, hey, I've finally got a weekend off. I need to head out and see The Boyz. So here I am." She wrapped an arm around Bud's waist. "There's only so long I can go without them."
"That's understandable," I said with a smile. "I'm starting to wonder how I'll survive after I head home."
"Just start counting the days until you *can* come back," she told me, grinning. "Believe me, this is going to become wonderfully addictive for you." She looked around at the three handsome men in our presence. "You'll wonder how you ever got through life without them."
"I know the feeling already. Oh, and I promise, I'm trying to get my list together like you asked. It's a bit of a challenge. A lot of the good ones are already gone."
"Just think about it. Trust me. It'll come to you the more you think about it."
"You all talking about the Keeper's List?" Bud asked, and I nodded. "Yeah, it is dwindling down to a precious few, but Michelle's right. Just give it some thought."
"Well, she already offered me a few," Michelle said with a knowing smile. "A few for each of you guys."
John looked at me, surprise etched on his features. "You never told us that, Tina. What did you pick?"
"Michelle..." I was getting embarrassed again at this attention.
"Well, it'll be common knowledge pretty soon anyway...Let's see..." I had sat back down, wondering if I could hide my face in my hands. "Bud - - she wants to keep your smile and your tender side."
"Aw," John and Maximus said, smiling at the cop in enough of a way that I finally got to see the well discussed Bud White blush.
"And...Max... what was it... oh, keeper of the helmet - - the very sexy one you used in the arena scene."
"That's the one that shows off your eyes, Max," Bud joked. When the general scowled, he threw up his hands and said, "Hey, that's what all the girls say."
Maximus rolled those beautiful, blue-gray eyes and chuckled deeply. "And... was it his official standard bearer, Tina?" Inodded. "And John..."
"I can't wait to hear this," Bud quipped.
"Keeper of your plaid shirts, your sweaters, your icepack, your snowmobile, your accent...."
"I asked to be his personal evidence/crime scene technician," I added. "But I don't remember what else..." Michelle shook her head. "I keep thinking there's another..." She snapped her fingers. "Was it...?" She paused.
"Was it *what*?" Bud eagerly asked, anxious for more. "Oh come on Michelle - - don't back out on us now. What the hell else?"
"I'm sure that when Tina wants to tell you, she will," she said, winking at me.
"Michelle!" Bud was behaving as though he was about to wet himself. "Come on girl - - spill it."
"Tina, it was great meeting you at last," she said, not missing a beat.
"Same here, Michelle." I stood up again, and whispered so that it was between only us, "Thanks."
"No problem, girlfriend."
"Michelle!" Bud was getting desperate, and we were all starting to laugh.
"John, Max... hope to see you two later."
"Welcome back, sweetheart."
"Yes, glad to see you back, Michelle," Maximus said.
"Thanks guys. I'd better get going. Colin's going to wonder what happened to me."
"Yeah fellas, I'll be right back." Bud told us. "As soon as I get the rest of this out of Michelle. You're not getting away that easy, young woman, so come back here." She only smiled and started walking away, Bud quickly following as he called out, "Oh come on, Michelle. What's the big secret? You've told us this shit before...."
Maximus, still laughing quietly, climbed to his feet. "John, do you mind keeping Tina company while I go arrange her reservation with Peaches?"
"You know I don't."
"Sorry, Max... you said... Peaches?"
"Yes, she's the owner of the hotel. She also has several other duties, like our Liz and Michelle. I'm just going to walk up there for a moment so she can get a room ready for you."
"Why don't you use the house phone, Max?" John asked.
"I was going to, but considering how noisy it's starting to get in here - I'd just rather not scream everything over the telephone. I don't mind the walk...I've been sitting too long anyway. I'll be back shortly you two."
"Thanks Max. Like I said, I appreciate it."
"I'll return in a little," and after bowing slightly to me, he hurried away.
And now there were two, I thought, recalling the old nursery rhyme. I leaned back against the buttery upholstery of the booth, taking a deep whiff of the fresh leather scent emanating from it. My companion was running a finger over the rim of his mug; most of his beer still left. He squirmed a little, I noticed, before looking straight at me. Smiling and clearing his throat, he asked, "So...you've had a good time thus far?" he asked, using his free hand to push his hair behind his ears.
For a second his movement distracted me. I had watched him perform that action numerous times during the evening, and I realized the move was becoming even sexier to me. Recovering, I answered, "I've had a fantastic time, even with the Sid episode. In the words of my sergeant,... this has been *great*."
"Well, I'm glad that you had...*are* having a good time...despite Sid," and we both laughed. "You're supposed to be able to come here, relax,... be yourself. Put the real world aside for a while."
"That sounds so nice. It's hard for me...Hard for me to relax, I mean. Most of the time I work six days before I'm off, but here lately, with the overtime being available, I've worked two, three, four weeks straight and barely took any time off."
"Geez. When the hell do you sleep?"
"What's that?" I joked, and we smiled.
"I *am* glad you got to meet Michelle tonight. She's something else."
"And Max said she does...other things, like Peaches and Liz?"
John nodded thoughtfully. "Michelle helps us..." He chuckled. "It's... hard to explain, Tina, but Michelle,... she's the one... when we guys go away from here - like our road trips, or shopping, whatever - she... sort of has a hand in that."
"I'm not... Okay... like opening the portal?" I asked very seriously.
"Like opening - - Yeah, that's it. She doesn't have to be here necessarily. It helps, but that's her responsibility when we want to... well, to get outside all this. Sorry if that sounded awfully... 'Star Trek'."
"Not at all. The more I think about it, and everything we've talked about tonight as far as how you all came here...No, it makes sense to me in a peculiar way. Everyone keeps saying I'll find my way home, and I'll find my way back here again. I'm *really* believing that more and more."
"Just keep believing it, darlin'. You can come back whenever you like. We-uh...We love you ladies' company."
I looked at some of the others who were about. "I can tell. I like this place so much though. Everything's so... Well, it's so much more intimate than when I was at Ford's Place."
"I can imagine," John laughed, taking a sip of his beer.
"Well there were *too* many people. Hundreds to be honest, sometimes upwards of a thousand or more. If you finally got to meet one of the popular ones: Han, Indy, John Book, Jack Ryan,...the character he played in 'Air Force One'...well, it was like take a ticket, take a seat, and you talked maybe fifteen minutes tops. I was there for...I guess almost twenty years off and on, and I only met Han a total of...well, if I said a couple of days, it wouldn't be an exaggeration."
"Shit."
"There was none of the intimacy - - not like it is here. That's why I like this place. All of you guys seem to have plenty of time for the guests. It's not rushed; it's so laid back. I don't feel like I need to look at my watch all the time before someone comes along and knocks me out of the way. If that makes sense."
"Makes perfect sense. I hope this place... well, I want to see it grow of course, but I hope it never reaches those proportions. I can't imagine what we'd do...But hey, I'm glad we've won you over, Ms. Stewart." He paused for a second, then looked back at me again. "Could I-uh... Could I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"It's sort of selfish on my part. Okay... curiosity."
I grinned, wondering what he had on his mind. "Sure John, go ahead."
"You-uh... You said 'Mystery, Alaska' was your second favorite RC movie?" I nodded, smiling. "How did you... When did you first hear about it?"
Sighing, I scooted forward a bit as though I was confiding a secret. "It's funny... I have this... strange... I don't know, it's funny. I remember... I think I do anyway... I remember skimming over this review of it in my local paper, but... I can't recall an ad campaign, a 'Coming Attraction'... not even a commercial. Nothing."
"So how *did* you find out about it?"
"Oddly enough, I was in a video store looking for a Russell movie to take home for the weekend. That was *right* after I'd seen 'Gladiator'. I had picked up 'The Insider', and... I'm skimming the shelves in the immediate area... I'm in the "M" section... and... that's when I saw it. The jacket just... caught my eye."
"The jacket, eh? So you didn't know- -"
"If I did, I'd forgotten by then. So, I picked it up, and I was reading the cast, and I said to myself, 'Oh my God. Russell Crowe is in this!' And I hemhawed back and forth for a minute, trying to decide between it and 'The Insider' because I only had time to watch one...."
"And?" John asked anxiously.
"I decided to wait and battle big tobacco another night." I could nearly hear him whisper 'Yes' under his breath, as he must have inwardly cheered my decision.
"So...how many times have you seen it?"
"Once. Only once. That's all I've had time for. Sorry, but... well, you'll be glad to know, it has stuck with me almost as much as 'Gladiator', and I've seen that even more... John," I gently placed a hand over his left one, much as he had done with me earlier, "I really *loved* your movie."
I could see the delight in both his eyes and his smile. "You did?"
"Absolutely. I mean, it's not this grand epic, or a gritty crime drama, or one of those intense dramas which get Oscar nominations... but I thought it was beautiful in its' own way."
"Beautiful, eh? I've never heard anyone call it that before."
"Well that's *my* opinion - my word. I just loved it so much. The characters were quite three-dimensional, the storyline was good - not predictable, and *you*..." His eyes dropped to his mug. "John, you were... something else."
"Something else?" he laughed, his cheeks growing pink.
"You were incredible. Very multi-layered; I saw... such a range in you. Russell just did marvelous job. I mean, up to that point, the only characters I knew of his were Sid, and Bud... and of course, Maximus, but 'Mystery, Alaska'... I can't seriously imagine anyone but him... *you*."
"Thanks."
"You are most welcome. Your movie definitely made my night, believe me. If I had had the time, I would have watched it again. I know I will at some point."
"That's really nice of you, Tina."
"I'm just being honest, John. It was wonderful, unquestionably one of Russell's best... I..." I softly laughed, almost embarrassed by how I was laying it on. "I mean, it was such a nice, sweet little movie,... but there was so much more, and I really, *really* got into it... You want to know how I knew your character had won me over?"
"Hell yeah, I'd love to know!" he said earnestly and we both laughed.
"During the big game... when that Rangers player... I think he... body slammed you... I was watching while laying in bed...and I literally jumped off the bed and..." I stopped, for that had been a very personal moment for me, and I was about to reveal a rather private recollection. "Well... I-uh... I-uh screamed your name."
"You... You did?" Biebe softly asked.
"I was worried the SOB had hurt you. Sorry, but I get into a lot of movies that way, no matter how many times I've seen them. And when I become overly concerned for the characters... sometimes I catch myself doing... caring about them so much."
"I figured you did, just from listening to the passion you have when you talk about them."
I shook my head. "No matter how many times I've seen 'Titanic', it still tears me to pieces watching those people run for the highest point out of the water, or watching them jump overboard. I still...hold my breath and hope that this time, when Rose tells Jack there's a lifeboat to rescue them, he answers her. Or that one day, they'll actually clear the berg to begin with." Resting my chin on my left fist, I continued. "and one of these days, maybe I'll eventually stop telling myself that in the end, Maximus won't die this time round... I keep saying that, every time I see them... that things will work out better."
Nodding, John quietly added, "You have...Well, you've not only got a great imagination, but you live a lot of movies, don't you?" I nodded, not speaking. "See, that's why I love movies so much too. If it's a great one, you're right up there with the characters, aren't you?"
"Very much so."
"How many times have you climbed out on the bow with Jack and Rose and went 'flying'?"
I beamed. How did he know how much I loved that scene? "Eleven times on a big screen; I've lost count on video, but it's been a lot."
"Well, being your favorite movie, I can understand why. Is that your favorite scene, the 'flying' scene?"
"Oh yeah... yes, it is... I can feel..." I shut my eyes. "I can taste the salt in the air; hear the waves as the ship cuts through them; feel the wind whipping about my clothes... I love Rose's outfit in that scene - - I have a doll wearing that very dress." I focused back on John, seeing how intently he was listening to me. "I'm on the banks of the Red Sea when Moses parts it; I cry every time Sonny Corleone gets gunned down. When Matthew Broderick leads his Negro troops on that hopeless attack on the southern fort in 'Glory', I'm charging along with them... I've been in the Arena with Maximus... I've skated the ice with you."
"After only one time?"
"It only took once.... When you... Well, when you... After the 'Dear Abby' scene - which I love by the way."
"Thank you."
"Well when you go out... on the ice... by yourself... You don't say a damn word, it's all..." I pointed at my eyes, "*here*. It was a small scene, but a big moment for you... That expression in your eyes, and on your face when you were staring at the net... Aw man, it was great." Biebe's cheeks were starting to burn outwardly again, and I shook my head, not having meant to embarrass him. "I'm sorry John."
He rubbed his beard and pushed back his hair, smiling softly as he did. "For making me... Nah, no problem, darlin'. It's only that... I've... I don't believe anyone's ever talked about 'Mystery, Alaska' the way you do. You saw so much to it."
"Well it was because of the characters... and you. I mean, it could have had this cliched ending with you guys kicking the Rangers' asses big time, or winning on a last second goal. Instead... well, even though you lost... I don't know... it felt like you'd won even more."
"Yeah it did. I know one thing." My eyebrows raised. "It made this old man feel great."
"Who's an old man?" I asked softly. "You?" The sheriff gave me one of his lopsided grins. "John Biebe you are *not* old, dammit!" I quietly proclaimed. For a second, the expression on his face reminded me of Bud White when I told him I would never falsify evidence. John also saw my fervor behind my wire-framed glasses. "If you're old, that makes me old, too, and I ain't going for that. We're both about the same age." He chuckled, as did I. "But I could see how you could feel ancient and washed-up. Scott and them dropped you like you were a two-bit rookie, or completely out of step. And asking you to coach...geez, that was a double blow."
"I understand why they did, Tina - - looking on all of it in hindsight. Hell... *I* might have dropped me!" he joked, then he was serious again. "Wasn't a good time for me during that... Hmph... Well, maybe one day, when I'm much older and..." He patted his stomach as I laughed. "...Well, a hell of a lot fatter, I'll want to coach...."
"Question then. Do you all grow old?"
"Nope. We stay... as far as we comprehend, the exact way we were in our movies, for the most part I suppose."
"So..." I began thoughtfully, "you'll never actually be older or fatter then?"
"Guess not. So I don't suppose I'll ever actually coach then."
"You don't sound disappointed by that."
"I want to play, darlin', not coach. I've wanted to be in the Saturday game from the time I knew what it was. So we're talking three or four-years-old. I was on skates almost before I knew how to walk... Hockey became as much a part of my life as law enforcement did when I decided that'd be my career. Or when I asked Donna to marry me, and become part of my life...or when my boys were born." I just sat there and listened to him, that distinctive accent of his beginning to fill my heart with its' quiet tone. His reminiscing was not sad or pathetic; it was sweet natured, like him. Finally he sighed, and gave that deep laugh I had heard Maximus utter so often during my talks with him. "Sorry."
"Why? No... don't be sorry, John. This has been great, listening to you talk about your life and your world this way. I like hearing about it."
"I just feel like I've bored you."
"No, not at all. It just adds to what I sort of thought you'd be like. I always try to imagine the characters as they were before a movie started... and if they survive what their lives may be like afterwards. I have notes jotted down for stories about what happened with Rose after 'Titanic'."
"You write then?"
"I *love* to write. It's my one real creative outlet."
"You have a pretty voice though." Now it was my turn to blush. "I said that earlier. Do you sing at all?"
"I had chorus when I was in school... and drama. Acting and singing were my other outlets, but writing was my first love."
"Like movies, eh?"
"Yes, like movies. But... uh, back to 'Mystery, Alaska'. I can't wait to see it again. I just think I'll pick up on things I missed the first time out."
"That happens. One thing though... We *still* lose the game," he grinned.
"Yeah, but..." My eyes twinkled humorously as I watched him drift into another of his charming, lopsided grins. That beard of his... I again liked how it framed his mouth. And as he took a final drink from the mug, I saw his tongue very casually run over his lips. Maximus had done that as well, and had looked just as sexy, but with John - -
"Yeah, but what, Tina?" the sheriff asked, waiting for me to finish. I hoped to God I hadn't been staring at him.
I came to my senses. I *had* to stop doing that. "Yeah, but..." I had forgotten my train of thought, so I managed, "But I get to watch you out there on the ice again."
He laughed. "You can watch me do that anytime, darlin'. There's a rink here on the property. I go skating all the time; need to keep up my skills."
"Hey, you've got jump, remember."
He nodded, his smile broadening. Then it happened. We had what Bud and I had earlier: a comfortable lull, one that required no conversation. I gazed about at the surroundings, enjoying how those present of Russell's characters interacted with the ladies who were there. It was a wonderful feeling - - I could sense the warmth, the excitement. At that moment, there was no place else I longed to be. And across from me was a handsome young man I found amusing, intelligent, sexy....
"Uh Tina..." My attention was drawn from watching Lachlan and an obviously thrilled lady dance to a TOFOG tune. I looked back at John, who was swallowing so hard I could almost hear it.
"I'm sorry, John. Did you say something?"
"Yeah, I did." He paused again, once again running a finger about the glass then our eyes met. I noticed it then: he had hazel specks in those blue-green eyes. "Uh Tina... I was just wondering... if maybe sometime...."
"Tina... everything's ready at the hotel." I glanced about as Maximus returned to the table, Bud at his side. The cop was muttering to himself, "I can't believe 'Chelle wouldn't tell me a damn thing. Wonder what the big secret is? Hey Tina."
"Hi again, Bud," I said, smiling at his dilemma. "Oh, thanks Max. I appreciate it - - again." Once again I could not get over how striking he was in his general's uniform - - the only thing missing was his wolf's fur cape. I still recalled how dashing he was reviewing his men at the beginning of the movie. I could only sigh softly, crossing my legs as I tried not to gaze too dreamily at him.
"Well," he started, as he returned to his seat, and Bud pulled up a chair and sat backwards on it, "Peaches said that whenever you are ready, feel free to head over."
"Sounds great. Thanks." As Bud and Maximus spoke amongst themselves for a moment, I turned back to John, who was glancing down at the table, his words obviously caught in his throat. Realizing he had been interrupted, I said, "John... I'm sorry. What were you saying?"
"Huh... Oh... it was... nothing, Tina." I saw him smile wistfully. "It can wait."
"Wait? Are you sure?" I asked quietly, trying to keep it between us. I knew he wanted to say *something* had it not been for the distraction from the others. We had talked long enough with one another for him not to go bashful on me again.
He nodded. "It can wait."
I could only smile and now try to refocus on the three of them.
