himself. He insisted that my mother stop me. But when it became clear to him that she would not, he and Angela presented me with a full ride to any college I could get in to. Plus, a large sum of money if I would reconsider. I refused and informed Liam that he did not have the right to keep me from pursuing my dreams. After all, I was eighteen, and he was a weekend father, at best. I guess this must have wounded him because he ended up giving me enough money to rent a small apartment in the city. For that, I was grateful.
My apartment was much smaller than the apartment I shared with my mother. But I loved it. It was my little piece of LA. My acting and singing career was slow going. So I took a job at a little coffee café about two blocks from the UCLA campus. I worked from six in the morning until two in the afternoon as many days as I could. I went to every audition I could find in between. Sundays were for hanging with friends and calling my mom.
* * * * *
“Stanley.”
“Excuse me?”
“My name is Stanley. I’m introducing myself.”
“Oh. Juliet, Juliet Foster.”
“Very pleased to meet you, Juliet.”
“What can I get you?”
“Well, I was hoping maybe that you might sit with me and have a cup of coffee. You see, I have just finished a very stressful week filled with finals and would really enjoy some conversation with a human instead of a book.”
“That’s a kind offer, Mister?”
“Epstein.”
“Mr. Epstein, but I am working, and sitting with you drinking coffee could cost me tips. So I must decline.”
“I understand. Maybe another time.”
“Maybe. What can I get for you, Mr. Epstein?”
“Please, call me Stanley. I think I will just have a black coffee and a bagel with cream cheese.”
He replied, looking somewhat wounded, “Okay, I will get that right out to you.”
“Thank you, Miss Foster.”
He remembered my name. Stanley Epstein sat alone drinking his coffee and eating his bagel. I intentionally neglected him. He got no refills and no second glances. I realize looking back how rude I was to him. Stanley would have never accused me of being rude. For this, I am sure. He would have assumed that my poor behavior was his fault. He thought the world of me. I was a very lucky woman…
My first big break came with the musical Cats. I landed a role as one of the strays. I sang background. My mother, Liam, and Angela all showed for opening night. Mom was so proud, and I felt like a star. Even though I was just one of many cats. We all attended the backstage celebrations of opening night. My mother on my right, Liam and Angela on my left. There he was. I left my parents at the buffet and made my way over to where he stood.
“Epstein. Right?”
“Miss Foster.”
“Impressive, you remembered my name.”
“I didn’t recognize you. You don’t quite look like yourself. It’s those green eyes of yours that gave you away.”
“Are you flirting with me, Mr. Epstein?”
Stanley’s face revealed his embarrassment.
“Not our boy Stanley,” said a voice coming from behind me. “Who is this lovely young lady, Stanley?”
“This is Juliet Foster. Juliet, this is Ben Larson.”
“Café Juliet?”
“Yes, as a matter a fact, I am café Juliet.”
“Well, it’s nice to finally have a face with the name. I don’t know if you are aware of this, miss, but the good doctor here can’t stop talking about you. You have wrecked his world.”
Stanley once again showed signs of growing discomfort.
“Is that so? I am not sure I deserve the credit for wrecking someone’s world.”
“Take my word for it, miss, you are all he can think about. Besides, you know, being a doctor.”
Ben smiled a devilish grin at Stanley, then nudged him toward me. “My apologies for my colleague’s behavior, Miss Foster. He’s a bit of a goon.”
“Ouch, Stan! I’m just trying to help you out. God knows you will never get up the nerve to help yourself.”
Stanley was genuinely annoyed with his friend, which I found endearing. Maybe he wasn’t the type my mother had warned me about. I guess you could say that this was the first time that I became interested in Stanley Epstein.
Ben had made his way across the room and was standing with a tall pretty blonde woman. He motioned to Stanley to join them. Stanley turned to me, grasped my hand, bowed, and bid me farewell. I watched him walk away. Part of me was sorry to see him go.
* * * * *
Stanley was beautiful. He came into my life gently. Always the gentleman. I am sure that he put a lot of thought into asking me to have coffee with him that day in the café. I was so quick to turn him down. But Stanley had made up his mind about me, so I was later told. He would not be deterred. He would simply sit and order his coffee and bagel. Then give his attention over to whatever book he was reading or paper he was writing. I couldn’t help but stare and wonder about him. Occasionally, our eyes would meet. He would smile and give a friendly nod and continue with his routine. I did notice, however, the pink in his cheeks. Which told me he still had an interest in me. And although I didn’t want to have an interest in him, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Wanting, even hoping, he would invite me to sit with him for coffee again. But he didn’t. Day after day, he didn’t. I was surprisingly frustrated by this. I tried to put him out of my mind, but I couldn’t stop thinking about this man. When I could stand it no longer, I requested the day off and went to the café. I knew Stanley would be there at his usual time, sitting at his usual table. I arrived early and sat down at his table. I ordered his usual, times two. Then I waited. He walked in at exactly eight fifteen, just like I knew he would. He started toward his table, and there I was.
“Hello, Juliet. Looks like you have acquired my table. Does this mean I should find another?”
“Now that would really be a shame, considering I have already ordered you coffee and a bagel. I think maybe you should sit here and have breakfast with me.”
“That would be delightful. I would enjoy that.”
Stanley’s face lit up with excitement and relaxed with relief. I couldn’t help but reciprocate his reaction. From that day forward, we met for coffee every morning. If I was working, I would save my break time so that I could take it with Stanley.
Stanley said what he meant and meant what he said. He was very honest and straightforward. Serious and to the point. I never had to ask him what was on his mind because he shared his thoughts readily. I, on the other hand,
