him all about my dreams to be a famous actress. He listened intently, showing real interest in what I had to say.
“If anyone can do it, it will be you, Juliet,” he said sincerely.
Stanley decided that he wanted to be a doctor when he was nine. His interest began with the fascination of how his own body worked. Observing how injuries healed and the process from illness to recovery. He began going to the library, and instead of checking out comic books or adventure stories, he went for anatomy and physiology books. He became especially interested in the dynamics of the immune system. So, after he graduated high school, he began the long arduous process of becoming a doctor. He was intelligent, kind, and handsome with wavy black hair and some premature gray, soft brown eyes, dominant cheekbones, and a smart straight nose. He had a very manly look. Nothing pretty boy about him. Just refined male handsomeness which fit his personality. He was quiet and laid-back. This could easily be mistaken for being shy or weak. But Stanley was neither.
We both shared an enthusiastic interest in the great outdoors. We began planning hiking trips together when time could be found between us. He was quite skilled at everything outdoorsy. And because I lived alone in LA, he insisted on teaching me how to defend myself. This was how I found out that beneath all those button-up shirts and khaki pants was a strong capable body as well. I caught myself staring at him during our lessons and not minding the holds he would place me in while teaching me to get out of them. I began daydreaming about Stanley. Soon my thoughts and my days were consumed with being with him or thinking about being with him. I felt safe with him, trusted him. I loved him…
That’s when it happened. The breakthrough I was waiting for! I received a call from a producer out of New York City. He had seen me at an audition in LA and felt I would be perfect for the role of Sandy in the stage production of Grease. My answer was an emphatic yes! This would require me to move to New York. I would have to give up my job, my apartment. I would have to give up Stanley. The thought of that conjured up emotions that I preferred not to feel. But I was not going to let all my dreams go for him.
My mother was apprehensive but supportive about New York. She pulled together enough money for my airfare. Liam and Angela felt I was too young to be going off to New York alone and, once again, offered to send me to college. After much debate, Liam came through for me. He contacted a former colleague who now lived in Manhattan with his wife and kids. They were happy to have me come stay and be their live-in nanny. I would tend to their kids during the day. Which would leave my nights free to pursue my own interests. So it was settled. I was moving to New York.
Stanley arrived at eight fifteen, as usual. I was already at our table, coffee and warm bagels waiting.
“Good morning, Juliet.”
“Good morning.”
“I have something really important to address with you.”
My stomach did a flip. “Sounds serious.”
“Well, it is.”
“Okay, Stanley, what’s up? What is so serious?”
“You and I have been seeing each other now for three months. I have really enjoyed your company and want to continue to enjoy your company. I think very highly of you, Juliet. And because of this, I would like for you to meet my parents.”
I felt a wave of relief. “That would be great, Stanley. I’d love to meet your parents.”
“Dinner then, Saturday evening?”
“Okay, great. What time?”
“Seven good for you?”
“Seven sounds great.”
“Good, then it’s a date.”
“What should I wear?”
“I trust your sense of style, Juliet. You choose.”
“Okay, Stanley, my best leather and chains it is.”
He laughed, genuinely delighted by my sense of humor.
“So is that it? Is that what was so important?”
“Uh, yes, Juliet. I have to tell you, you are the first girl I have ever wanted my parents to meet. You are very important to me, Juliet.”
My stomach flipped again. Stanley must have picked up on it. His face was suddenly pale. He looked down at his shoes.
“Juliet, am I reading this wrong? You are not feeling what I am feeling, are you?”
“No, no, Stanley, that is not it at all. I really like you and love spending time with you. It’s just that I have something to tell you too.”
“What? What is it?” he questioned with a worried tone.
“I’m moving.”
“Where?”
“To New York. I got my big break, Stanley! The leading lady role in a real Broadway show!”
“Wow! New York. When?”
“I leave at the end of the month.”
Stanley appeared wounded but smiled anyway.
“I have everything worked out. I will be working for some people my dad knows, watching their kids during the day and going to rehearsals in the evening. They will be providing my housing and a salary. Isn’t that great, Stanley! I am really doing this. I am an actress!”
With that, Stanley perked up, embraced both my hands in his, then kissed them lightly. “Wonderful, Juliet. How wonderful for you.”
Looking back, I can see how selfless Stanley was. I recognize now the pain he had in his eyes. But I was too excited to see or care at the time. All I could do was think about New York.
Saturday at seven arrived. Stanley was right on time, as usual. I chose to wear my emerald-green velvet dress. It really brought out the red in my hair. I also wore my mother’s pearls, the one gift my father ever gave her. She was happy to pass them on to me.
“You look very beautiful, Juliet.”
Stanley was wearing a white shirt, black tie, and his signature khaki pants.
“And you are also looking quite lovely, Stanley.”
“Shall we go then?”
“We shall.”
We arrived at the Tam O’Shanter Inn. It was the type of place that I never expected to grace with my presence. I was feeling a bit underdressed or maybe a little insecure. Stanley noticed right away. He gave me a look that inspired confidence and held my hand firmly in his as he walked me proudly to the table where his parents sat waiting.
“Stanley!”
His mother exclaimed as she stood to hug and kiss him. Stanley’s father stood and shook his son’s hand firmly.
“How are you, son?”
“Great, Dad, really great. Mom, Dad,
