October 30, 2004
Loews Lincoln Square Cinema
New York City
She waved, and he waved back.
John Parker knew something was different about Gwyneth O'Connor, and not just because she waved at him. She was literally the only white person coming out of the 2:30 showing of "Ray," the Ray Charles biopic with Jamie Foxx. She must have stood out in the theatre, John thought to himself.
John, of course, stood out too. He was the only brother in the next theatre over during the 2:15 showing of "Birth," Nicole Kidman's new movie. It was nothing new to him-it had been years since he saw another black man or woman in the theatre when he went to see one of Kidman's films. He was used to it by now.
He wasn't used to white women waving hi to him at the movies, or on the street. Yet Gwyneth had such a kind, sweet face-her long, strawberry-blonde hair and blue eyes really intrigued him-that he couldn't help but wave back. He didn't expect to see her again.
He went to Dewey's Cafe and ordered the usual cheeseburger and fries. It was surprisingly quiet that afternoon, something John enjoyed.
Suddenly, someone walked up to his table.
"Hi there!"
It was a sweet, soft Australian accent. John looked up and saw Gwyneth's radiant blue eyes; she held a tray with a chicken sandwich and fries. He was stunned. Had she followed him there?
"Do you mind if I sit down?"
Her voice was so soft he could barely hear her.
"Not at all. Hi."
"Thank you."
John couldn't quite figure out what was going on. Gwyneth had indeed followed him to Dewey's. Something about him made her curious. There was something dignified about the way he carried himself, a history in his face, a story in his deep brown eyes. She was immediately fascinated by him.
"So, did you like it?" she asked.
"The movie?"
"Yeah. That's my girl, you know."
Gwyneth laughed sweetly, and John felt a jolt in his pants at the sound of her laugh. He had never actually been with a white woman before, though he was certainly very attracted to them. Could she be his first?
"It was OK. I didn't get it. Nicole was great, as always, but it was kinda strange."
"I see."
"How was 'Ray?' I wanted to see that next week."
"Oh, I loved it. Love, love, love Jamie."
"Really."
"That man can do anything. He's so beautiful and he's so talented. I love him."
"Interesting," John replied, immediately wondering if he should have used that word. "Yeah, he is a great actor."
For a few brief moments, it was quite between the two, as they ate and looked at each other. John briefly imagined what it would be like to make love to Gwyneth-the contrast of their bodies in the moonlight, the sight of his dark brown hands on her pale white skin, the sensation of coming inside her-and wondered if she was thinking the same thing.
