“You’re acting in two plays?”
“Three, actually. I’m doing a matinee of a sixties play called The Man Who Turned Into a Stick,” by Kobo
Abe, a Japanese playwright. It’s very abstract—magic realism—but very cool.”
“Three plays in one week?”
“It’s tiring—but last summer I was in the cast at the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario. I did
three plays a week there, every day, twice on Saturday, and over the season I was in five different plays with
some pretty big parts. That definitely builds up your stamina. Doing these seems like a picnic compared to
that.”
She asked about Scotland Road. Leah explained the plot. “I’ll have to go see it,” she said
They drank and talked until one.
I want you give me the performance times for Scotland Road, ” Sossity said to Leah as she left. “I’d love
to attend. And how about lunch tomorrow?”
“That would be wonderful.”
“I’ll call you at eleven.”
Sossity returned to her empty hotel room, took a shower, and went to bed. At eleven the next day she
called Leah.
“I was thinking of the Yamishiro. Ever been there?”
“I can’t afford places like that,” she laughed, “but I’ve heard of it.”
“Give me your address. I’ll pick you up at noon.”
That morning one of her employees had delivered a vintage white 1971 Avanti II she had seen on tour
a few months back, took a fancy to, and purchased now that she had her license back and could drive again.
She drove it to the address Leah had given her. She was waiting on the sidewalk in front of a beige stucco
apartment house. She wore a white top, a tiny pink skirt, white tights, pink boots, and a beret. She carried
a pink purse.
“Thanks so much for this, Sossity,” she said as the car pulled away and headed for the restaurant.
“Glad to. I love your outfit.”
“I thought I ought to dress up a little for you. I love your car!”
Sossity told her about how she had acquired it as she made her way through the LA traffic. They arrived
at the restaurant. A group of photographers stood at the door.
“How the hell these people know where I’m going to be is beyond me,” Sossity grumbled. “They must
have a full-time psychic who can scope out my schedule. I hope you don’t mind being in a photo with me.”
“Why would I mind that?”
They let a valet take the car and approached the photographers. Cameras flashed. They made their way
inside.
“Wow, that was weird,” Leah said once they sat down.
“Welcome to my world. I get tracked as closely as the Space Shuttle. Let’s order.”
They ordered drinks, a sushi appetizer and miso. Sossity asked Leah about her career.
Their food arrived. They ordered more drinks. When they finished eating, Leah gave Sossity tickets to
her plays.
“Can you work these into your schedule?”