Return to Montauk Page #4

Yeah...This is my card.

And I wrote Mr. Zorns number on it.

Its her address.

Mr. Walter wanted you to have it.

He said he was breaking

all of his rules whatever they are.

It was just for you he said.

Is Clara your first wife?

Oh no no no no... were not married.

There have been others?

I mean youve been not married

a few times?

The nearly wives.

The ones that got away?

Was Mrs. Epstein one of them?

She might see it that way.

Children?

- A daughter not Claras.

Claras been checking

every detail with your publisher.

Shes putting her soul into this.

The cover the entire campaign...

she begged everybody for a blurb.

She went to the hotel to see

if it was OK

working like a dog on her internship

without pay.

I know. I cannot do without her.

I think my jacket is a mistake.

I know.

- So why did you bring it?

I dont look like a writer.

Nobody wants to look like a writer.

Do you want to look like one?

Yeah I do.

No no I dont. But...

Do I look like a European

antique dealer?

Well like a European antique dealer

on a bad day for European antiques.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Oh wow! Look at you!

Think its all right?

- Absolutely.

We have a car tonight.

Its your big night.

How are you?

- Very good.

Its a packed house.

- Yeah!

Oh look whos here?

How is...?

- You are very welcome. Come in.

There are a lot of people here already.

Remember this is the smartest audience

youre ever going to get.

When my father spoke about what matters

and what does not matter

an image came to me

an image of two women.

One whom I caused harm...

The other who I should be with now

if Id been wiser then

whom I wonder about still

I met in New York.

It was a few years

after the wall had come down

and I was happy to get away

from all the agitation of Berlin.

My novel got me a fellowship

and I had a tiny office

at the Public Library.

Yes here upstairs on the 4th floor.

I first met her at an art opening

or rather outside an art opening

since there were too many people inside.

My friend from the library

with whom Id come was a smoker

so I was standing outside with him.

We watched her arrive

we studied her as she saw the crowds

and decided to step back

then she turned and smiled at my friend.

She barely looked at me

as she shook my hand.

The following Sunday

I watched her a second time

as she arrived at the Alice Tully Hall

alone

for the 5 oclock concert.

I was alone too already in my seat.

As she took her seat

she looked at me for a brief second

but she did not say anything

and I believed

that she did not recognize me.

I liked her.

But before the concert began

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes