He kills me, but I really can’t resist not coming to hear him sing.

she confessed she drove two hours to hear him

                                                  I can’t either. Are we pitiful or what?

they laughed unabashed

                          concluded with a fullthroated Pitiful.

they met in line at Will Call

the show was SOLD OUT 

                           an intimate venue sensational acoustics a refurbished small chapel  vaulted ceiling 

This is too good.

Huh?

It once a church.  

Are you sure?

I read that, seems wholly appropriate . . no pun intended.

she tilted her head birdlike  Are you sure? 

I am. 

      I haven’t a clever bone in my body. Whenever something comes out of me – clever – I am not responsible. 

drawing closer they saw the tickettaker at the window was bearded  she seemed very pleasant 

Oh my, that’s so unfortunate. I feel for her.

I feel wonderful for her, she’s rocking it, look at her:  Not my problem.

she looked closer 

                  Well.  Excuse me.  You’re right, it’s not her problem.  I ought to apologize.

I think you'd be redundant. Likely she’s heard that every day of her life since puberty.

You're right. 

              I’m a silly cow.

she rearedput her hand on her shoulder Silly cow? Who says that?

My Mom.  It’s queer, I know, though whenever I’m foolish that’s what she calls me. I took it badly at first, then I saw the humor in it.  Just goofy.

Mind if I coopt it? I’ll credit your Mom. What’s her name?

Judith. Not Judy not Jude . . . Judith.

Judith Wheeler.

Yes.

Easy to remember, my father’s initials.

See. Meant to be. 

collecting their tickets her beard was downy seating was openthey decided to sit together

I was almost jealousy. 

Damn right, me too. Cornsilk. 

Yes. Yes. That’s absolutely right. 

                                    Cornsilk.  I couldn’t think what.

the warmup act tuned stagechecked her instruments mike

she exhaled a haunting Oooh.

What’s that about?

He’s gonna make me cryI always cry. His songs his words kill me.

Me too.

He’s the only person who is able to make me cry from the outside of my eyes.

   The outsides?

You’ll see. 

           You will see.

2318,  Saturday,  1  7. 23

1131,  Thursday,  6  7. 23