In Case INTERVIEW Ever Wants to Know

Because there are at least eight other things she should be doing, Cody spends the afternoon compiling the guest list for her Ideal Dinner Party. She has a strong sense that, although she’s only a waitress right now, some day

– 10 –

magazines will want to know this kind of information from her. Her Desert Island Discs; Night-Table Reading; Who Is The Sexiest Man In Politics, etc.

She decides to limit herself to six guests, three of each sex. She starts with Susan Sarandon. Susan is one of Cody’s favourite actresses and it’s apparent that not only is she talented and beautiful, she’s also a smart political thinker. Plus she’s played a lot of waitresses. Cody feels Susan will be an excellent contributor to dinner party conversation.

• Susan Sarandon
• Al Gore

Al Gore? He is the Sexiest Man In Politics, but maybe a little earnest. Cody’s unsure how his environmental stance will suit the style of evening she wants—sharp, funny, an element of risk. Leave him in for the time being. But no Tipper.

That couple the film Lorenzo’s Oil was about. Real people who changed the world through love and determination. Whoa, then Susan will be at dinner with the woman she played in a movie. Does it matter? Are there too many Americans so far?

Mother Teresa?—maybe not.

It disturbs Cody how hard she’s having to think about this. You’d imagine it would be easy enough to rattle off six heroes from the top of your head. But it involves more than that. It involves balance, precision, a successful dynamic. Cody’s disappointed she can’t think of more famous people in Science, or Classical Music. What about Anita Hill? She’s another American, true, but she’d definitely get on well with Susan. Maybe Al could do something nasty to Clarence Thomas on her behalf. Does Al have anything to do with the Supreme Court? Surely he’s got some influence.

• Susan Sarandon
• Al Gore
• Lorenzo’s Oil couple
• Mother Teresa
• Anita Hill

The couple from Lorenzo’s Oil are standing on shaky ground. What Cody needs now is a man. Someone older perhaps, erudite, charming, powerful. Someone witty and wise who can offer the benefit of experience. Someone

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Al could learn from, and the others could be grateful to have had the opportunity to meet. In literature? Politics? Prince Rainier? Gore Vidal? Gielgud?

On the other hand, Cody does need someone to help with the dishes. And there’s always the possibility of one last drink, a walk by the sea, an undeniable electric attraction that demands to be fulfilled—

• Susan Sarandon
• Al Gore
• Lorenzo’s Oil couple
• Mother Teresa
• Anita Hill
• Daniel Day-Lewis
• Brad Pitt
• Johnny Depp

*

The weekend after Francis, Cody and Thea go to breakfast. They try and figure out which of the couples surrounding them just met the night before. Cody needs to talk about Francis.

—I can’t stop thinking about him, she says.

—That’s bad, says Thea.

—I know.

—You need to fuck someone else.

—Who? says Cody, looking around the room.

—Anyone, Thea says. —There are other guys. Anyone. Just don’t obsess about thingy.

—Francis.

—Francis. What kind of a name is that for a guy?

—I am obsessing, aren’t I? Cody slops her coffee into the saucer.

—Yes, says Thea.

—I’m enjoying it. I can’t help it. I’m out of control.

—Crap, says Thea.

Their food arrives. Cody wonders if the waiter is attractive enough to sleep with. She decides that he isn’t.

—And, she says, —I keep remembering things.

Thea sighs. —Spare me the details.

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—No, but, like the mascara.

—What?

—Well, says Cody, There was this mascara on his bedside table. Do you think he’s a cross-dresser?

—Were there any feather boas lying around?

—No. Um, I don’t think so.

—Cody you moron. He’s not a cross-dresser, he’s got a fucking girlfriend.

—But you said he was single, Cody says, feeling a tantrum coming on.

—Well I don’t know for sure. But make-up is a sure sign of a girlfriend.

—Oh.

—Either that or he’s a New Romantic.

—I’d rather he had a girlfriend.

—What are you going to do tonight.

—Get drunk.

—And?

—And fuck someone else.

—Good girl.

*