A Woman in Search Of...

After opening the door, Marty greeted her with a big smile. He helped her with her jacket. They headed to The Blue Whale, one of Hilstrom’s restaurants.

They sat in a quiet booth and studied the menus. The waiter brought water, and Wendy ordered white wine, Marty red. She told him about the nursery. It easily started the conversation.

“Your nursery sounds very cool. Maybe I can stop by and see it.”

“Of course.”

“I have to admit my place could use some greenery or something. I guess a few plants inside might be a good idea.”

“I’m sure plants will be a cheerful addition.” Wendy tried to control the angst she was experiencing. “Where are you from?”

He waited while the waiter set their drinks down and took their orders. “I’m from New York, but I’ve been on the coast about ten years.”

“Where’s your office?”

“Beverly Hills.”

“How nice.”

“Yes, Hilstrom hired me full time about three years ago, so I closed my own office in Culver City, and now I work out of Hilstrom’s building.”
“What kind of cases do you handle?” Wendy stopped. “I’m sorry, am I asking too many questions?” She felt uncomfortable trying to carry on a conversation with a man she didn’t really know.

“No, of course not. We didn’t have much time to talk at Hoffman’s, but maybe now we can get to know each other better,” he said with a deep smile. Awkward was how she saw herself. “I’d like that,” she said returning a smile.

“On the side I do volunteering as a legal aid. I like my volunteer work. It can be a challenge, but also it keeps me on my toes.”

“That all sounds wonderful. Volunteering is important.” Wendy explained the commitment to her causes. “Remember during the Viet Nam War when thousands of people protested and marched against it, trying to make a difference in the world?”

He nodded.

“I was one of them. Thank goodness for the peace talks that are now on going. There is still so much political and social unrest. I want to help bring equality and fairness to everyone, including women. Unfortunately, there are opponents to a lot of this, so protests against and for continue.”

“Wow, you’re quite an activist.”

“I used to be.”

“Used to be? Why’d you stop?”

“When I started dating my now estranged husband, he wanted me to spend the time with him,” she cringed as she answered. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to talk about him.”

“No, it’s fine, really.”

She liked his response. Her activism was a good quality. That reminded her she should add it to her list. Later she’d think about what other good qualities she possessed things that might help her appreciate herself more. “Anyway, I played a small role during the sixties in the women’s movement. I worked with a group of women who made banners and signs. We also designed handouts and xeroxed them so we could pass them out on street corners. I also heard Gloria Steinem speak…so inspirational.” “She definitely made a headway with the women’s movement. I admire your concerns for others,” Marty complimented.

“Thanks, I haven’t done anything for a long time, but I’m glad I accomplished something.”

When they finished their dinners, Marty drove them to the Santa Monica Pier where they sauntered out to the end, as the soft, night breeze passed by them. Leaning against the railing they looked out at the Pacific Ocean, admiring the reflection of the moon off it.

“This is very nice,” Marty said as he turned toward her.

“It is. I like to see places of serenity and this ocean view is certainly one of them.”

They watched for a while until he clasped her hand. With admiring eyes, she looked up at him as they walked back along the pier to where they started.

Wendy saw characteristics she admired in Marty… his romantic spirit, his good attitude and interests they shared. She liked the way he was so laid back. Marty showed no pretense, he seemed like a regular guy. At least she knew he was against the Viet Nam War. She needed to know his other values. Marty made Wendy remember Scott’s lack of interest in being an activist.

They stopped at the carousel and watched as it circled in its charming way. It was beautifully lit, and a calliope played as the carousel turned.

“Shall we head out?” he asked, his voice pulling Wendy out of her pensiveness. He parked in front of her house.

“I like your enthusiasm and your ambition. They’re really great traits,” he complimented as they walked to her front door.