70 - Eligibility

     Even though I'm unemployed and broke I still need nights to myself.  Since
I essentially told my boss and his boss to go fuck themselves Connecticut
Department of Labor came to the conclusion that I left suitable work and was
therefore not eligible for unemployment.  This threw a bit of a wrench in my
plan to sit on my ass and do nothing for six months.  Thank goodness for 401k
and profit sharing money.
     Every few months I take time out to have Me Nights.  A Me Night is where I
take me out to a dinner that I want to eat and to a movie that I want to see.  I
decided to hit The Door.  It was Filet Mignon night.
     "What is your name?"
     "Anya."
     "Anya, I need you to do me a big favor."
     "No problem," she said with a thick eastern European accent.
     "I tend to be an asshole when it comes waitresses.  If I come close to
sounding like an asshole your job is to shut me down, OK?"
     "I thought you looked familiar," she said cocking her head a little to the
left.  "You knew Connie," she stated matter of factly.
     "Y-Yeah," I stuttered.  "How'd you know that?"
     "She used to talk about you and I've seen you in here a few time with your
friend.  Let me guess, pineapple juice, no ice?"
     "Am I that boring?"
     "Not yet.  Do you know what you want?"
     "Ah ... give me a minute."
     As she walked away I let a flush of memories wash over me. I let myself
think back to the summer and Great Barrington and I could  finally feel them
start to melt away.  I had been here before but for some reason tonight I was
able to feel the release.
     I enjoyed a tasty Filet Mignon complete with red mashed potatoes and
creamed spinach.  I watched people come and go some enjoying each others
company, some just going through the motions right before the end of an obvious
tenuous relationship.
     As I stood to pay my bill I saw Anya stepping outside for a cigarette.
Nothing cries American Spirit like a tasty steak dinner.
     "Do you have a light?" she asked as I stepped onto the porch.
     "Always.  Thank you and by the way," I said lighting my own cigarette.  "If
you get a chance tell Connie I said hello."
     "She's fine.  She's in Argentina with her family."
     "Thanks."  I started down the steps.
     "She really liked you."
     "I know."
     "Her dad.  He doesn't like black people. He would say the most horrible
things."
     I thought back to the nights we would go out.  I always thought that she
was worried about her boyfriend but now it made perfect sense.
     "I can only imagine.  Anya, right?  You take care of yourself."
     I got back into the Saab and made started the long drive home.  It seems
that even if I am the best man for the job there are some things that I'm
considered not eligible for.

That Beautiful Black Man