-Eighth and last in a series –
SOLANA BEACH, California — “Well, I’m always open to meeting new people. Of course you can give him my contact info” I tell Harriet, the aunt of my cousin’s wife, whom I’ve met exactly once. Why shouldn’t I trust her judgment? Her intro of this fellow is “he is a clean shaven Orthodox rabbi, recently divorced with two grandchildren. He’s very open-minded.” So begins a month long exchange of text messages, phone calls and emails.
I am impressed at once with Simeon’s South African accent and his command of the English language. I am equally impressed with his facility with French and his quick wit. I enjoy these aspects immensely, but do continue to wonder how it is that we will ever engage in a relationship beyond phone and computer. He is Shomer Shabbos and I am not. He lives in LA and I do not. He prides himself on his ability to live with a foot in both worlds while feeling equally at ease in both.
He also prides himself on myriad other things and refers to himself as “an intellectual.” I hear him say this and I wonder about his, ahem, humility. He thinks well of himself, this much is obvious. But why shouldn’t he? Harvard Business grad, international renowned and father of 6 kids. There are more commendations I am sure, but I’m aware that he has missed no chance to tell me of his grandeur and stature in the world. (I selected that word for a reason…)
“I’d love to take you to an elegant dinner, where we can relax with a good wine and food.” With this goal in mind, I begin to make plans to go to LA and meet Simeon on his own turf, where we can enjoy said Kosher dinner.
As plans begin percolating, he asks if there is not a later train I can take home. I remind him that the 8:30 pm train will get me home at 11 pm, which is later than my bedtime, and I have an 8 a.m appointment and full day on Thursday. He apparently hears this as a fluid suggestion and not carved in stone. The day before the appointed date, I receive an email requesting me to look into a later train. I reiterate that I am really only comfortable taking the 8:30.
The big day arrives and before I dress and shower, I am greeted by a full blown roof leak in my den. Water is cascading down the walls onto my computer, teak table and artwork. I spend the next 45 minutes attempting to water proof my condo, before heading into the shower and to the train. I receive an email from “my date” urging me to hurry up and get to the train because he is already waiting at the station. When I tell him I am still rain proofing my house, I get no reply. I arrive at the station to find one parking space at the very far end of the lot. By the time I reach the platform, my suede shoes are ruined and my umbrella is blown inside out.
It is at this point Simeon texts me and asks if I’m on my way. Really, not in the mood for banter, I tell him I’m feeling rather intolerant and I’m going to read for a bit, and will text him when I’m twenty minutes from LA. He is not perturbed and asks me of what I’m intolerant. “Pretty much everything and everyone” I text him.
My train arrives. I am saturated and take a window seat. I take out my novel and prepare to read. About an hour into the ride, I text him, “So, what have you got planned for us?” “Absolutely nothing” he replies. I don’t really believe this, but….ok. I see LA approaching, and text Simeon. He responds, “What am I looking for?” I tell him I’m wearing a black outfit and a black raincoat. He reminds me that my hair must look horrid. I had told him that it is growing out and looks pretty wild. Thanks! He also tells me he’s wearing a black suit with tzit tzit hanging out.
I exit the train and head to the terminal, where I am met by the Rabbi. All 5’4” of him. Now, he never told me he was taller, but I was surprised. He was wearing an argyle sweater and a cap. We headed to the parking lot and drove on the 10 towards Santa Monica. We arrived at the Getty Villa which was lovely. I was impressed (his goal) and pleased that we were able to get in and see the collection. After about 4 hours we’d seen a great deal of Roman, Greek and Egyptian art. The collection and grounds are lovely. We had reservations at Shilo’s. A steak place. This surprised me mildly, as we’d had a discussion about how I don’t eat beef. However, to be fair, I have never been to a restaurant where I couldn’t find something on the menu. What did surprise me was my date’s insistence that I sample his Head Cheese appetizer. “You really don’t eat beef? You MUST try this.” “No, really, I don’t eat meat, but you enjoy.”
Dinner conversation was candid and I felt that we shared some important truths. At 8:00, I noticed the time and asked if we should head to the station. He agreed. En route he told me he wasn’t exactly sure of how to get there. We arrived for my 8:30 train at 8:40. I missed the boat…or train. Simeon sat with me as we awaited the 10:30, only to learn that no trains were anticipated as someone had committed suicide on the tracks. My train arrived at 3 a.m. and I arrived Solana Beach at 5 a.m.
I did get a text from Simeon the next day around 1 pm “Have you recovered yet?”
It wasn’t quite the apology I was hoping to get, but now I know what it’s like to have a date in LA.
*
Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com