“I’m from New York actually.”

“Just visiting then?”

“No I’m moving back, finally. It’s kinda complicated.”

“Life is often complicated.” he simply said taking all the humor out of his voice. He continued to look in my direction, but I could see and feel him slip into his own space. “Ida. Was her name.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Ida. That’s who takes the woman that took my breath away. For sixty years. Everyday when I’d look at her, my day was instantly better. And her voice forget about it, it could make your heart sing.”

“Is that right? She sounds like a special lady.”

“She was, she really was the one.”

“Was she your wife?”

“Then? Shit no.” He began to laugh and again the joy returned to his voice. “She wouldn’t give me the time of day. She was my best friend’s sister. And she was very, very involved with someone.”

“Did you ever tell her how you felt?” I was suddenly more interested in this man’s life than catching up with my own boyfriend, who was no doubt pouting around the airport some place.

“Of course. But she was an honorable woman. Never would’ve done such a thing. So I continued to be her friend. I was there when he broke her heart, was there when she met someone new and married him. Had three kids with him. She made me the honorary uncle to all of them.”

“But why didn’t you ever, you know make your move, after she broke up with the last guy?” He studied my face as we continued to walk. I pretended not to notice that he was putting two and two together.

“Child, I’m starting to think that this has more to do with you. And less about why I never went after Ida.” I felt my eyes grow wide and my face get hot. I knew that I looked like a blushing idiot. But I was going to play this cool.

“Maybe.”

“What’s his name, does he live in LA, and does your boyfriend have any idea about him?” OK, is this the twilight zone? Is he my psychic friend? My guardian angel, what?

“Well her name is Bette, she does live in LA. We used to go out. And as for my current boyfriend, he has known her his whole life. She’s his sister.” it all came rushing out like a waterfall. I don’t know. On one hand, I feel like I don’t need to hide myself to a stranger. But after all that happened in New York and my family, I think it’s just better to blurt it all out. It gives them a little bit of time to process it all. I could usw that time to think of a way to escape before they had a chance to attack.