The Cream Puffs

So sinful are these thoughts that I hardly dare write them here. But if not put down here, they are left to linger inside my thoughts, and that is far more destructive. Once my thoughts find their way into your pages I am free to start over. You save me with your listening!
-THE DIARY OF ELLEN RIMBAUER
My Life at Rose Red

Twenty-five years ago today:

March 7, 1987
Saturday

I like sleeping in. I woke up at 9AM on this Saturday morning. I drove over to mom and dad's house for breakfast.

I took a one-hour bike ride. The weather started out nice and then it began to look gloomy. I decided to return to mom's house for a while for some nap time. The idea of doing aerobics was in the back of my mind but that's where it stayed (in the back of my mind).

Later this afternoon, while lying naked in my bed I listened to a recorded message from Eileen Grabinsky and decided to return her phone call.
Eileen said happily, "I'm off from noon until five today!"
She persuaded me easily. I decided to drive across the bay via the San Mateo Bridge to meet her for lunch. We ate at a place called TROLLS in Burlingame (a great burger and shake joint).  It was fun. We took a bunch of Polaroid snapshots all around the Burlingame neighborhood.  She has a fixation about my 'Jake Jaguar' alias, so every time we saw a Jaguar she took a photo of me in front of one.

Eileen saw her ex-boyfriend (Dave) drive by while we were walking. We later learned that he did indeed see us. So what!

We parted ways and I drove back to Alameda to see mom.  I bought her a couple of cream puff lemon meringue pies at a bakery in Burlingame. She was happy with the delivery.  I had her model for them, positioning them just so. She laughed at my silliness but I snapped a good Polaroid of her holding the cream puffs.

I telephoned Stuart Western, leaving a message on his answering machine. I wanted to know if he was serious about going out tonight.

I was sleeping at home when my phone rang at around 9PM.  It was Stuart.
Stuart sounded so energetic:  "Hey Mike, let's go out!"

I was in agreement and gave him instructions on how to get to my townhouse. When Stuart arrived I took a Polaroid photo of him.  He liked my pad. Then we left for San Francisco to a club called 'DV8'.

While we were having a drink at the bar I saw a pretty Asian girl and just got up my nerve to go ahead and ask her to dance.  Her name was Jeanette. I also met a pudgy-type named Julie from Santa Clara. Julie was pretty cute though. I was surprised when she told me her age as she looked much younger.
Julie smiled, "I'm actually twenty-one. I attended USC."
PHOTO:  Stewart Western

Then I met another gal named Cathy who was from Marin County.  I also met Bonnie, the waitress, who gave me free passes to this Sunday night's Private Party for HAIR EXPRESSIONS here at DV8 in the City.
I handed one of the free passes to Stuart and said, "Just in case you want to go."

I was home by 3AM.  It was fun but I'm not so sure Stuart had a good time.  Stuart came in the house with me and signed my House Book. Then he left.  I find Stuart cute but he's a construction worker and I wouldn't dare 'make a move' on him for fear that he might beat me up.

I could easily let myself get carried away in a fantasy.
-D.M. Thomas
THE WHITE HOTEL