| Many, many years ago, my first boyfriend was acquainted with an older actor whose best friends included Bobby Short and George Rose. We were sometimes invited to long brunches with the trio on the patio at the Stanhope Cafe. The champagne was non-stop, as was the laughter. George and our friend had a game of rating the passing gentlemen on attractiveness, which Bobby (pretended) to disapprove of, only to then dissolve into giggles and whispered agreement. After our friend died, whenever I'd see Bobby he greeted me like an old friend. He always stopped by my table at The Carlyle, to the delight of my companions. One night, as his bass player was warming up with some Jobim, Bobby grabbed my mother for a quick bossa nova. I cherish the memories. |
