Just Desserts

Roy Hodges’ emphysematous chest barely moved as he took a drag from his crumpled Camel that dangled from his crusted lips. His lungs sounded as if they were two rusted iron gates swinging shut when he exhaled plumes of gray smoke from his gapping nostrils.   He squatted in front of the wooden sign that listed the physicians at the Connersville Clinic, picked up his paint brush and steadied it in his right hand. Twirling the brush clockwise between his yellow stained fingertips, he painted in the name of Connersville’s new Cardiologist.

Doctor Joseph Silverman could not contain his delight as he read the letter.  Dear Doctor Silverman, You have been selected as the recipient of the Cedars Sinai physician’s distinguished service award for your tireless efforts in establishing the new cardiac rehabilitation center on the campus of Cedars Sinai Hospital.  It was signed Saul Weinstein Executive Director Cedars Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles.

As he paced back and forth in his plush wood paneled office, he stopped to gaze at his prized photo of Dewey Hagamyer and himself standing on the deck of ‘American Girl’.  Joseph was a full two inches taller than the five foot ten inch champion yachtsman.  That pleased Joseph.

Joseph pushed back his dark brown hair that was drizzled with gray as he gazed in admiration at his cherished photograph.  Not bad for a forty five year old, still buff and toned he thought.  His musings were brought to an abrupt end by the phone ringing away on his desk.

A nervous and shrill voice was on the other end.

“Doctor Silverman, Doctor Silverman, I wanted to remind you...”

“Calm down Anna, I know my hair appointment is this afternoon and I’ve got to pick up my tuxedo before 4:30.”  It was Anna Ricci his secretary.  She was the thorn on a rose with her sharp tongue and barbed wit, those were the qualities needed to keep Joseph focused and organized.

“And don’t forget to be at the Bel-Air Hotel at 6 p.m. sharp.  Oh, one more thing avoid driving down La Cienega Blvd; it’s being torn up.”

“Anna, I’ve got it, thank you.”  Joseph sounded exasperated.

“I’ll have the service place you on emergency calls only; have a great time tonight, and congratulations.”

At 2 p.m. Joseph pulled up to Maison de Cheveux – he had a standing appointment every second Thursday.  Maison de Cheveux was a hair boutique and spa located on Rodeo Drive.  The valet obsequiously helped Joseph from his car.  “Park my baby in a safe place.” said Joseph.

“Leave it all to me Doc.” The valet slid behind the wheel, floored the accelerator pedal, and Joseph’s pearl white 300ZX screamed away. 

Joseph strolled up to the brass-gated entrance, looked up into the television monitor, and waited. A melodious voice drifted out over the speakers “Good Afternoon Dr. Silverman, we’ve been expecting you.”  The familiar fragrances of hair sprays, shampoos, creams, and nail polishes blended with the aroma fresh brewed espresso followed Joseph as he made his way inside.

“Doctor Silverman!”  The excited, high-pitched voice of Marcel the proprietor was unmistakable.  “Congratulations Doctor Silverman, a little birdie told me about tonight.”

“Any bird I know?”  Joseph knew Marcel flocked with a crowd different from his own.

“Today Marcel will personally do you.”  Joseph was caught off guard and stared at Marcel.