Page 68 of Save the Drama for your Mama
Chad was waiting for us out in front of the restaurant, looking relaxed and tan in a maroon polo and crisp white pants. Marilyn clung to his arm in her white summer dress, looking equally bronzed and breezy.
“Super Cooper!” Chad called out. He gave me a quick bro-hug before turning his smile on Melody. “Hey, Melody. You remember Marilyn?”
“Of course,” Melody said. “Nice to see you again.”
“You, too.” Marilyn gave her a hug, then the two complimented each other on their fashion choices.
We all headed inside, where we were led by the hostess to our table beside the floor-to-ceiling windows. Like clockwork, conversations stopped, heads turned toward Marilyn, and restaurant patrons began whispering that she looked like Marilyn Monroe.
Marilyn settled gracefully into her seat, arranging her dress like she was getting ready for a photo shoot, while Chad fussed with the cutlery until everything was perfectly lined up. I stifled a laugh when I saw Melody’s bottom lip quivering as she watched my brother’s persnickety ways.
Sipping on chilled Chardonnay and enjoying a bounty of plump prawns, perfect oysters, and the biggest king crab legs I’d ever seen, we first chatted about Marilyn and Chad’s trip to Cabo San Lucas, then their wedding.
Between succulent mouthfuls of seafood, Chad cleared his throat, grinning like he had something very important to share. “Marilyn and I have something kick-ass we wanted to tell you.” He paused for dramatic effect. “Marilyn landed the lead role in a reality TV show and we’re moving to Hollywood!”
“Congratulations,” I said. “I know that’s what you have always wanted, to be on television.”
“Yes, congrats!” Melody raised her glass. “That’s incredible. To new adventures in Hollywood.”
“Thank you,” Marilyn said. “It’s a dream come true.”
We clinked glasses as Chad beamed, clearly thrilled at the chance to support his fiancée’s budding acting career. That was the difference between me and my brother. He enjoyed being in the spotlight. Me, not so much. I didn’t mind doing book signings and traveling, but I preferred to be a homebody.
“Incoming,” I muttered as a woman with wide eyes approached the table.
“Oh, my gosh, Marilyn Monroe! My name is Emilia and I love you so much!” the woman gushed, going on about how hilarious Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon were in drag inSome Like It Hot, and that it was her favorite movie.
“It was filmed right here at this hotel in 1958,” Marilyn said proudly, like she had something to do with it.
“I know!” Emilia said. “It’s one of the greatest comedies—”
“Of all time!” Marilyn said. “Oh, I like you already.”
“Would you mind if I got a selfie with you?” Emilia asked, practically hyperventilating at this point. “None of my friends will believe I met Marilyn Monroe!”
Or Marilyn McGillicuddy, for the rest of us.
Marilyn plastered on her trademark smile, staying in character. “Of course, dear. As I always say—if you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything.” She stood up and put her arm around Emilia, flashing her pearly whites as they took a few photos together.
Melody leaned closer and whispered, “How often does this happen?”
“When she’s awake,” I whispered back.
After the impromptu photo shoot was over, Marilyn opened her purse and pulled out her wallet. “Here’s my card. Be sure to tag me on social media with that photo.”
“Will do!” Emilia said, taking the business card from Marilyn, then rushing back to her table to show the picture to her friends.
Chad grinned. “Just another day with my soon-to-be famous fiancée. That woman has good taste, obviously.”
“Except for the part aboutSome Like It Hotbeing the greatest comedy of all time,” I said. “I mean, yes, it was a great movie, very entertaining, but the greatest ever? No way.”
“That movie is a comedy masterpiece,” Marilyn defended, as I suspected she would. “It encapsulates the best of classic Hollywood, laugh-out-loud humor with romance and heart. Isn’t that right, honey?”
Chad hesitated. “Well . . . I agree it’s an outstanding movie, there’s no doubt about that. But if we’re talking about comedies, I’m going to putNational Lampoon’s Christmas Vacationat the top of the list.”
“Excuse me?” Marilyn said, crossing her arms.
I couldn’t help laughing at the two of them.
