Vulgari

The scene was a paradox at a certain italian jewelry boutique. Being screened were clips from 1960’s Italian movies, showing images of Anita Eckberg dancing in the fountain, Sophia Loren blinking exotically, Audrey Hepburn browsing a particular jeweler’s window in Rome. While creating the fantasy, the invitees were less than gracious company, being primarily of the nouveau riche variety.

Instead of hors d’oeuvres and bartending, I was assigned to stand at the front for the purposes of taking coats and large, spangly purses. It was here that I could be truly invisible and watch cattiness take cold. It was here that, with a sizable shock of horror, I recognized someone from my high school days. Invisibility was desired at this point, more than any other time. But alas, i hardly look as I did back then in the 80’s.

Meanwhile, the doorman, who truly was ignored, should’ve been the focal point of interest. He had just returned from serving three terms in Iraq, having seen battle too many times. He even told a tale of having shot two children who had bombs strapped to their bodies. Shopping is retail therapy, indeed, aligned with the fantasy of wants and desires: a distraction from the real barbaric world, beyond petty social posturing.