Chapter Twenty-Two: One day we’re going to get married.
I opened to my eyes to see a Tiffany’s security guard, twosales people, and Seth leaning over me.
“Honey, are you okay?” Seth was worried, and he placed his hand under my head.
“I, I think so, what happened?”
“Ma’am, you fainted,” a pleasant, doe eyed sales girl said, as she handed me a bottle of water wrapped in Tiffany blue paper.
I took the water from her hand, “I fainted?” I sat up and that’s when I noticed the several bystanders looking on curiously, and some were even taking pictures. I was mortified and wanted to evaporate into the carpet, but finally felt strong enough to stand on my own two feet. Seth helped me to steady myself my holding onto my arm while I tried my best to laugh it off my embarrassment. “Can we get out of here?”
“Of course,” Seth assured me. After I reassured everyone at Tiffany’s that I was fine and didn’t need ambulance, Seth and I ventured back out into the Cold and made our way back to the hotel. I was lost in thought the entire half block walk back to the plaza. I couldn’t figure out exactly what had happened back at the store; wasn’t it my dream to go to Tiffany’s and pick out an engagement ring with a handsome man. I always thought, and even said, it was, so why my bodies’ response to having a dream come true was to pass out began to worry me. I assumed that it was because it was all too much too soon.
After we were in our hotel room, Seth was worried and went into nurse mode. He put me in bed, got me water, checked my forehead for a fever; all my vitals were fine, but Seth was worried, “You have to promise you will never do that to me again.”
“I’ll try my best,” I said with a smirk.
Seth wasn’t amused, “I’m serious; I was freaked out back there.”
“It’s not like I planned to faint, I didn’t even feel it coming on, or I would have said something.” I was quiet for a moment and looked at my hands, “Seth, why did you take me there.” I could feel the tears forming in my eyes.
“What?” Seth was confused, “I thought it would be fun, you said you wanted to go there.”
“Yeah, but we never even talked about getting married before, or if we both want to get married at all, and then I say something dumb while I’m drunk and now we’re shopping for a ring. I just, it’s all so surreal.”
“Are you saying that you don’t want to get married?” Seth seemed upset.
“No, I do, someday, but not anytime soon. I’m only twenty-three, and I didn’t even know you wanted to get married.” I stumbled over my words. I didn’t want to offend the man that I love.
“Well I do, not tomorrow, but someday, and hopefully when that day comes, I’ll look across from me, and you’ll be standing there.” Seth smiled at me, and took my hands, “Do you still want to go to the SNL taping tonight?”
I looked at Seth and said, “Did I faint at Tiffany’s today?”
Seth laughed, “You’re timing is always perfect.”
We both got ready and at six thirty, we made our way downstairs for to our car, and headed for studio 8H. I couldn’t believe that I was actually going to witness this moment. The host for that week was Jeff Bridges with Eminem and Lil’ Wayne as the musical guests. Meeting Jeff was quiet a moment; I was huge fan of ‘TRON’ and ‘The Big Lebowski’, but who cares about that, because at the end of the day it is Jeff Bridges! After meeting the host, Lorne Michaels came over, “Seth MacFarlane, so glad you could be here. I have seats reserved for you and your girlfriend, Lindsay was it?”
I extended my hand, “Yes, it’s very nice to meet you Mr. Michaels.”
Lorne waved his hand, “No need for formalities, let me show where your seats are.” We walked through the lobby and were shown our seats in a special viewing area. After being seated for a while, I looked at Seth, “So when are you going to host the show?”
“When pigs fly, I suppose; it would be a dream come true to host. I remember watching this show since I was ten, but sadly I’ve never been asked. Working in comedy though, I’ve been able to meet many of the cast members and have become friendly with Lorne, so at least I can see the show whenever I’m in town, and dream.”
I squeezed Seth’s hand, “You’ll host one day; I know you will.”
The rehearsal was funny, and Seth and I made bets on which sketches would make it to the live taping. We noshed on a variety of the best food New York has to offer backstage with the cast before the taping of the live show began, and once the show started, I got butterflies in my stomach. I was super excited to be able to witness something that I never thought that I would experience. After the show we headed over to the after party where I sat with Kristen Wiig and Abby Elliott, while Seth excused himself from the table to mingle with a few of the other guests.
“You two did great tonight,” I said to the ladies. “I don’t know how any of you do it, everything moves so fast, I’d be nervous I would forget everything every week.”
“At first you do, thank god for cue cards,” Abby laughed.
“After a while, you just get used to working like a slave and you find your rhythm,” Kristen offered. After a quiet beat, she asked, “Are you okay?”
I was confused, “Yeah, I’m fine, why do you ask?”
“We heard that you fainted at Tiffany’s today. It was all over the internet.”
“Kristen!” Abby seemed shocked.
“What, it’s true!” Kristen wasn’t being rude, just a bit curious; and I suppose had it been anyone one else in the world I would have been too.
“I assure you both that I’m doing well.” I raised my martini glass towards them and sipped. I looked around the room for Seth, and excused myself when I found him. I whispered into his ear, “Everyone knows about me fainting, I am mortified.”
“It’s alright, nothing to be embarrassed about, I’m sure even if everyone does know, they are more concerned for you.” Seth put his arm around my waist and pulled me close, “Should we dance?”
The music was loud, the drinks were good, and I realized that by tomorrow, or maybe even Tuesday the world would have forgotten about my tiny mishap at the famous jewelry store.
Sunday was awash; having stayed out until four in the morning for the after party, Seth and I stayed in bed and order room service. While I ate Belgium waffles in bed, Seth looked longingly at his ‘Sound of Music’ album, “I wish I had a record player to listen to this.”
I loved how much Seth loved my gift. “Well, this is New York, I’m sure you could find one somewhere.”
As if the idea hadn’t occurred to him, Seth got up from the couch and dialed the front desk, “This is going to sound like an odd request, but you wouldn’t by chance know where I could find a record player?” After a beat, Seth answered, “Wonderful, wonderful. Thank you very much.” Seth hung up the phone with a huge smile on his face and called the record store. An hour later a rapid knock at the door alert Seth that his package had arrived; on a cart a clunky old record player was wheeled into the room.
“Where would you like this Mr. MacFarlane,” The desk manager asked.
“Wherever.” Seth was more concerned with hearing his record.
The manager rolled the cart over by the fireplace and left. Seth carefully took the record out of its sleeve and placed it on the table. Within seconds, ‘The Hills are Alive’ was blaring throughout the entire suite. Seth was mouthing along with the words when he looked over at me in bed, “Which song is your favorite?”
“I like the favorite things song.”
“Are you sure, I always pegged you for a Sixteen going on Seventeen.”
I knew Seth’s favorite scene from ‘The Sound of Music’ was the gazebo scene, so I retorted, “You know, you’re right, I think that song is much better.” Seth changed the record and pulled me out of bed, and danced with me to the music.
“Seth, I’ve only seen this movie once, so if you’re hoping that I know the chorography to this scene, you will be sorely disappointed.”
Seth smiled at me and twirled me around by the hand. The song played on and when it ended, I felt closer to Seth than ever before. It was no secret Seth’s love for ‘The Sound of Music’, but to share that moment with him was so enchanting.
Seth listened to the record from start to finish, while I took a shower and got somewhat ready for the day. I was getting antsy and needed to get out of the room, even if it was just dinner in the hotel lobby. After Seth’s musical extravaganza, he too got ready and we headed down to The Palm Court.
After dinner we headed to the Paris Theater for a late showing of ‘Casablanca’; Seth and I held hands throughout the entire film. While Seth watched the movie, I let my mind wonder back to our visit to Tiffany’s. I still couldn’t understand why I had fainted back there. I could see myself watching old movies with Seth until the end of time, but I didn’t want to marry him. That didn’t seem right. I racked my brain for an answer, the real answer. I had always saw myself getting married, having children, doing all those things, but not now, not at twenty-three. While my mind wondered, the movie played on, and my curiosity of my behavior distracted me from actually enjoying my time with Seth. The lights in the theater eventually came up, and that’s when I noticed that Seth and I were alone in the tiny room.
“Are you okay? You haven’t moved in half an hour; just sitting there looking into outer space.”
“I’m just thinking.”
“I can see that.” Seth looked around, “We should head back to the hotel and let these people get home.”
We walked down the streets of New York hand in hand, but completely silent. I just wanted to solve the mystery of my behavior. Once we were in our room Seth said, “Spill it.”
I was still lost in thought, “Huh, oh, right. I was thinking about Tiffany’s.”
“The jewelry store, why?”
“I just can’t stop thinking about why I would faint. Like, why would that be my reaction?”
“The human body is a strange wonder to behold; I wouldn’t over think it too much. You’re body had a reaction to an unfamiliar situation. I hope you don’t think that I took it personally or anything.”
“It just bothers me. I know I love you, and I know I want to get married, so why would I faint.”
Seth took my hand, “You are going to drive yourself mad if you keep this up. I love you, I know you love me, and when you know you’re ready, you let me know.”
I took a deep breath and let myself be happy with that answer to my problem; I shouldn’t worry about the future.
The rest of that week in New York was so much fun, and it was finally Christmas Eve and time to meet Seth’s dad. I wasn’t nervous about meeting Ron, but was excited and couldn’t wait to meet him. Seth decided to rent a car and just to drive the two hours to his dad’s house. The drive went by too quickly and in the blink of an eye, we were outside the two story brick house of Seth’s dad.
Ron was waiting on the porch for us, “My God, you drove?”
“Merry Christmas Dad,” Seth flatly said. As we walked up the walk way, Ron walked down to meet us in the middle. The two MacFarlane’s embraced each other in a warm familiar hug, and I was next. Despite never have meeting Ron, he embraced me warmly.
“Well I’m so glad to meet you; Seth has told me so much about you.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you as well Ron.” I would usually greet new people in a more formal manner, but Seth insisted that I didn’t, “My dad isn’t like that at all; he’s very approachable.”
Ron insisted that his son get our weekend begs out of the car, while he whisked me inside from the cold to ask me all about my life. I gave the standard answers on my family, friends, what brought me to California and how much I enjoyed working for Seth and helping with the shows.
Seth sad in a brown La-Z-Boy recliner while his dad kept asking me questions; but I was enjoying my time with Ron. Seth finally joined the conversation and the two men joked around. Soon it was time for dinner and Seth had suggested a local restaurant, but I had another idea.
“What if I could for us, if that is alright with Ron?”
Seth looked at me quizzically, “You really want to cook for us?”
“Sure, why not. I know how; it won’t be anything fancy, but I can make a few staple items. So Ron, what would you like?”
That’s when I noticed a sad look in Ron’s eyes, “No one has used that kitchen since,” his voice trailed off. Immediately, I understood, no one had used the kitchen since Perry passed away. I looked at Seth, fearing that I had done something wrong.
He looked back at me, and with reassuring eyes said, “You know, I think Lindsay is right. The two of us have been eating out every day since we got to the city, why don’t we stay in. We’ll Dad’s favorite, spaghetti and meatballs.”
“I can do that,” I said, “Should we go to the store?”
“I think we should.” Seth and I hugged Ron and ventured out to the grocery store.
As Seth drove to the store I was still worried, “Did I fuck up back there?”
“What? No, sweetie, he’s just still having a hard time. It’s only been six months, and I can’t even begin to imagine how hard this must be for him. Sure I lost my mother, but I’ve never had to bury my wife. He’ll be okay, don’t worry.”
We returned to Ron’s house and I headed for the kitchen. After asking where this and that was in the kitchen several times, Seth joined me. Cooking side by side with Seth made me long for an old fashion life; a life that I assumed Perry and Ron had while raising Seth and Rachael.
While I finished the last minute bits of dinner, Seth set the table, and the three of us sat around the dining room table and had dinner together. Ron seemed more upbeat since Seth and I returned from the store, and it appeared that a home cooked meal amended the faux pas from earlier. While we ate, Ron asked more questions.
“So tell me Lindsay, how is my boy here treating you?”
“Like a princess.”
“Good, just like I raised him.”
Seth smiled and squeezed my hand, “I’ve got myself a real sweet girl dad, I’m glad you approve.”
“Now hold your horses there Seth, I never said I approved.” Ron looked at me with a very serious look, “Now Lindsay, I don’t approve of you dating such an ugly, smug, jerk. I think you could do so much better.”
I laughed, “Ron, I don’t know how to tell you this, but this ugly, smug, jerk, is a pretty nice guy despite all his faults. So I’ll have to ask you to reconsider your position, and allow me to continue dating this man. Please?”
“Well, as long as you understand what you’re getting yourself into.”
Dinner was wonderful, and it seemed like Ron was enjoying himself again. We sat together in the living room and Ron put on old home movies of Seth who was an adorable child. I saw Seth dressed as Peter Pan for Halloween, learning to ride a bike, doing celebrity impressions, high school and college graduation, the day he moved out and headed for California. I felt so privileged to experience this.
The time spent with Ron was wonderful; he was sweet and funny, and I couldn’t help but love this man. On Sunday when Seth and I left to go back to New York, I got a little teary-eyed, “I’m going to miss you Ron; you’ve been so kind to me. I hope to see you soon.”
“Now, now dear, don’t cry. I’m planning on visiting California in March for Rachael’s birthday; I know we’ll see each other then.” After a moment, to lighten the mood, Ron joked, “I know Seth is awful, but I don’t think he’s this terrible.”
I laughed, and Seth hugged his dad one last time. We were back on the road, headed for New York when Seth said, “Dad said that if I don’t spend the rest of my life with you, it would be the stupidest thing I ever did. And I couldn’t agree more. One day we’re going to get married.”
Instead of fainting, I smiled, “I know we are, and it will be wonderful.”
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