This Time Together by Carol Burnett

Author:Carol Burnett [Burnett, Carol]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
ISBN: 978-0-307-46120-9
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
Published: 2010-04-29T04:00:00+00:00

My awkward meeting with Cary Grant

(with Peggy Lee and Joe in the background).

COURTESY OF CAROL BURNETT

Cary Grant.

Peggy went over to greet him. Taking his elbow, she walked him into the room, and people stepped aside for them. She introduced him to those who had never had the honor, while even the biggest stars all but genuflected. He was very much at ease, laughing and shaking hands, and as they got nearer I bolted for the coat closet.

Joe was at my heels. “What’re you doing? Don’t you want to meet Cary Grant?”

“No.” My coat … my coat. Here it is, the short beige number. Please, God, get me outta here.

Joe couldn’t believe it. “Are you nuts? All you’ve been talking about is Harvey’s story of meeting him, and here he is! Here’s your chance!”

I had one sleeve on. “Let’s go.”

“Will you please tell me what the hell’s the matter with you?”

Poor Joe—he just didn’t get it.

I tried to explain. “Joe, you just don’t get it. Look, he likes me! He makes it a point to watch our show every single week! Now, do you think I want to spoil that?”

“Why would you spoil it?”

I had always thought Joe was smarter than that.

“Because I wouldn’t know what to say or how to act, and I would make a fool of myself, and he wouldn’t like me anymore! Okay? Got it? Let’s go!”

We headed for the front door. The knob was within reach when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and there they were, Peggy and HIM.

“Carol, where’re you goin’?” Peggy asked. “You can’t leave yet! Cary’s dying to meet you! Cary, meet Carol and Joe Hamilton. Joe produces Carol’s show.” He and Joe shook hands, and then his attention turned to me.

Oh, gee. I looked up into his face, that face, and I forced a lame smile. He took my hand and his mouth started moving … and I couldn’t hear him! My heartbeat was so loud that I thought my ears were going to explode. Watching his lips move, I just knew that whatever he was saying had to be the most charming words anyone had ever uttered, but I couldn’t hear!

He kept on and on, holding my hand, sometimes even squeezing it a little. I thought he’d never stop. But then he did. His mouth had stopped moving. Silence. Oh God, it’s my turn now. He’s waiting for me to say something … anything.

Then I opened my mouth, and out it came in a rush. “You’re a credit to your profession.”

Why didn’t the floor open up? Why hadn’t we made it to the door in time?

Why did Peggy Lee have to be so sweet?

Why was I born?

On the way home in the car, Joe looked over at me, smiled sweetly, patted my knee, winked, and said, “Sweetheart, I’ll never doubt you again.”

That, at least, got a chuckle out of me.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.