MY DATE WITH MR. STILLS

/ Born and Raised in Beverly Hills

“Do you mind if I move up front?  My hearing is shot.”

With that, Stephen Stills moved to the first row of the theatre. But not before he touched my hand and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

—

The year was 1975. I was in my early twenties and living in a five floor walk-up on Madison Ave between 67th & 68th St. It was two-bedroom designer floor-through, completely furnished with Knoll furniture. My portion of rent was $175, and my ‘roommate’ was a handsome, much older, Knoll executive. He was a friend of our family who had a wife and three boys in Greenwich. When he said he’d spend two nights a week in the apartment, it didn’t take long before a romance began.

With the freedom to date while my lover played husband in Connecticut, I received a call from a girlfriend in LA. Did I want to join her, her boyfriend and Stephen Stills the following week to see a Broadway Show?  Of course. Broadway? Yes. A chance to meet one of the most talented singers, guitarists and songwriters ever? Yes. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young? Yes. A spokesman for my 60’s generation? Yes. Suite to Judy Blue Eyes? Yes. Yes. Yes.

When the big night arrived, I stood, unnerved, outside my apartment. A black stretch limo stopped in front of me just as I double checked my carefully dried long auburn hair. The chauffeur walked around and opened the back passenger door. Stephen got out and introduced himself. I thought he’d be taller. His hair was beginning to thin, but he was very attractive.  I ducked my head, slid into the back seat and launched into my usual chatty, direct conversation style. But Stephen had an aura of calm I couldn’t overpower. His presence took my speedometer from 100 to a smooth 15MPH.  He was shy. I felt the same. He was gentle and kind. I felt the same.

After maneuvering crosstown traffic to Broadway, we entered one of the Schubert theatres to see the Tony Award-winning play, Equus. We mingled with the large crowd, and it was obvious people recognized him. A few would begin to approach, but his demeanor was so polite, they all turned back. Stephen was not in the least impressed with himself. He held no airs of celebrity or status.

At 8 pm sharp, the curtain went up. And at 8:10, Stephen made the move to the very front row. But not before apologizing for leaving me. Years of concerts had left him hearing impaired.

EQQUS

After the show, we cruised around in the limo while my friends blew cocaine up their noses. Rumor had it Stephen was a heavy drug user. And, perhaps because I passed on the snow that night, he did too.

I had forgotten about my lovely night with Mr. Stills until recently, when I saw a story about an upcoming Judy Collins/Stephen Stills tour. I imagine Stephen doesn’t recall me at all.  But in case he does, I’d like to say:

The young lady in 16th row with the empty seat next to her thanks you for a very fine evening. You will always be music in my ears.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 thoughts on “MY DATE WITH MR. STILLS”

  2. The best! I’ve read it twice and shared with Eileen who is a fan of BRBH 🙂 You have no clue how great you are. I will continue to be your biggest cheerleader. And not just weight wise. Hooray for you! xo

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      • Treva. I really appreciate your read and comments. As for Ms. Fredde!!!!!! She is lightening in a bottle. We lived together in the 70’s . Malibu. Rocky Beach. Hadn’t seen her in ages. I stayed an avid reader of her blogs and she, when I began writing mine over a year ago, generously shared on her facebook page. Generous is really her middle name . Even when on the edge of not being wowed about someone, always inviting and nice. 3 weeks ago she planned a lunch for me at Rose Café in Venice . BEST time. Charles Rosin , producer and writer of 90210 and Northern Exposure and Amy Ephron.. The dialogue was a speeding bullet . Oops . Bad metaphor. I saw many friends but Fredde was and will always be a treasure.

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  5. I first would like to say that I was just thinking of you this morning and no stories!!! I love this ~ Every time you write a new story, Jennifer, I find out more about things from your past! YAY! This is wonderful, as usual! Keep it up my friend!!!

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    • Vicki I think bout you all the time…. are you still thinking bout moving to Alexandria? When I get back East to visit with Ash (not sure when… we are back in Charlevoix after a cruse on small windstar (200 passengers) from Rome to Venice through Amalfi Coast and Adriatic.. wonderful but even better to be home on our own harbor… xxx jenn

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