Towed Crazily This Way And That

Arthur has courteously lent the Spanish philosophers his two dirtiest bandages.

The two parties are now introduced.

George, José, this is Sweezus and Arthur, says Belle. They rode in the Tour de France last month. I was their manager. Arthur's also a poet and Sweezie edits for papa. He's.....

I'm an entrepreneur, says Sweezus.

Yes, an entrepreneur, says Belle. He makes cuttlefish burgers.

When he can find any cuttlefish, says Marie.

The Spanish philosophers are delighted ( they say ).

And George and José are philosophers says Belle. They were in Barcelona for the conference.

Awesome! says Sweezus. And you all came here. Where's the boss?

Papa and David are still in Barcelona, says Marie. We came for the banana boats.

Wicked! says Sweezus. Is that them?

He points to several yellow banana boats out on the water mounted by squealing riders being towed crazily by jet skis and power boats this way and that.

It is, says Ortega y Gasset. We look forward to tomorrow.

Tomorrow? says Sweezus.

Overnight package, says Marie.

Sweezus is not always quick on the uptake, but this time he is.

It's an old guy date thing. Far out. Go Belle and Marie.

Okay, says Sweezus. Well yeah....maybe we'll see you tomorrow.

No no, says George Santayana, we must not part this way, on the beach after a wounding. Let us all meet again after the siesta and dine together in the fine Spanish way.

He looks sideways at the young poet. What will be his opinion? But Arthur is looking out to sea.

........


Later, they meet at a bar. It's already nine thirty. In the fine Spanish tradition.

Red wine and tapas. Endless tapas. Endless red wine.

George Santayana sits on a high bar stool next to Arthur, speaking of poetry.

I too write poetry, says George.

Let me guess, says Arthur. It's depressive.

True, sighs George. I have lived a solitary life. World War One found me in England. It was there I......

What a chatterbox. Arthur is bored.

José Ortega y Gasset is talking to Sweezus. He senses that under the hipster haircut lurks a head that is troubled.

And what does your father do? probes Ortega y Gasset.

This is a sore point with Sweezus.

He refuses to answer. He orders a beer.

You shouldn't mix drinks, says Ortga y Gasset. Red wine and beer. You'll be sorry.

You're not my father, says Sweezus.

Of course not, says Ortgea y Gasset. But I have always tried to foster young poets and intellectuals.

Sweezus perks up. He's no poet, so he must be coming across as a young intellectual. Coolio!

Yeah, says Sweezus. Yeah.....

He tries to think of something really intellectual.  What was that thing Vello said once?

If god didn't exist, it would be necessary........SHIT NO! not that one!

........

Belle and Marie are fed up by this time.

Ignored by the blokes.

They move to the other end of the bar and mingle with the cool Spanish crowd.

Cool Spanish hipsters. Gerard Estadella takes their photo, as they pose with their tongues out. How hilarious! The photos will go on his website icanteachyouhowtodoit.

Mar del Hoyo, a beautiful actress.

I see you were with those distinguished old men earlier, says Mar del Hoyo.

And then those young men take the attention, she adds.

Life can be like that sometimes, she finishes.

Come and meet Juan.

She introduces Belle and Marie to Juan Redón.

He is a portly and loquacious Art Toyz collector.

He is more than happy to explain his love for toys and their social significance.....

What time is it? Crikey! Three a.m. and no sign of anyone flaking.

And it's banana boating tomorrow! In Spain life is full on.