C6 Little Havana

In a quiet but working-class area of Little Havana, among some trees, was where Professor Goldstein's walk-up apartment was located. Apartments were dispersed across the lane like a row of sardines in a can. The Professor lived in a modest house, and Harvey frequently drove there to play rummy with him, have drinks with him, and talk about his goals and life. Goldstein had encouraged Harvey to enroll in classes at the college where he taught and acquire a degree in either music or English instead of endorsing his desire to become a Miami City police officer. To the Professor's dismay, Harvey had chosen a different route, nevertheless. They were still connected by music. It was Harvey's goal to find a young, beautiful woman who could share his passion for opera and music and possibly spend the rest of his life with him.

It was either going to be a disappointment or this young lady the Professor had raved about was the right one. Harvey had pondered on countless occasions. He had come here out of curiosity, and as he pounded on the lion-shaped door knocker, he inhaled deeply to brace himself. He felt comforted by the crisp chilliness of fall in the air. He was certain that the Professor would greet him with tea (he had a serious tea addiction, like a British nobleman), some nice food, and a fire in the fireplace. The Professor's house had become a second home to Harvey over the years, and he had always felt at ease there. However, he did not want his colleagues to know that he had a mentor and that he liked the opera and the music of Mozart and Tchaikovsky. He feared his Italian heritage, at least by his mother's side, being a cop, and young would encourage his peers to ridicule him or label him as a wussy or effeminate guy. The Professor brightened up and grinned as soon as the door opened.

"It was nice of you to arrive, Mr. Banach, and you arrived just in time. I was about to serve fish and chips along with tea." The Professor had absorbed British practices ever since his trip to London, and he may as well have become a citizen.

The English traditionally have tea around four in the afternoon, and Harvey saw that it was exactly that time. He entered through the door, towering above the elderly guy and following him into the living room with his huge, muscular body. She was standing by the hearth with her back to him. She had long, black hair that appeared to be streaked with gloss and sparkled on its own. She had a slim yet athletic figure. The Professor addressed the girl as they walked up to the couches.

"We have a visitor, my dear."

She made a U-turn to face them. She gently turned and peered at Harvey, her face soft but expressionless as Harvey watched in silence and astonishment. Although he had known many attractive girls during his life, each with a unique element of beauty, she was arguably the most gorgeous woman he had ever seen. This girl was a Greek goddess. She gave him a subtle air of superiority, almost as if she were looking down on him, but it wasn't a look of contempt or icy hauteur. She appeared happy to see him as if she had been waiting for him, and her face was glowing.

"Evelyn O' Neil, this is my good friend Mr. Banach," the professor replied in a jocular manner.

The woman didn't stand up. She offered Harvey her arm and hand while never taking her eyes off of him. He awkwardly grabbed her hand and shook it because he was unprepared for the gesture; he was completely unaware that the girl had requested that he should kiss her hand.

She smiled and continued, "Hi there, call me Eve."

"Wouldn't you agree, Harvey… Evelyn is a lovely, exotic name?" Commented Professor Goldstein.

He introduced himself to her as Harvey Banach.

"I should probably leave you two alone while I grab the tea right now." The Professor purposefully delayed his return so that Harvey could speak with Evelyn and get properly acquainted.

Although Harvey was appreciative of this action on his side, he was perplexed by how insecure and shy he was feeling. Speaking to attractive women had never been difficult for him because he had always known exactly what to say in every circumstance to everyone. But he felt like a kid when he saw this young lady, who was so breathtakingly beautiful, so poised, and so regal-looking. He was unable to take his eyes off of her. He was enthralled by her ambiguity. She was quite petite and slim, but something about her exuded a visceral, undetectable strength and energy. Harvey had the impression that if he were another man—a mad one—who would assault her, she could kick him in the butt.

Evelyn seemed to have a lot of guts while being a woman, which was a bizarre impression. Additionally, there was the eccentricity of her mixed-race blood. She was mixed-race white and black, according to the professor. She was suitable for both. She had a "white girl" vibe while yet having a "black girl" vibe. Even though her demure elegance was very white and sophisticated, something about her cocoa eyes, her quiet assuredness, and the tanness of her complexion also suggested a "strong black female" mentality.

Harvey asked, "So, Eve, you like classical music?"

When he asked, Eve turned to face him after having been gazing at the fire. She gazed over him with her piercing eyes and appeared to want to chuckle but suppressed it.

"No doubt. Why else would the Professor have asked you and me here, as he has done so frequently?" Evelyn spoke to him in an unassuming manner.

"Simply put, it's really difficult to find a female who enjoys listening to the opera. I don't know any girls, at least. And music, do you enjoy classical or modern opera?" Harvey was expressing his nervousness with his tone. Her voice was so magnetic.

"My favorite. Both classical and modern. My mother used to perform with the Metropolitan Opera, but it was before she had children." Evelyn smiled.

"I'd love to take you to the opera, so that's good." Harvey proposed enthusiastically.

She gave him a solemn look as she continued. Those hypnotic eyes. That perceptive gaze. Why did he find her so captivating?

She said coolly, "It would be a joy, Mr. Banach."

"Harvey, call me Harvey," Harvey replied.

The professor arrived with a tray of tea and pastries in the living room.

"Ah, it's nice to hear you two converse. While enjoying our tea, let's talk about taking the three of us to the piano concerto at Carnegie Hall the following week. Oh my goodness, is it already 4:30? Tea time has been delayed by twenty minutes." Professor Goldstein exclaimed.