C9 An Awkward Companionship

Harvey hoped for time to pass quickly and for the night to end because he knew it would be a disaster. He was confident that the date wouldn't be successful and that something would happen to indicate that he and Evelyn weren't meant to be together. He would be the ideal gentleman, of course, having been raised to be one. Moreover, he hoped Evelyn to understand without offending her sensibilities that he did not support her work as a police officer. A relationship between two working fellows in the same department would just complicate matters at work and in life.

Professor Goldstein and he were in his car waiting for Evelyn outside of her apartment. He was watching his watch as they waited. Harvey believed he should not have accepted the Professor's gift of a gold pocket watch to match the suit. Receiving gifts made him feel awkward. In comparison to his usual attire for a symphony or opera, Goldstein was significantly underdressed in his tweed jacket and slacks. In any case, this night was for Harvey and Evelyn, not just him, so Harvey assumed he had dressed hurriedly.

"I know her, and she is not the kind of person that is constantly late for events like this. I'm certain that there must be a problem that is delaying things." Professor Goldstein remarked.

Harvey was considering his statement, "I know her."

"If it's okay with you, Professor, could you please tell me how you feel you know this girl? A student won't always be a professor's best friend. Although we are, ours is a different case altogether." Harvey was curious.

"Harvey, is that so? You don't think I can build friendships with my other students? My acquaintance with Evelyn has a little bit of a back story." Professor breathed heavily.

"Would you mind letting me know?" Harvey estimated the seriousness of his inquiry.

The professor responded with his narration, "No, not at all. Miss O'Neil's mother was a superb singer, but she was underappreciated and never achieved greatness in the opera world. Katrina O'Neil was her name. She was a stunning black woman who was statuesque and had the most gorgeous voice I have ever heard. Iron lined her lungs. By the time she was twenty-two, she had performed all of Wagner's Ring operas, which was a significant feat. She had performed at La Scala while studying in Europe and won awards at the Paris Opera and Covent Garden in London. She was determined to win the Met in New York City when -"

The professor stopped. He was speaking passionately. Harvey pondered whether he had ever loved and felt affection for Evelyn's mother, Katrina.

"Her relationship with a married police officer caused her the job. She also made it widely known. It was viewed as quite scandalous in those days. I have no idea why she fell in love with him. I seem to remember him as being an obnoxious and haughty Irishman. They had an affair, and the result was Evelyn. Just as she was starting to get popular and winning contracts for shows, she had to take care of the girl, thus her singing days and career were over. Police officers are not my favorite because, even though they serve and protect the public, they are frequently haughty due to their position of power, believe they are superior to everyone else, and they can be attractive-" The professor completed his narration.

Harvey exhibited dejection.

"I'm sorry. I briefly forgot you were a police officer." Professor Goldstein patted Harvey's hand.

If only Professor Goldstein could know Evelyn worked as a cop too, Harvey thought. She appeared as if by magic, her silver sequin gown was sparkling in the moonlight. Since the gown was sleeveless, her tan skin was visible and looked delectable. Her hair was styled in a high French twist to highlight her lovely neck. She was wearing diamond teardrop earrings and scarlet lipstick. It was the same as the first time he saw her at the Professor's house, which made Harvey's heart pound. He opened the door for her right away. She entered the vehicle and took the front passenger seat next to him.

She greeted everyone, "Good evening, Professor." Her voice once more had that sophisticated sexiness. Harvey could hardly get her exotic voice out of her mind since the first time he saw her when she was "off duty."

Without glancing at him, Evelyn greeted Harvey, "Good evening, Mr. Banach."

Goldstein responded with a smile, "My dear, you look incredibly wonderful. That gown looks like something your mother would have worn when she performed Tosca."

"Well, it is, in actuality. She was permitted to keep the garment because she loved it so much. I changed the dress. It turns out that my mum and I are physically similar. Of course, she has grown considerably." Evelyn smiled.

The Professor asked, "How's your mother?"

"She is doing fantastically. She gives private singing lessons. It's not because she has to, but she likes doing it." Evelyn replied with a smile.

"How is your father doing?" The professor inquired back.

She turned to face Harvey and added, "He just retired from his police job. The Miami PD has been wonderful to him, and he's done so well, for a while. All I want is that…" She choked at her words.

Then, Harvey glanced at Evelyn and spotted a glint in her eye.

"What do you wish, my love? Not like your mother, don't you tell me you have a thing for the police?" The professor sounded enthusiastic.

He started laughing merrily. Evelyn and Harvey exchanged another glance. In their frustration and possibly even some tender feelings, there was an air of rivalry. But it also had a hint of sexual undercurrent. Although they were both feeling it, they tried not to express it by staring at one another for too long.

She turned to face Harvey and said, "I don't like every cop I see, Professor. I believe you're very accurate in that some are proud of themselves. They believe that all women are vulnerable and depend on men constantly for a living. I've lived in some of New York City's toughest neighborhoods, but I've also discovered that anyone can accomplish a lot on their own if they have strong morals, a strong sense of family, and ambition. Being in the excellent physical condition and having the knowledge of self-defense is the key for any woman in this century."

"You already sound like a police officer, my dear." The Professor teased.

"Well, Professor, it's what I've been reluctant to share with you since I'm aware of how much you despise police officers." Evelyn thought to spill the beans.

"Tell me, please." The professor was in all ears.

"Professor, why can't you see it?" Harvey intervened somewhat irately, "She works as a police officer! She is an officer like me. On the same department as I'm."

As they drove toward downtown, where the lights twinkled like many gems in the night, Evelyn gave Harvey a harsh look before turning to face the window of the car. They drove to the performance in awkward silence because neither the Professor nor anyone else was in the mood to speak.