1962. East 50th Street.

Faint scent of amaryllis. Dark curls pinned up.

Lithe, tall, floats between tables at Lutcepast a former
president, two legendary actors, a senator, the mayor.

The murmur and buzz of the dinner crowd somehow acts as a conductor for her voice, for its gently-percussive lilt that lands somewhere deep in my chest like a feather, an aftershock, the blues.

I send over a bottle of Louis Roederer.

She raises her glass in my direction, smiles, turns away, lets her chiffon shawl slip from one silken shoulder.

1960s Chiffon Beaded Gown (No. J7915). A diaphanous chiffon shawl drifts elegantly over this devastatingly gorgeous evening gown made of silky viscose. The bodice is elaborately embellished with sequins, rhinestones, and pearl embroidery. Double spaghetti strap at each shoulder. Invisible zipper and hook and eye closure at center back. Imported.