Smoother Operator: Captain Gene Larioux
This is Captain Gene Larioux (pronounced Larry-hoo). He is married to my friend, Jill and we all traveled together on the Disney Cruise. It does get kind of awkward when we are all together since Gene and I dated years ago and there is still that lingering weirdness.
Larry and Jill don’t like it when we bring up our past, but I can’t help it! Every time I hear our song, “Brandy,” I just stare at him nostalgically, remembering all those fireside lunches at The Velvet Turtle. Memories like dancing in a dimly lit steakhouse on a sweltering afternoon are hard to forget (and easily triggered by the smell of Old Spice, Juicy Fruit and stale pipe tobacco).
Back then, Gene and I would have long talks about his dreams of becoming a television writer, with sitcom pitches like “Always The Best Friend, Never The Bride” about poor doggie spinsters–I can’t believe that one never went anywhere. His brand new idea “Fashion Emergency For Infants” where Justine Bateman and Andrew Ridgeley (the other guy from Wham!) raid the closets of fashion challenged babes, saying things like, “Onesies? They should be called Millionsies, you have so many” or “Nice bib, where’s your binkie, baby? Oh, here it is…” is bound to rouse interest at his next industry mixer.
Here he is giving Larry an award for being “Among the Tallest” on the cruise which is a very prestigious award. It is accompanied by a complimentary “Connie Francis”–Gene’s signature drink. Larry loved that drink. It’s made with Malibu Rum and Fresca, among other things, and is served in a hollowed-out Kiwi. It’s a small drink, and messy because the kiwi skin gets very soggy. It’s more like a shot really. A “Connie Francis” is served on a peeled-off label from a bottle of peppermint schnapps. Which I think is suppose to resemble a beach blanket, but just ends up sticking to the table, adding to the untidiness of the beverage.
Anyway…I really got off track here. I just wanted to share some pictures from our trip.