"There He Is...Miss America's Eye Candy..."

Actress/Singer/former Miss America Vanessa Williams is exceedingly clever.  Here's how I know.


During my lunch break, I frequently frequent the Barnes & Noble on 3rd Avenue at 53rd Street, here in Man-Squattin', NY.  Today was no exception.  As I walked in around 12:30pm, I noticed quite a buzz in the store, more patrons, more employees, and several security type-looking guys.  I also noticed that my favorite place to sit was cordoned off, and a table with two chairs were placed where they usually keep a display of books.

Hmm.

Then I saw the sign.  It said something to the effect of  "Book Signing Today.  'You Have No Idea,' by Helen and Vanessa Williams."

Hmmmm.  I had to make do with another perch, but that didn't really bother me.  If it weren't for authors, there wouldn't be books, and that would mean no bookstores.  And that would be sad, because that would mean there would never have been a Borders, which would have meant there never would have been a booksellerswithoutborders, which might have even meant that this post didn't really exist!

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Whew! Still here.  Okay, good.  On with the story.  A few minutes after I found a place to sit, the buzz in the room increased, and I heard some B&N staffers saying things to each other like, "they'll be coming through here."  So apparently the appearance was imminent.

Sure enough, a moment later I heard cameras clicking, and more voices, and one in particular that I recognized.  Sure enough, Vanessa Williams and her mother Helen Williams walked in and posed for some publicity photos, then took their seats at the table near my usual spot.  They were still there when I had to leave to go back to work.

And yes, they are both very, very lovely ladies.  Vanessa seemed taller than I had imagined.  I don't generally go giddy over celebrities, but the woman is bite-the-back-of-your-hand gorgeous.  I have to say that she's prettier than the last published author I met in that store, Mr. Allen Topol.  Really.  A lot.  Both ladies also appeared to be very gracious when speaking with the patrons who came to get their books signed.

Still and all, I left feeling a little sad for Vanessa.  As I said at the beginning of this tale, she is an exceedingly clever woman.  But it all came to nought.  All that work and planning.  But there were too many customers in the way, so I don't think she ever saw me.

To think that she would persuade her mother to co-author a book with her, go to the trouble to get it published, schedule a book tour, and have the store set the table where they did.  She obviously had somehow found out that I work in the area, visit that store, and like to sit next to that particular window.  Brilliant!  Only to fall short at the crucial moment because of a crowd-control issue.  If she had only asked them to rotate the table 90 degrees clockwise, her dream would have been a reality.  She would have had an almost unobstructed view of her heart's desire, as I sat there reading "Catching Fire."  She didn't even get a chance to smile and wave, let alone ask for an autograph or photo op.

So sweet.  I was so touched by all that she did on my account.  She must read my blog.  I would have loved to stay a little longer, but I did have to get back to work.  Besides, if I made an exception for her, I'd have to make an exception for everyone, and honestly, I am entitled to a little privacy.

'Nessa (she loves it when I call her that), if you're reading this, I usually take the 5:20 bus in the evening.  Maybe next time, sweetie.  Until then, I am...

Basso For Hire

xox