You would think that after 32 years of marriage, I would know how my husband Philip’s mind works and he mine. Every day we surprise each other and most of the time it’s worth a chuckle or two.
Last night we were watching the latest season of Homeland. The setting doesn’t vary much – we’re either at CIA headquarters, a surveillance stakeout, or someone’s bedroom. I know there are more sets, but that’s not the point. Anyway, as we’re watching the show I point out to him that I like the bedroom furniture in one of the character’s bedrooms and we should think about upgrading to that style. He turned and looked at me with that deer-in-the-headlights look.
“What? he asked with incredulity.
“The bedroom furniture,” I answered. “I like it.”
“What bedroom furniture?”
“The bed they’re having sex on.”
“Who looks at the furniture?” he asked me.
“It’s a sleigh bed. I like it.”
“What’s a sleigh bed?”
I shook my head and smiled. For as long as I have known this man, he can read a book and watch television at the same time and never miss a thing except for commercials. They don’t sink in with him. All the funny ones or stupid ads that make me wonder aloud what the message is, he misses. He doesn’t take in unnecessary information. I guess it’s the same with furniture in a scene, especially a sex scene. Who looks at the furniture when there’s something else more interesting going on?
I, on the other hand, take it all in. I make mental notes – notes for my home – check out the master bedroom furniture. Notes for my book – nice dialogue. They did it right. Notes for conversation with friends – Have you been watching Homeland? Great story, huh? Do you think their marriage will last?
Tonight we will continue watching the series. I don’t know if there will be another bedroom scene for us to watch, and I am sure that Philip will once again not be looking at the furniture. Maybe I’ll ask him about the cars being driven. I really like that deer-in-the-headlights look.
