WHAT WOULD CAUSE THE DIVOS TO LOSE CONCENTRATION IN AN INTERVIEW

WHAT WOULD CAUSE THE DIVOS TO LOSE CONCENTRATION IN AN INTERVIEW

It was difficult to tell whose eyes sprang open the widest in total shock and disbelief—Urs’ or Sebastien’s.

Carlos sort of lowered and shook his head as though he thought his ears must be rather stopped up and he hadn’t heard right.

David’s jaw dropped as though he were going to speak but nothing came out and he clamped his mouth shut.

All three looked at the woman who sat staring at them—waiting for an answer to her question. Her eyes unblinking and her face expressionless, she obviously expected an answer—thought it would be forthcoming. There was no hint that she was being facetious or unctuous.

David’s mouth remained closed—Carlos stopped trying to clear his ear—Urs and Sebastien lowered their eyelids. Perhaps if they didn’t move, she would go away or at least ask a different question. Maybe the floor would just open up and swallow them.

The day had started well—didn’t have to be up at the crack of dawn for once—had a lovely leisurely breakfast—plenty of time to make the trip to the studio. Once there, they had been greeted by a fantastic looking receptionist who also brought the favorite coffee for each to the lounge where they were to wait.

Hair and make-up had been relatively painless due to the friendliness of the staff artists in those areas and seemed equally adept at small talk and joke telling.

Oh yes, it had been a very good morning. Here they were on the hottest new talk show in the country—being interviewed by the woman whose meteoric rise in the industry had placed her as the brightest new star in the television firmament.

There began a slight shuffling of feet—the beginning of a hand gesture that froze in mid-air—an embarrassing attempt at throat clearing—a slight movement of mouth that merely ended in a grimace—eyes that looked up—down—left—right—just never straight ahead.

But the siren’s call was too strong—eyes began to gravitate—lips were licked—eyes began to widen—what was the question……..

“Sorry to break in here everyone.” The stage manager might have well set off a nuclear device. The four men visibly jumped! “We have some serious technical difficulties and will need to do some repairs before continuing with the taping. Why don’t you break for lunch and be back in about two hours?”

The show hostess uncrossed her legs and stood, “Will that work for you guys?”

“Of course!” “Uh-huh!” “Oui! “Si!” Followed by a retreat gauged at a speed needed to avoid an advancing cloud of nuclear fall-out. The pace continued until they were outside. Two leaned against the building façade. One bent forward and put his hands on his knees. One paced in tiny circles.

Gaining control of themselves with deep breaths they began, “Will she ask that same question?” “YES!” “Are we going back?” “NO!” “How are we going to get out of it?” “A kidnapping?” “Where is that taibhse lady when you need her?” “Yeah, and in her stories she always lets us get out alive!” “Unlike that other one!”

In unspoken agreement, they began to walk away quickly. After two blocks they stopped in unison. “That hostess, did she have on any…?” Three voices answered, “NOT A STITCH!” They quickened their pace.