4.Did Skip Find What He Was Looking For?

     Yes!!!

     The media conference was over.  Skip took a deep breath, “Yep, I think we got a great message across – in their questions, the media picked-up on all the right themes,” was his first quick thought.  And then he saw Susie coming, smiling, towards him.  Grabbed her in his arms.  Twirled her in the air three times.  “Let’s walk,” he said.  “You know, I had this feeling when I saw you walk into the room, maybe you were feeling the same way – you and I could be pretty neat together . . . like maybe we were meant for each other?”  Susie’s broad smile back, and the twinkle in her eyes, made Skip’s heart feel like it filled his entire chest.  Skip continued, “Up until this moment I didn’t really know what it was I was looking for when I left Minnesota four months ago.  But now I know.  I was looking for you.”

     “And I think I love you too,” she said.

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     In the Land Yacht, traveling back to Westport, everybody exuberant – and relieved – Skip broke down shaking and crying.  “I just didn’t know how much tension and stress I was under for the past two months,” he weeped.  “I kept trying to be a Rumpkin, hanging in with all you great folks, but my heart just wasn’t in it . . .  Now my heart is soaring!”

      Sally said, “Mine too, Skip!  And I’m so happy for you two,” blowing Susie a kiss, “and yah, well, that Rumpkins idea you had – it took me awhile to understand it – but I get it now!  All along you were doing this as an organizing tool.  Well, congratulations, I think it worked!”

     Rocky piped in, “Anybody? Steve?  Who’ll give me 10 to 1 Yang shows up at the New Year’s Eve party?

     And then Skip shared one more thought:

     “You know, another thing, I’m not sure I know why all of you wanted to get on the bus.  Maybe I thought I knew.  Max, yeah, it was your idea – go fishing, catch-up with old friends.  That I get.  And Sally, I didn’t even know you, when we left town – had no idea you were looking for something – did you? LOL.  Just kidding, we’re all happy for you.

     “Best-Buddy-Rocky, Christ, You’re the one who taught me what fun is, taught me that fun can trump politics anytime.   Was this trip fun or not!  But listen, I overheard you talking with those reporters, maybe next time, keep it in check?  At least, a little, ok?

     “Huck, goddamn it, if it weren’t for that ‘Hoot’ idea back in San Francisco, probably none of this would have happened.  And I’ve heard you’ve been asked to come back to next year’s Valley of the Vapors Music Festival in Hot Springs – they really liked your stuff.  Sorry, I took Susie away from you though, laugh, laugh . . . and . . .

    “Patty, I knew what you were looking for – your next movie.  You know when I knew it was going to be a hit?  When you captured that Shopping While Black scene so definingly and so dramatically, but you know what?  A little birdie told me your Sacramento friend that first told you to turn our trip into a travel adventure movie, she set that whole scene up!  No, seriously, I hope this gets you world acclaim and that you make a mint!”

     Phyllis jumped in, “Wow Patty,” I didn’t know  – the next great road trip movie?  I haven’t seen a good one since Thelma and Louise.  I can’t wait to see it!”

       “Steve, what would we have done without you?!  Skip continued, “Let’s hear a round of applause for all that great legal work!  [applause rang out] And by golly, that speech you gave about two wings of the same airplane – that might be the Greatest American Political Speech I’ve ever heard!.   How does it start, Patty? – – – Here’s what we’re trumpeting?” 

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     “Thanks Skip,” Steve said, “But you know what you guys?  I found what I was looking for too.   And I want to thank Phyllis – Phyllis, this day’s unsung hero!  Has anybody in the media even picked-up on the role you played?  First to call the cops!  First to spy the get-away car!  Okay, a round of applause for Phyllis!  [applause rang out again] . . .

. . . “but – and Phyllis knows I’m going to say this – Phyllis is the one who got my life straightened around. Everybody knew me & Jodie weren’t exactly hitting it off when I got on the bus, right?  And yes, I was definitely looking for something new, something to make life worth living again, and guess who led me to the roses?  Phyllis!  We had some long talks, me and Phyllis – me telling her all what was going on, and then Phyllis says, ‘I think you’re still in love with Jodie.  And, she says, that makes me happy too.  Do this!  Call Jodie right now and apologize for leaving.  Tell her you love her – you can’t wait to be back in her arms! . . .’

     “Well, I did, and Jodie said ‘I am so glad you called!  I’ve been thinking along the same lines,’ and so we’re getting back together.  [more applause]

     “There’s more,” Steve continued, “You know I started this trip thinking I always knew better than anybody else.  People who disagreed with me were just plain wrong.  Too many years being a lawyer.  Got to the point I quit appreciating people as people – with Jodie too.  Phyllis, bless your heart.  Bless all our hearts.  I really am a changed man.  Look at all the things we’ve found out about ourselves.  How our lives have changed.”