Essay: A Long Way from the Rue de la Paix

The dress code in Los Angeles is assuredly not strict. So the other customers at the shopping mall on Santa Monica Boulevard that evening scarcely noticed the newcomer in a tuxedo who had joined them in line at the flower stalls. Neither the young lady in the decal-covered bomber jacket nor the young gentleman with the sheepskin vest over his T shirt and the pith helmet saw any reason to fuss over someone evidently doin' his thing in a tuxedo costume. No, what turned their heads was the new arrival's inquiry.

"Say, what kind of corsage could you make up for...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!