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Really?
It’s a great field if you have the patience. Patience?
Sometimes it can take years to be ready for a launch.
Yeah, any mistakes and that’s a big deal.
Yeah.
What? What did I say?
It’s not you.
Do you want me to change the subject? Sure.
Why don’t you ask me any questions you might have?
Your friend Jan, she likes you very much.
She’s great.
And she seems to think you and I would be a good fit.
Well sometimes she’s right.
Just kidding. I mean who knows in the chemistry.
Or the physics of the relationship.
Physics is your field, right? Yeah.
What do you do?
I act. Have I seen you in anything?
Probably not.
Make that a definitely not. But coming soon to your big screen, small screen, tiny screen will be the debut of the one and only, the me.
Because, um, I actually think I’m going to get this part. I went in today for a dark haired, secret agent, provocateur.
And I went all out and got this wig.
I’m making a complete *** out of myself aren’t I? Yes you are.
Funny. No you’re not.
I think you’re charming. I think I have a radar problem, Ed.
Well, I know a lot about radar.
What’s your problem?
I think I’m not very good at reading men.
Why don’t you just ask me then?
What is your first impression of me? Don’t hold back.
I like you.
No. Your most basic animal feelings. Positive or negative? Positive.
No. Yes. Ok.
If you could rate me on a scale of 1 to 10? Ok, that’s bad idea.
On a scale of 1 to 1?
Definite, 1.
On the 1 scale. 1 on the 1 scale. Definite.
When I said that stuff earlier about making mistakes, you got quiet.
Shouldn’t have said that should I have?
It’s not you.
But it was insensitive.
Well we all carry our burdens and sometimes someone touches a sensitive spot.
I do that.
I touch sensitive spots. It’s not just with you. It’s a problem. It’s mine.
No. So what is it? What’s the sensitive spot?
I was working in Houston. Shuttle program, when the Columbia disintegrated.
Actually I was in the control room.
Oh my God.
Damage to the, uh, to the insulating towers that launched it had created a critical fall and that was the area that I worked in.
Tough.
Jan. Nice compact name. Is that your real name?
Yes. Why would I have a fake name?
Well, you’re not exactly a working girl. Maybe an actress?
Model?
Who knows?
Quite the looker. Thank you but I’m just plain old Jan.
Is Paco your real name? No. Es mi nombre de pandillero.
My gang name. Gang?
I was a ***. Was?
Well those times are over. I served my time and miles away from that life.
How much time?
Well, I’ve been in more than once. I’d say a total time of three years.
Did you ever serve time?
No.
Didn’t think so.
So what do you do?
I’m an assistant to a photographer. You probably don’t know her.
Try me.
Mel Karpova. Do you know her?
No. Well what does she shoot?
Fashion, books. She is brilliant and very singular and I’m really lucky to work with her.
What do you do? Work with gangs.
What kind of work? Counseling bangers.
Trying to tell them there are options. Not just dead ends, to end up where I did.
Wow. Yeah, they’re great.
They trust you?
Usually not.
But those that know about my past, know I know.
But initially, they think I’m a sellout that I work for the man.
I am. I do.
I’m not sure how to ask. Just ask.
What did you do that got you to prison?
When? The first time, second time or third time?
Most everything. Dealing, stealing, never squealing.
Did you ever killed someone?
People died because of what I did, or didn’t do.
What made you change your ways? My mom.
She died. Something changed.
Do you think you could ever go back to your old ways? No.
You sure? I can’t hurt people no more.
You really believe people can change? I sure hope so.
I guess I don’t know what to say, I come from a much different world and I feel very naïve and silly for asking.
Well I’m here because I want to be a part of your world.
My world? Maybe?
I imagine it’s much different.
And how do you imagine it to be?
Very white.
So tell me more about yourself, Jan?
Why are you here?
For my friend.
That is the first thing you’ve said that I don’t believe.