Self-Portrait at République, L.A. Diane Martini Richard

1. “Can I start you off with champagne?” from a French vine, old and thirsty, roots that pushed through poor soil where other no other fruit could grow.

2. The waitstaff pulsate in conceited motion, neither backward nor forward, and red roses overplay their part. I have an elevated heart rate.

3. Here, everybody gets labeled as somebody. Tonight, I will be the Nervous Female. Champagne is not the right word, and this is not a clear story.

4. Outside, it’s overcast. I order Four Roses bourbon. Jaunty, knowledgeable and opaque—mostly men drink bourbon I wrap my hands around its confidence

5 Younger Me sits in a Paris bistro, her eyes sparkling like Dom Pérignon. She orders chilled oysters using any words and laughing. The weather is effortless.

6. In L.A., it starts to rain with real lightning. The couple in the back corner Instagram their short ribs. I wonder if they know what real love is?

7. My friend orders Sole Meunière, a subtle dish famous

8 Martini

Richard for its browned butter. It should sizzle when poured across the fish This is a matter of perception.

8. Data points interrupt: a) Lightning may be seen and not heard depending on the distance; b) Track records measure the history of a past performance.

9. In the closing scene, I am running.