“Kissed me half a decade later
That same perfume, those same sad eyes…”
~ FINNEAS.
February & March 1990.
As Tom and Michael board a flight back to “the States,” Tom breaks down leaving his girlfriend Inger at the gate. Landing in NYC, they get a free ride from a limo driver and fellow veteran who takes them to the station in time to catch the last bus to McGuire Air Force Base.
Finally back home, Michael introduces Tom with Gary. After a couple of nights of heavy drinking, Gary gives Tom and Michael a ride to Holyoke, Massachusetts. Paul, Tom’s older brother, takes Michael and Tom to various bars before they wind up in a strip club. There, Michael strikes up a conversation with the performer, Bonnie Blue, prior to her “shower show.” Immersed in a serious discussion about literature and the various books they’ve read, boos from an impatient audience end the moment. To Tom’s surprise, Bonnie slips Michael her address and phone number.
Meanwhile, Samina wins the Best Actress Award. After receiving it, she gets a call from Lakshmi who announces her wedding plans. Devastated by the news, she hangs up on Ronit when he calls to congratulate her and instead locks herself in the studio to paint for hours.
Later, Michael returns to Dracut and prepares for Teena’s visit. Gary asks about his plans, and Michael confesses that he doesn’t want any regrets later in life and is realistic about the possibility that nothing will happen between them. Gary takes Michael to the airport and meets Teena for the first time. That night, after a brief and awkward romantic moment, Teena reveals the real reason why she came.
