Has anyone ever told you...

I met Kevin on August 22, 1986 - a day I will never forget. I worked at a political consulting firm and Tom mentioned that he had a few friends from "home" in town and invited the office gang to join them for dinner. Tom was from Syosset, NY and Kevin and Tom were close friends.

I walked into the lobby of the Willard Hotel, which at the time had undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, and I saw Tom. Sitting next to him on an antique desk was a tall, slim guy with long feet and most of the hair on top of his head missing. But he had amazing eyes and a cocky, great smile. Now I'm pretty sure I did not notice all of this in the first few seconds - but I do remember thinking "who the hell does this guy think he is that he can sit on a 200-year old desk?" So I said hello to Tom - and Tom introduced me to Kevin.

We didn't stay long at the Willard  - definitely not my scene - and we headed over to Dupont Circle for dinner at the now-closed Odeon Cafe. We were a large enough group that we needed two tables and Kevin sat next to me at dinner. I remember he sat like he was in his living room - his arm slung over the back of my chair and his long legs stretched out to the side, crossed at the ankles. I asked him why he was sitting on a desk in the Willard lobby and without hesitation, he looked at me and said "there weren't any chairs." I don't remember what else we talked about that night, but I do remember walking to my car with Kevin and a few others - last stop for the evening was the Bottom Line for a nightcap. 

As we were walking, I turned around and looked at Kevin behind me and said "has anyone every told you you look a lot like William Hurt?" I don't recall any answer - but I do remember his smile - what I later designated the "Carey Smirk" - and I turned away, walked ahead and knew he was watching me. The rest is history, as he'd say. I share this because my sister called to tell me that William Hurt died of cancer today at age 71. Condolences to his family and his fans. Much like Kevin, he was one of a kind. I saw him in Altered States and was hooked. I think it might have been the chin...