Not only does her presence allow the couple to feel at home, as if they are in any bar in America, rather than half way around the world, she is representative of Bob's career back home. He is an actor, but not a big, big, actor like many others. He is actually more famous in Japan than he is in his own country, because he has gotten older, and the parts pass him by. The lounge singer would never make it in America, or if she and her band did, it would be in small, insignificant clubs. She represents what Bob's career could turn into - second rate and forgotten, and so, she is somewhat like another form of reality and conscience for Bob. He knows it would be very easy to become just what she is.

There are many things that keep Charlotte and Bill from connecting. Their ages...
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