That time I mistakenly called a guy Bill...over and over

We all have things we've said or done in our lives that make us wince when we recall them.

And they're not even necessarily "bad" things, just embarrassing for one reason or another.

I have many of these things. One is the "Bill" incident.

Some background: Terry and I have, for many years, been fans of jazz saxophonist Dave Koz. It's a long story, but we have gotten to know Dave well and always avail ourselves of the two backstage passes he leaves for us every time he plays in Cleveland.

For many years, Dave's keyboardist and musical arranger has been a guy named Brian Simpson. Brian is very talented, and I always enjoy his arrangements of Dave's songs and how he holds the band together.

Some years ago after one of Dave's shows, we went backstage and I wanted to tell Brian how much I appreciate his work. I caught a glimpse of him as he was walking away and called after him.

Except, for some reason, I suddenly thought his name was Bill.

"BILL! BILL!" I yelled as he, inexplicably to me, just kept walking down the hallway, not turning around. "BILL!"

Very quietly, Terry leaned over to me and said, "I think his name is Brian."

It was, of course. And still is.

It was embarrassing. And Brian never did hear/see me that night.

As we were driving home, Terry looked over at me and saw a grimace on my face.

"Are you thinking about the fact that you called him Bill?" she asked.

"Yes," I said through clenched teeth.

A couple of years ago we again found ourselves backstage after a Dave Koz show, and this time I did get a chance to meet Brian. I even called him by his actual name. And I told him the story of the time I yelled "BILL!" when trying to track him down.

I now think the story is hilarious. Brian seemed a bit confused and honestly not especially amused by it.

No matter. Any time Terry and I encounter someone named Bill now, one of us will inevitably say, "BILL!"

No one else gets it, but we think it's hilarious.

That's marriage for you.