The Coffee Shop Conversation

I have a secret pleasure. A dirty little pleasure. It’s oh so shameful. Once a year, since I graduated from college. That’s been a long time ago. I’m telling my age.

When the hint of fall is in the air. The weather is getting a little cooler. We start dreaming of scarves and sweaters. I indulge my pleasure. During covid, when it was open, I would go through the drive thru of the coffee shop and get a Pumpkin Spice Latte. They are so sinfully delicious. But just one. Once a year. My treat to ring in the season of fall. Chico always gets a treat when he goes with me. Girl and her dog getting treats.

This year I decided to go in. I hadn’t been in the coffee shop for 6 whole years. I know what you’re thinking, the pandemic wasn’t that long. True. I don’t always have time to get out and go inside.

This day, I was in no hurry. The weather was fantastic. Why not enjoy the experience. And I do mean experience. After picking up my drink from the counter, I took an empty lung inhale over the pumpkin cinnamon goodness. Then meandered outside to a beautiful autumn day. The sun was shining. A nice breeze was blowing. Perfection!

I picked the table at the farthest corner of the patio. Propped up my feet before taking another breath of my latte. The breeze picked up random leaves. Making this a perfect scene. I wouldn’t allow the littered white napkin that blew across the parking lot to spoil my perfect day. Nor the fact that they spelt my name wrong.

Earbuds in, it was time to catch up on some reading. Maybe do a little writing. Perfect day. Perfect drink. Just PERFECT!

Two people sat down at the table to my left. What made them choose this spot, I’ll never know but I’m glad they did. I didn’t turn to look at them. Just sipped at my drink.

When they started talking I assumed they were women.

Woman one, slightly out of breath, “it is so good to see you.”

“You too.”

“How long has it really been?”

“High school graduation.”

“Huh, really.”

“Pretty sure.”

“That’s too long.” Moment of silence. “You know we just had a high school reunion. You missed it.”

“How many showed up?”

“‘Bout 30. Nothing exciting happened.”

“Tell me what’s goin’ on in your world?”

“My oldest just graduated from college and moved to Alaska, of all places.” I could feel the eye roll. “Jimmy just started middle school.” Long sigh.

“What brings you to my small corner of the world?”

“Ben has a training. Jimmy is staying with my mom while we have a little get away. We are staying at that hotel there.” A phone rings. “Oh hi honey. Just sitting at the coffee shop across from the hotel talking to Ava. Remember me telling you all about my high school friend? See, here she is.”

“Hi.”

“Okay honey. Have fun.” Deep sigh, “he’s so thoughtful. He was on break and was just checking on me. What about you? Did you ever get married?”

Scoff, “uh no. Was engaged once. That was close enough.”

“You know; in school, Bo had a crush on you.”

“Me? Get out.”

“Really. Head over heels.”

“I never knew.”

“It’s never too late.”

“I’m too old to be havin’ babies. No thanks. I’ll stick with my dog.”

That thought made me smile. ‘Stick with your dog’ girlfriend.

“Ben and I have had our moments but overall it’s been a good marriage.”

“I’m happy for you.”

“Oh you should get married.” She sighed, sounding almost dreamy. “Every girl needs to get married once.”

“Don’t get mad at me. I sincerely want to know – why? Sell me marriage.”

“Why?!” From the tone of her voice, she was both shocked and appalled.