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December 10, 2004
My Non-Romantic Encounter at Starbucks
Today was my "Take off from work & get this crappy holiday shopping done" day. After hours of walking in rainy, frigid weather, and especially after hours of aimless wandering in Toys 'R Us, I needed to take a break. So I ventured to the nearest coffee shop...Starbucks.
For a place that sells overpriced carb-filled beverages, Starbucks is surprisingly always packed. (Mostly with citygoers who believe the franchise cafes make great home offices.) I realized people older and more pregnant were in my presence, but damn, my feet hurt badly! I had no choice but to pounce on a lady's table as soon as I saw her gathering her garbage.
Now the story gets real...
You know sometimes, when you're sitting alone in a crowded cafe, the thought occurs that maybe, someone will come along and be forced to sit with you...maybe a hot guy (or gal for the gents)?
So I'm relaxing with my yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte, when suddenly, I hear an accented male voice: "Do you-a mind if I-a sit wit you?" I look up from my Entertainment Weekly, and I see not Romeo, but a frumpy, 40- or 50-ish man before me. I think he was Italian. Not wanting to be rude, I politely accept. Carpe diem, right?!
He sits down, and pulls out a plastic bag with two bagels, presumably bought at the Associated Supermarket next door. Perhaps he wasn't Italian, but Jewish.
"You-a want-a some bagel?"
I politely told him, "No thanks. I'll be eating shortly."
"You-a sure? I-a didn't-a touch it.
"No thanks."
"Ok. I'm-a ver-ry hungry."
Needing a distraction, I quickly become aware that my large Toys 'R Us bag is taking up lots of footspace. So I move it. He mistakes this act of kindness for mistrust. "I-a wasn't-a touching it." What's with this guy and his touching paranoia?
"Oh, no. I just didn't want to hog all the space."
Why was he being so sensitive? This non-date was taking a turn for the worse.
So he gnaws on his bread. I keep my nose dived in EW. Then the ladies next to us leave, and he makes his move...
...over to the next table.
Suddenly, I feel regret for not being more inviting. Maybe this man could've told me some interesting stories about working in the vineyards...or his father's experience as a banker.
I glance at my watch and it says 6:30 p.m. I spring up, knowing I have more shopping to do! I gather my belongings, and tell him, "It was nice meeting you. Have a great day!"
He mumbled something back. I couldn't hear him, but I'm sure his parting words were amabile! Or like buttah.
Posted by Michele at December 10, 2004 12:42 AM
Comments
You should have talked to him! Who knows, you could have dated one of the Mario Bros.
Posted by: Brian at December 10, 2004 03:49 PM
I feel the same way when I'm on the bus/subway on my daily commute. The bus gets mighty packed on the way home at rush hour which means by the time the bus takes off, every seat will be filled. I hope for a 20-something to sit next to me, so we can converse about something fun and maybe even make a new friend, but I usually get the older stressed out gentleman or woman with one too many bags and a sweating problem. But maybe one day...
Posted by: Joe at December 12, 2004 10:42 PM
