MaggieMae

In the early morning coolness, Kaitlyn sits at the metal bistro table in the courtyard.  There are no umbrellas up today.  It is a Wizard of Oz day.  Low humidity. The red haired waitress is dusting the fallen leaves and seeds off the tables.

"Hi," Kaitlyn says.

"Hi, back," he says.

Maggie Mae crosses her legs reaching for her espresso.  He glances at her as he glides by.


His face has that, "I'm coming out to talk to you" kind of charismatic expression.  MaggieMae and Kaitlyn are laughing.  He listens to MaggieMae's every word smiling as though she is just too darned cute to be sitting along.  He opens the door to the restaurant. 

She reaches for her book.  Barbara Kingsolver has captured her attention.

Ten minutes later, he returns with coffee and a bagel.  His eyes canvass the courtyard tables.  He sits alone at the table beside her.  Looking her way.  He engages her in a friendly conversation before he has to leave.  They have spoken before.  This time was much longer.  He was engaged in the conversation.

"I've got to meet a ferry," he says.

They extend appreciations for their time together.

MaggieMae wonders if she will see him again. She wonders what is happening. She hasn't felt this way since her husband passed.

The following day, she is in town again.  This time for an appointment just down the street.  She stops for coffee, preferring to sit outside again.  It's 62 degrees and windy.  She doesn't mind.

From out of nowhere, he appears.

He gives her a warm wave of the hand welcome clutching his envelope-style briefcase tucked neatly under his left arm.

"Gorgeous day," Ben says.

She smiles back.

"Yes, it is."

Ben disappears inside. 

A frustrated MaggieMae wonders if he had a meeting. Or a client. Or wasn't interested.  Or was delayed.  She waits at the cold bistro.  Twenty minutes past.  She looks at her wrist clock.   Wanting to go inside to see what kept Ben there, she decides it isn't important.  What is important is her.  And now.  She will be late for her appointment.

She doesn't know when she will return to the courtyard.  Feelings of rejection overwhelm her. She knows it is silly and laughs it off.  It is a day more beautiful than it has the right to be.  She won't spoil any of it.

Then Kaitlyn calls her at home.

                                                                To be continued.