You know I love my Sinatra, but Cake amuses the hell out of me. I love their choice of songs to cover, and while they may seem ironic, the singer says that each is meant as a tribute to the original. My favorite Cake cover is "I Will Survive", but this one suits my topic of the day. Well, maybe not exactly. It's more like "strangers in the day, in line at Starbuck's". I had an 11:00 meeting with my textbook rep this morning, and you know I was going to be there at 10:45! I can't help it; I'm always early. I had a few items to pick up at the Walgreen's next door to Starbuck's, so I left even earlier than I needed to to get there fifteen minutes early. While I was in Walgreen's, the book rep texted me to let me know she was going to be about fifteen minutes late. When I finished my little bit of shopping, it was still only 10:45. I waited a while and then went ahead into Starbuck's, thinking I'd have a chance to set up my computer and order a coffee before the rep arrived. My timing couldn't have been better.
The man in front of me in line smiled, and of course I smiled back. We were both looking at the pastries and our discussion of the many choices in the display case evolved into introductions and our sharing a bit about ourselves. When he ordered, he told the cashier he would pay for whatever I was ordering too. (In case you ever wonder, this is a good move.) I chalked it up the whole "paying it forward" thing, although it felt like more than that. He stopped by my table while I was setting up my computer and we chatted some more. I learned that he has been to Cabo many times, used to live in California, speaks five languages, and is Italian on his mother's side. When I told him my last name, he jokingly jumped back a few steps. As I finished getting my work ready to meet with the rep, he went back to his group of friends. I wrote my phone number and email address on a piece of paper and folded it in half, waiting for just the right moment to pass it along.
Unfortunately, that moment came when he passed by my table again shortly after the book rep had arrived. I handed it to him as discretely as possible and said, "I never do this, but feel free to get in touch if you like." He said he was going to ask but hadn't wanted to be too forward or interrupt my meeting. Ha! At least, apparently, I have no concern about being too forward! The rep excused herself to get a cup of coffee, and when she came back I gave her the brief back-story, to which she replied something like, "You go, girl!" or "Good for you!" I'm glad she wasn't a stuffy bitch; if she had been I may never have passed my note along. She and I had a productive meeting, and I went on my way. I had a text message waiting from the man, who said how nice it had been to meet me and that he would very much like to take me out to lunch or dinner. I have a date on Sunday. I haven't been on a date in four or five years! It's ridiculous, but I haven't met anyone who seemed worth the trouble. I'll keep you posted.
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