He couldn’t afford this,
Probably saved his whole paycheck
But here he was,
At my table again,
One of three I wait on Mondays
The other two were empty.
This is the third Monday
He’s been here
At the same time
As me.
He ordered the cheapest
Item on the menu, just an appetizer
And only the half.
Nothing to drink?
Just the water is enough, thanks.
At least a glass of wine, please?
Not tonight, thanks though.
What about on the house?
It’s good wine.
Okay
I brought him the best.
It’d come out of my check, but
I almost felt sorry
Knowing he didn’t have money
It’s not that he looked poor
He just didn’t seem like
A guy with extra cash.
Would you join me?
… I could sit
Cool.
***
This isn’t what I ordered
This is better than what you ordered
It looks good…
Then eat it, same cost
Really? That can’t be right
Just try it, trust me, it’s good.
Okay… But… How much?
Same price, I told you
Are you sure
Yeah.
I wanted him to like it
It was the best thing off the menu.
My favorite, by far.
It’s too much for me.
Then take it home for tomorrow
Would you want to share?
You’re sitting anyway.
Sure, I guess so.
Smells good.
Good.
It was good, too.
Better with company, I admit.
He was fun
Good conversation is nice.
It was hard to find in a place
Like this where everyone
Is so in to themselves
He wasn’t, though
He studied
Art.
***
When are you off?
We could go for dessert after.
How about it?
I‘m off at ten thirty.
Would you mind waiting?
It’s only a couple hours.
I could bring coffee?
Would tea be okay?
Tea it is, then
Thanks
Drinks at the usual?
No, actually I’m meeting someone
So, who is he?
Just a guy, nothing.
The one you sat with today?
That’s him, why do you ask?
You’ve never accepted an
Invitation until now…
What changed?
Nothing.
Something changed.
I had gotten similar request before
I never accepted.
He was different.
He was better than anyone here.
Though they never realized it.
He was special, they weren’t
He had unique beliefs
Tilted perspective
Beautiful.
***