The little place I stop into for lunch is packed. Not surprising. Same as everywhere in the city around this time. I place my order and they give me a buzzer along with my change. I look around for a table. None have magically appeared. Okay, just pick one.
“Excuse me, is this seat taken?” The guy looks up from his book and gestures an invitation to join him. “Please,” he says with a nod and a smile. “Thanks.” I place my headphones, lipstick and DVDs on the table. He’s not-looking as I try to contain my invasion to allow him to carry on enjoying his book and lunch.
My buzzer vibrates around the table and I return with my order. I help myself to a cup of tea from the carafe at the counter. I quell my instinct to ask Book Guy if he’d also like a cup of tea, while I’m up. Etiquette surrounding conversation in close quarters, much like elevators and airplanes, applies.
“Is that the Spicy Combo?” He eventually enquires. My eyes tear up a little as I smile, you know those moments when you just feel alive? “Yeah. They don’t mess around here. It’s spicy!”
He nods and returns to his book. Is he giving me my spicy space or does he prefer not to talk? Does he really want to read his book, or is it his alone-at-lunch book? What do people do nowadays? I survey the room. Everyone — everyone! — is staring at their phone or some device. Yes, of course, that’s what we do now. So much so that the art of polite conversation with strangers in close quarters has me at a bit of a loss.
The DJ interrupts my musings and I realize that the lunch place is tuned into a local rock radio station. How quaint! I open my tote bag on the table to find my phone, trying not to disturb Book Guy.
“Hellooooo, Caller! What’s your name?” Haha. “Sure thing, you got me. Can I put you on the air?” Images of Doctor Johnny Fever dance in my head. The only appropriate answer to the good doctor is, always, no. No, thank you.
The first few chords of my request surround us and my thoughts jump to all the music festivals I should attend this summer. Hey, maybe I should blog about it too. Because y’all need to know. I turn to Book Guy to find he’s gone. Where did those German tourists come from?
______
[“Rollover DJ,” by Jet. Performed live at Forum Melbourne. Original release: Get Born, 2003.]
Jet: Chris Cester (drums); Nic Cester (lead vocals, rhythm guitar); Cameron Muncey (lead guitar); Mark Wilson (bass).
Video posted to youtube by user citruslemons
Loving your Posts, Danica!
My latest Meditation Post has just come up – u liked th previous ones so here it is:
http://huahinhiker.wordpress.com/2015/05/31/home-is-where-the-mind-is/
Cheers!
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Thank you so much! I’ll enjoy your latest Meditation Post as well — thanks for the link :).
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This is one of the funniest vignettes I’ve had the pleasure to read. I was in hysterics from the moment you sat at book guy’s table…”Is he giving me my spicy space?” LOL….
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Rob, I’m delighted to know this! Thanks very much :).
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I had to stop reading it twice. It had something to do with the way you paced the lines.
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Thank you so much for the excellent feedback! I’ll re-read it with your comments in mind — hopefully I can do the pacing thing again :).
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You will. 🙂
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Thanks 🙂
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Reblogged this on Art by Rob Goldstein.
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Wow, I’m thrilled that you liked this one enough to reblog! Thank you very much, Rob! I really appreciate your kind words and support :).
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Always…I never forget people who are good to me…or I try to keep notes…:)
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You’re awesome, Rob :).
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I’m just old fashioned…:)
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