Wednesday Cafe

its not done yet.

Theodore strolled down 73rd street early Wednesday morning, just like he had done for the past 5 years. After every ten steps he would take, he would breathe in the cold crisp air that was a marked sign that it was, once again, winter. As Theo turns the corner, he notices the same layout of the yet-to-be busy street: the old Yiddish man on the corner of Winston and 73rd setting up his boxes of oranges, the old decaying gypsy woman next to him offering palm readings for only 10 dollars and the middle-aged black woman that sells poultry. He smiles and nods, quickly (and purposefully) losing eye contact in order to avoid any conversation with people he considered to be 'common folk'.

Everyday before today was the same routine: walk to Yard House cafe, pick up a brew, grab a paper and head to work. But today would be different. Today, Theo would have an encounter that would affect his life, as well as the life of his family forever. But Theodore doesn't know this yet. No, poor naive Theo is unaware that one young woman, full of bright hope and aspirations of her own is going to ruin his life.

Theo grips the cold door handle and pushes effortlessly. The small golden tinged bell rings, allowing other customers and the cashier aware of a new presence in the coffee shop. His eyes quickly graze over the small crowd of business people -- the 26 year old paralegal, giving his friend legal advice while he adjusts his tie to his liking, the middle aged brunette striking up a business proposal over the phone. But as Theo looks around, he notices something different- a young blond, seated near the floor to ceiling window, not dressed in business attire, flipping through an issue of Vogue. He is automatically intrigued by her presence in the coffee shop and finds himself unconsciously staring. She feels him stare at her, almost as if it was an invisible force on her front body. Her eyes innocently roll up to meet his gaze. Both become instantly embarrassed at the situation and look away. "I'll have a large Columbian", says Theo still taking small glances at the young lady whose eyes seem to get more enveloped in the magazine the more he stares at her. As Theo lightly grips the coffee cup, he finds that his legs have a mind of their own and start walking in the direction of the young girl. She looks up and smiles as she notices him walking to her table. "Hi, I'm sorry but I think I've seen you around before", Theo says his voice slightly trembling. "Hi, I'm sorry, but I think I've heard that line one too many times before", responds the girl with a slightly amused tone in her voice. "Your clever lines amaze everyone but me", Theo declares. They both smirk at one another and the young lady turns her head as she feels her cheeks starting to heat up with embarrassment. "Can...I, uh, join you?" he asks with slight hesitation, afraid of being shot down. "Yeah sure!" she remarks with a shot of excitement as if Theo were the first person to ever talk to her in her life. She reaches for her bag on the empty seat and throws it carelessly on the floor. "I'm Theodore by the way", he says as he plops his bottom on the cold steel of the chair. "Emilia", she quickly responds, "so what important place are you headed to mister?"
"Ha, I doubt you could consider it 'important'", says Theo with a chuckle, "it's just another day at the office, nothing as exciting as sitting here with you chatting".
"Oh so what is this boring job you do?" she asks with a curious tone.
"I'm the executive manager of Paper Age...and I didn't say it was boring, I just said it wasn't so important..." Theo reflects on the thought for a brief second, "Well, okay fine I guess you could say it's kind of boring, but after 10 years of working there, wouldn't you get bored out of your mind too?" he asks.
"You work with a paper company!? Like in that show "The Office"! she says with a bright smile on her face.
Theo accidentally lets out a large snort as if he's laughing at her. As a result her head pulls away as a sign that she is slightly offended.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't laughing at you..." he says, his voice trailing off.
"Yes you were, do you think I'm mentally retarded or something?", she says defensively
"No--" she interupts his defense
"I can tell when people lie, and you're obvious because your eye does this retarded twitchy thing. You are a bad liar."
"Okay, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just haven't heard anyone compare my office to the office on the TV show. You just say things that are new and fresh, and trust me that's not a bad thing...are we okay now?" he asks.
Emilia looks at him and laughs.
"I was totally joking, I can't believe you bought that, you look so cute when you go on the defensive."
Theo sits in dazed disbelief, "wow that was harsh! But I forgive you..."
"You seem very
Emilia slowly opens up a wide grin. They stare at one another for what seems like an eternity. Their seemingly romantic staring contest is interrupted by a cell phone ring.
"Holy shit," Theo says as he jumps off his seat
"I'm 20 minutes late for work, I have to go, but is it possible if I could call you?"