The Cafe

“Can I sit here?”

I look up from my laptop to see a girl with bright red hair staring at me. I look around the café, noticing that every chair is occupied. I nod at her, signaling my approval.

“It’s so crowded, here. Is it like this every day?”

“It’s rush hour.” I state, staring at my screen.

“I heard the coffee here is out of the world. So, I thought why not try it.” Her voice was unsurprisingly bubbly.

I don’t say anything, but my attention is only at the girl behind my screen. I’ve been trying to read the same short paragraph for a few minutes now.

“Are you a regular here?”

I nod. My movements are minimal and very careful.

“Then you must have had that ‘special’ coffee.” She animates the specialty with her fingers when I look up at her. I have the urge to let out a laugh. I endure.

I shut my laptop screen, giving up.

“It’s not that ‘special’.” I mimic her, to which she only smirks.

This is a new thing. I don’t get this very often. I’ve seen and heard this happen to people, in movies or books. A random stranger, walking up to you. And start talking as if you’ve been friends for life.

“So what are you, a writer or something?”

“A soldier.” I state and wait for the shock to appear on her face. It never comes.

“I would have guessed till a police officer, if you’ve had played the game.” She says.

“What game?”

“The-Guess-who-am-I game.”

“What.” I laugh lightly, shaking my head.

“Okay, let’s play with me. Guess who I am. I’ll give hints as you go on.”

“You can just tell me.”

“It’s no fun then, officer. Come on, be a sport.”

I sigh and give in, “Alright, a tattoo artist.”

She laughs loudly, and it’s the most musical laugh I’ve ever heard. “Unbelievable! I don’t have an ounce of ink on my body.”

“Who knows, I only see a little of you.” I curse subconsciously when I realize what I said. Did I just say that?

She only smiles. No shock or anything. Real smile.

“I wear white at work. Mostly.” She says.

“Doctor.” I say, pretty sure of myself.

“Nice to meet you, officer. I’m Dr. Tina Asrani.” She puts her hand out.

“Sam. Sam Taylor.” I shake hands, awkwardly.

“Now, wasn’t that interesting for a meeting?” Her smile is very addicting.

“Not bad.”

“Are you turned off by women who initiate?” That was pretty fast and straightforward.

“No…I…not at all.” I curse again.

“Not so sure of yourself.”

“I’ve met very few women like you.”

“How were your past experiences, with women like me?”

“Forgetful.”

“And what about this meeting?”

“Who knows, I’ve not seen enough of you.” This time I was sure of what I said.

“309!” Someone calls from the counter.

Tina takes out a pen and scribbles some numbers on it.

“Let’s see enough of each other.” She winks and walks to the counter.

The ‘special’ coffee in hand, she walks out of the café towards the city hospital across the road.

I smile at her retreating self. Red fiery hair. See you soon.