Sooner or Later

January 30, 2003

I ran into The Coffee Shop Girl on New Year's Eve. She was with her best friend, who was visiting from out of town. When I saw them, there was a moment of awkwardness. I think The Coffee Shop Girl was bracing for me to ask why she stood me up last time we’d made plans. But I didn't. I talked and laughed with her friend. I asked them where they were going, and they asked me where I was going. The friend thought my party sounded better than their party and wanted to come along with me. They discussed it but decided not to. So I said goodbye, Happy New Year, and got off at my stop. Then I was off to Italy. Gone for two weeks. When I came back, I stopped into the coffee shop for, well, coffee. The Coffee Shop Girl was working, seemed happy to see me, surprised I was back already, etc.— How was your trip? How's it feel to be back? She finally apologized for not returning my call. Said she had turned her phone off for one reason or another. Said we should hang out soon, that I shouldn't be discouraged by her not calling back. She said, "Keep calling".

I think she meant to say, "Yeah, keep calling chump, I'm never gonna call you back anyway, so what do I care? Eventually you'll get sick of it and leave me alone—sooner rather than later!"

So I guess I'll make it sooner and take the hint.