|
By scqueen Date: 2001 Dec 24 Comment on this Work [[2001.12.24.15.19.28814]] |
|
It's a bad habit I have, eavesdropping on others' conversations in restaurants. Especially on Christmas eve, in the neighborhood diner. Salt of the earth people frequent diners. I love the familiar red leather booths, the chicken-fried steak and eggs, the middle-aged waitresses who really do give a damn. This morning we were seated by a couple, I'd say mid to late fifties. Probably married for eons. He looked worn but not harsh. Slick hair, glasses, weathered skin. She had on a little lipstick, hair pulled back, and sunglasses at first. She initiated all of the conversation. I got the impression that they weren't comfortable with each other anymore. She talked about her mother needing help with laundry and cleaning now that she's getting older. She tossed the idea to him indirectly that she'd like to spend more time with her. She seemed to be fishing for his permission or approval or offer to help. She talked on, and he finally said, "Well, that's all part of the aging process, I guess. She said, "She'd like for you to spend more time with her too." He took a bite of toast and absently replied, "Well, you just tell me what to do." She looked away, then took off her dark glasses. She picked at her sausage with her fork. "So dinner and cards tonight?" she asked. "Yeah, I guess so" he said. She suggested, "Or maybe we could go to the drive-in to see a movie. Now that we have the car and all. It's on the other side of town, too bad the one on this side closed down." He said, "Maybe we could take your mother." She said, "No! I just meant the two of us, maybe we could, you know, make-out." No response but a grunt as he sipped his coffee. She excused herself and went to the ladies room. I fought the urge to grab him by the collar and scream, "Don't you hear what she's saying to you? That she needs attention, love, romance, help, and you are asleep at the wheel. Probably always have been. She's bored in her shell and wants to break out. What the hell is the matter with you? It's Christmas eve! Buy her some flowers, take her to the drive in, kiss her with some life. Something!" Instead I sat quietly, stewing inside. He finished his breakfast and she came back and sat down. She was silent until the waitress brought their check. Yep, salt of the earth, I thought. I gave her a quick smile as we left our table that said "Merry Christmas, I heard you." |