Let’s see. Two guys working on their laptops, a couple on their phones in the corner, an old man eating a croissant, and one young woman…Paul thought as he walked into the coffee shop. Doug set me up on a blind date with… He looked around once more. The only person wearing a blue scarf here is half my age. And too cute for me. Very funny, Doug…
“Hi, I’m Pam!” The young woman waved.
“Hello, I’m Paul. But there must be some mistake.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
Paul paused. “Well, nothing…it’s just that you’re much younger than I expected.”
“So what? My friend Marian told me you’re a perfect match for me. Let’s just have a cup of coffee and see where this goes.”
“Are you sure?”
“It wouldn’t be right to just leave, would it? We’re both adults. And we both made the effort to come here. So, let’s sit down,” Pam gestured to her table.
“OK. What would you like? It’s on me.”
“Big spender, huh?”
“At a Starbucks, you pretty much have to be.”
Pam and Paul talked until the sun started to set. Their worldviews were much closer than Paul expected. They appreciated the same movies – Mel Brooks, James Bond, When Harry Met Sally, even Monty Python. Pam was into jazz, especially the same singers Paul admired. At one point, Pam told Paul she thought Marian was right when she said they had a lot in common. Paul was glad they got together. The coffee date had to end, though, especially because Pam walked, and Paul rode his bike. He told Pam he rode because didn’t want to look like an out-of-shape old man.
Pam laughed, “I figured that out as soon as you rode up. Well, my place is just a few blocks away, near the bend in the river.”
“Do you want me to walk you home?”
“No. It’s OK. I’ll be alright.”
“Good night, then.”
Paul dawdled on his bike as Pam walked along the footpath toward the townhouses. He kept her in sight from a parallel street, trying to remain inconspicuous. Near the townhouse complex the street turned abruptly towards the footpath, revealing Paul under a flickering streetlight.
Pam called out, “Hey, Paul! Wanna meet my little friends?”
Busted…Paul thought. “Sure, I guess.” He rode to her doorstep. Embarrassed, he managed to say, “I wasn’t trying to…just making sure you got home OK…that’s all. I’m not a stalker…”
“It’s OK, Paul. You don’t need to explain. Park that thing and say hello to my roommates.”
As Pam opened the door, two grown cats and a kitten were waiting. Paul crouched down and petted them. “Well, hello there…you don’t have to come out on my account. Nice to meet you. Who’s a good kitty?” The cats purred and wound themselves around Paul’s hands and feet. The kitten joined in.
Pam shook her head in disbelief. “Oh my…It’s like they already know you. Mostly they keep their distance from strangers. Look at them. Do you have a magic touch or what?”
“Well, I like animals, and usually they like me. I think it has something to do with being gentle and speaking in a calm, reassuring voice. You can use whatever words you like as long as they are said in a soothing way. I should warn you, I’m more of a dog person, though.”
“That’s not a problem. It seems we have one more thing in common.”
“Yeah. Well, I’d better get going. Maybe we could have a real lunch sometime?”
“I’d like that,” Pam paused. “Paul, it’s getting a little too dark to ride home, isn’t it? How far away did you say you live?”
“Only about three miles.”
“Why don’t you stay the night? I really like you. And I’ve gotta say…keeping an eye on me…making sure I made it home alright…that was a sweet gesture.”
“How do you know I’m not a psychopath or a serial killer?”
“My cats are great judges of character. One time they hissed and almost attacked a guy I was dating. He left in a hurry. I didn’t trust him anyhow. Later on, I learned he tried to force himself on my friend’s daughter.”
“For God’s sake. Did she report him?”
“Yeah. But you know the story. He said, she said. Nothing was done about it.”
“I’m sorry about that.”
“Thanks, but you have nothing to be sorry about.”
“Well, it’s disgraceful that women can’t trust men. I hope the guy suffers the consequences someday.”
“Oh, he did. In a terrible way. Marian said he stepped off a curb and…”
“Don’t tell me. He got hit by a bus.”
“Not just any bus. A bus full of nuns.”
Paul tried to suppress a laugh. “Poetic justice, I guess.”
“Something like that.”
“Was he killed?”
“No. He had some broken bones, though. The real justice was 37 nuns taking turns whispering to him, I know what you did and if you ever do it again, you’re going straight to hell.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Marian swears they did. The guy hasn’t been seen around here since.”
“Talk about being scared straight…” Paul mused. “Well, I think I’d better get going.”
“Please stay. You can ride away first thing in the morning. It’s OK. Look, the cats are totally comfortable in your lap. And I feel totally comfortable around you. You’re a good listener, too. I think the two of us might have something.”
“Pam, I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to get too close. You are a bright, kind, and generous person, and a gorgeous young lady. Certainly, you have other admirers than me.”
“So, you admire me? And you think I’m…gorgeous?”
“That’s not the takeaway I was trying for. How old do you think I am, anyway?”
“Maybe 48 or 49. But what difference does it make? Age is just a number.”
“I wish it were. I’m 68. I’m old enough to be your father, Pam. You shouldn’t waste time with me. Every minute you spend with me would be better spent with someone younger, closer to your age. Someone you could build a life with. I don’t know you very well, but I know you well enough to say you deserve to spend your life with someone who can be there for the rest of it. Look, I’m a widower…”
“I know,” Pam broke in. “I noticed the dent in your finger where your ring used to be. How long were you married?”
“Just over 44 years.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“That’s what I want you to have. Not some old codger who will inevitably have health problems and drag you into being a caregiver during the best years of your life. We can be friends, I hope, but Doug and Marian, the dynamic duo who set us up on this date, are probably having a good laugh right now.”
“You don’t have the right to decide what I should do,” Pam sounded annoyed. “What if I really want to be closer to you? What if I want you regardless of your age? That should be my decision, don’t you think?”
“Well, normally I would totally agree. But Pam, first of all, we really should get to know each other better, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Of course, I do. I’m not saying I want you tonight, just that it’s not entirely up to you. It takes two, you know.”
“I know. I apologize. I’m just concerned about you, that’s all. If I were young again, I would have an entirely different opinion on staying the night. In that case, I might just take you in my arms and…” he stopped, thinking he probably overstepped.
“Why don’t you then?” Pam did her best Monty Python impression.
“Now you’re just teasing me.”
“Maybe, maybe not,” Pam laughed and then grew serious. “I need to tell you something, Paul. I’m a widow.”
“But you’re way too young…what happened?”
“Cancer. After 39 years of marriage.”
“I’m sorry. Wait…you’re only what? 32? 33?
“Try 63, Paul. My friend Marian has certain…shall we say…abilities. In about 2 minutes, I will look the way I usually look. You will see me as I really am. My youthful appearance was a test. To see whether you really respected me or just wanted to…you know.”
“Is this a joke? If so, it’s not funny, Pam. I really like you. I wanted to be your friend.”
“And you didn’t want to use me. I get it. Just wait and you’ll understand, Paul. ”
“It’s just not possible for anyone to look so young one minute and…”
Paul fell silent. Pam had turned around to spare him her transformation. In a minute, she faced Paul and their May to December date became more like a September Song.
“I’ll stay,” Paul sighed. “But I’m not so sure I want to meet your friend Marian.”
Pam glanced at the cats. “How do you know you haven’t met her already?”
“Please tell me you’re kidding.”
“I am. But the look on your face…” Pam smiled.
“Well, I still think you look gorgeous.”
MurrayWorks 