MWG Writes on Q
June 2015
Stories & Such
Coffee Break
“How long have we been meeting like this?” Sam wondered
casually to his companion seated across the table. He and Jake
had been coming to the same Tim Horton’s once a week for
decades and it had become a favorite ritual for both of them.
They usually discussed things like world events or politics or
sports—nothing personal, just guy stuff.
“I don’t know—twenty years maybe.” Jake dabbed a serviette
at the crumbs in his beard. As a professional in the business
world, he had been scrupulous about his appearance, but now
that he was retired, Jake regarded shaving as more trouble
than it was worth. “Anyway, why do you ask?”
“No reason. Just wondering.” Sam turned his ever watchful
eyes towards the commotion at the front door. A boisterous
group of teenagers had burst into the coffee shop and were
clustered around the counter, impatiently waiting to give their
orders. A few were clowning around, but, in general, they
struck Sam as harmless.
“Look at that,” said Jake. “Were we ever so young?”
“Or so innocent?” added Sam wistfully.
“That’s an odd thing to say,” Jake said, pushing his chair back
and starting to get up. “Anyway, I’m still hungry. I’m going
for a muffin. Can I get you anything?”
Sam stared off into the distance as if distracted. “Maybe an
apple Danish,” he said, digging into his back pocket for his
wallet. Before he could fish it out, Jake was halfway to the
counter.
Gloomily Sam swirled the black liquid on the bottom of his
cup into dark circles. He wondered if he dared to get things
By: Bev Bachmann
Author of murder mystery novel
Christmas Touches. Retired high
school English teacher.