Cafe Flore II
I usually go to Cafe Flore at least three times a week, especially when my friends Be and O are working at the bar. They are perfect examples of what casual acquaintances, slowly simmered over time, turn into friendship. They know what I usually get for drink--a large double nonfat latte to start and maybe a cup of English breakfast afterwards. Anyway, I was up at Cafe Flore for my usual rut after work--bringing with me a stack of papers, my laptop, my iPod and a couple of books to read. I put on the headphones in which the vivacious movements of Haydn Symphony 95 (Haydn, my thinking music) came alive as I scribbled a few thoughts on my Moleskine notebook. A guy in his mid to late-forties, with a slightly buzz cut hair, somewhat muscular, built more like an ex-football player, but not too tall, walked up to my table. (I had to confess he was pretty cute.) At first I was not aware of him but when I looked up, I was a little taken aback then he was going to invite himself to sit down:"Are you Chris?"
"No."
Upon hearing that his cheeks were sunken.
"Do you know an Asian guy named Chris?"
"No."
Why and *HOW* would he get the idea that I know this guy Chris whom he's obviously meeting here for the first time. Talk about randomness.
About 20 minutes later, I went up to the bar and had Be refill a cup of hot water for my tea. The supposed Chris, who was late, finally walked in and surveyed the entire cafe and looked to meet his new friend. I could see how the ex-coach (my fantasy LOL) had mistaken me for his new boyfriend--we're both of the same height, both sported a moustache, both built a somewhat too hunky for the usual scrawny Asian guys.
I told Be about this interesting encounter. She gave a quick, crisp laugh to signalled her not being surprised. This is Cafe Flore, after all, known for the addictive people-watching, for the furtive glance aplenty. I walked back to my corner table where I was basking in the warm aftternoon sun, took up those headphones again whith Haydn Symphony 22--the Philosopher's Symphony on.
Cafe Flore, what a cruisy place.
8 Comments:
LOL! That is so odd --- that he thinks you would know his date.
I think all places in San Francisco are cruisy --- especially in The Castro.
I still prefer my Sweet Inspirations. More laid back.
...I've been sooooo sick. The doctor is allowing me to return to work for tomorrow. oy.
Don't all of us Asians know each other? I'm the non-scrawny one. Heh.
You should just tell him you're hris since he was all over you LOL
I like Sweet Inspirations too except that I have to fight my temptation to the cakes.
That is very odd - and it makes me wonder what would've happened if you said you were Chris? And honestly that comment seems more fitting for the East Coast - where there aren't as large of concentrations and diversities of Asian-Americans (other than NYC). Great entry.
You should have replied "do you know a white guy named jackass?"
Not that I'd have the cojones to do it. :)
Matty: I know you're such the PR for SI, I like it too on some days. :)
Dig: You don't seem scrawny to me! Glad we're on the same boat buddy.
Chris and Minger: I'm glad I didn't say that because I've been seeing him around, but without Chris! I saw Chris hanging out with another sugar-daddy the other day at the Harvey's! Poor guy....
Joshua: It was very odd indeed. But I could understand why he might have thought I was Chris--because Chris and I looked like the "same type". :)
For a first time stopping by your blog, I'm really struck by how much I enjoy your writing style, and how many of the same books we've read! I have to admit when I first read the story my first impulse was like that of digital t-square, but perhaps I'm too quick to judge. Maybe I'll have to spend more time over at the Flore.
Post a Comment
<< Home