Their conversation was natural and casual. She told him a little about her job and why she was in D.C. The day had been long and the meeting had been intense and exhausting, but they had accomplished much. She thought they would be able to finish by mid or late afternoon on Friday, at which point she would decide whether or not to head back to Richmond. She didn't need to get back right away, and the thought of three hour drive after another stressful and draining day was not very appealing.
He told her that he had an apartment within walking distance, and that he frequented Maddy's at least once a week. He spent more time at The Meeting Place, a coffee shop down the street. Most often, he spent his evenings alone.
He was an English professor. He had relocated to the Northern Virginia area about 10 years ago, had left for a couple of years, but had just returned to D.C. to take a teaching position at American University. He was passionate about education, and couldn't imagine doing anything else. He had explored other opportunities, but he decided he would keep teaching as long as he enjoyed it, and maybe, eventually transitioning to teaching part-time to spend more time writing.
She had lived in Richmond about 10 years; it was now home, but not quite. She didn't elaborate too much on where she was from or the path she had traveled.
She had a daughter middle school and son in elementary school. In the last few years, life had a different feel. There seemed to be more time for her, fewer obligations, at least with family. She had her friends and different things she liked to do, the gym ... the weekly book club. She was active, exercising daily, whether it be running or working out.
He told her of his love for the outdoors, and his passion for cycling. He didn't like groups, enjoying more the solitude of a long, lonely ride. Hiking, camping, and riding all allowed him to indulge his reclusive tendencies, alone with his thoughts and the experience of the moment. This isolation and aloneness were necessary to both his mental and emotional well-being. It allowed him to explore and reflect upon his deepest aspect of his true self.
But, he liked to spend time at Maddy's and a few local coffee shops, and other places with people. He was able to connect with others, but still at a distance, observing and listening to those around him without having to get too close.
He too was a voracious reader with eclectic tastes, consuming everything ... fiction, news, political ideology, history, philosophy, theology ... erotica.
"What are you reading now? You seemed enthralled by it."
