I noticed immediately when she walked in the door. There was a look on her face which I recognized, not from any profound insight on my part but simply because it is so easy to spot. She was waiting for someone, probably just a few minutes late from the manner in which she checked her watch, but he wasn't here. Yes, I could tell it was a man she was waiting for -- that was obvious as well, but I suspect knowing that was based more on my experience with similar situations.
I admit to smiling at her as she scanned the faces in the coffee shop. She hesitated for a moment before ruling me out as the person she was meeting, telling me that it was more than likely a blind meeting. Again, having been there before. But in truth it was because she was so cute that I smiled her way, obviously dressed to be admired.
I went back to my book, though not quite as immersed as I stopped now and then to watch her while she waited. I had all the time in the world, enjoying a free evening while travelling for a course. It's nice to get out of the hotel room but still find a pleasant place to relax. All the more interesting when there's a beautiful woman to watch. Time passes much more quickly for me, though I do stop to observe each nervous gesture -- checking her watch and cell phone, searching gazes out the window. She does take in the fact that I'm watching her, though it doesn't seem to surprise or offend.
I can discern the moment when she resigns herself to the fact that he isn't going to show up. I shake my head at the foolishness of this phantom cad, while considering whether it might be possible to make amends for his sin.
As she makes one final circle of the coffee shop looking out the windows I put down my book and smile at her again, "He's not showing up, is he?"
A blush and a small laugh precede her reply, "I suppose being stood up for a blind date does look terribly obvious, doesn't it?"
"Don't worry - only to those who have been there."
"You look terribly relaxed -- I could take some lessons from you. I'm feeling like a nervous wreck at this point in the evening."
"Lessons are freely given -- it's putting it into practice that always costs. My names Rob by the way -- why don't you sit down and join me for a few minutes?"
"Mine's Kate. A friendly conversation just might help to cut the tension I've caused myself."
We each tell a few stories about our past experiences meeting people in person for the first time after extended conversations online. We open up more than we would with friends, but leave unspoken the intentions of some of these encounters.
"So tell, me. Seeing as I've been stood up for my date tonight, would you like to take me out?"