July 26, 2008

• Each morning since I’ve been back from Sunriver I dress to laces, as Flylady calls it, and leave the house by 8:00.  I drive to a new coffee shop with the Investors Business Daily or my Spanish book, and I study.  In between sips of iced coffee (I made the switch in this heat) I observe the men. 

  There are many men at this location, and here all this time I have been sitting around the corner.  The coffee is better there but I much prefer this new place.  The morning sun plays with the many colors on the wall, softening the orange and brightening the yellow.  It is cheery and, as the regulars file in for their usual cup to go, Ray greets his favorites. 

  I think he is the owner.  Short and slightly round, he wears black clogs and white socks.  I always like his shirts.  Slightly older than I, he spends his mornings with whatever 20-something girl is working that day.  He treats them like a good teacher would and when his shift is up he joins his golf buddies on the couch where he sips espresso out of a demitasse cup. 

  The music is better here, too.  It’s like being at his party.  He’s a good host but so far I haven’t made the guest list.  What I like about him is that he’s one way with the girls and another with the golfers, but I think the real Ray sits outside.  You can tell when he comes out from behind the counter and stands close to someone that he’s a good friend to have.  He’s someone you can really talk to.

  • 2:05 am
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