Like They Just Met

At the Classic Cup Cafe, I notice an older man near the restroom pointing his phone toward the patio.

For a second, I’m offended. Is he seriously sneaking a picture of me and my friends?

Then I realize I have it all wrong.

He’s taking a picture of his wife.

She’s sitting outside in the afternoon light, looking like she could be on vacation somewhere—a sleeveless floral top, a thick black headband holding back her hair, gold jewelry catching the light.

She looks effortlessly put together, perfectly content at her little table, completely unaware that her husband is admiring her from inside.

I wonder how long they’ve been together. Something about them makes me imagine years.

And yet, watching him sneak a picture of her from across the restaurant, you’d think they had just met.