Monday, September 18, 2006

Conversation at a Corner Table

He was sitting at a corner table when she walked into the restaurant. She was thankful for the sound of her heels clicking on the tile floor because it distracted her from the sound of her heart beating in her chest.

She reached their table and he smiled at her. He stood and gave her a hug but she didn’t reciprocate the way she used to and he knew it.

He thanked her for meeting him and made small talk as the waitress poured the waters. He took a drink of the hot tea, a deep breath, and then started his apology. She watched him fidget with his chop sticks as he tried to make amends.

She was surprised by his candor when he mentioned how self-centered he had been. She resisted the urge to point out the various times his self-centeredness had whittled away at her.

He apologized for the lies and the way he had hurt her. She told him that she didn’t hate him; she wasn’t sure how she felt but she knew it wasn’t hate. He smiled a little and looked relieved.

He asked about her birthday, her summer, her family and her dog. She answered cautiously, not wanting to let him in too much.

She interrupted him at one point and asked, “What is it, exactly, that you want?”
He looked nervous when she asked but answered, “I just want you to know how sorry I am…for everything.” As she nodded her head he added, “And if you think it would be ok, I’d like to know you again.”

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. I was wondering how it went.

Sandra Dee said...

Ohhhhhh nooooooo! Good grief.

Do you think he means it or is he just lonely?

And more importantly: What are you going to do about this?!

KC said...

Beth - see email soon. :)
Sandra Dee - I think he is genuinely sorry...but I can't rule out the role loneliness played. As for what I'm going to do? I'll give him the benefit of the doubt...but not the same access he had before.

Sass said...

Fuck!

That's all I got.

Sass said...

oh and i think you need to meet me in vegas sept. 28-oct 2nd.

Thomas said...

Hello from Seattle!

JillWrites said...

poignant. and a bit worrisome. i want to protect the kc.

Marissa said...

and the ball is in YOUR court. as it should be.

and of course he wants to know you again, he realizes he was a fool for walking away from such an amazing woman.

Woodrow said...

You're the shit.