The Meetups

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This is my fifth time. We all sit round with coffee mugs cradled in our hands. If you saw us you may think we were all trying to warm our hands with our hot mugs on a cold winter’s day. It would be far from the truth. It was a lovely summer’s day and we are all sat outside, basking in the sun.

“And how are you today?”. The fat lady enquires.

15 seconds later I realise that she is addressing me. I grasp my mug even tighter, a reflex reaction. I hate being put on the spot.

My mouth opens slightly. I’m feeling Shss…..t!

I take another 10 seconds to re-phrase the answer in my head before I open my mouth again
“Erm… not too bad… not been sleeping too well the last 4 days ….
but apart from that am not too bad……”

I take a sip of my coffee.

I love these meet-ups. For years I have felt very lonely. I felt no-one really understood me. I felt an outcast with my family. That was until I discovered the Coffee Club. It was a liberating feeling knowing there were others like me. Other coffee lovers.

The fat lady talks again. I take another sip.

As her attention diverts to another member of the Club I find I start drifting into my own world. Concentrate! I must concentrate!
Concentration was one of my major problems. And I was forever reminded of my lack of it by my boss. God I detest him. He’s a tea lover and I would love to pour his tea over his head one day!

“That’s great! Petra, you have started writing your new book” I think it was Fred who spoke.
He is so gorgeous! I give him a flirtatious blink but it looks like he did not notice.

Another reason I attend these meetups is the hope of meeting my soul coffee mate. Of course not! I’m not that shallow!

Concentrate! I take another sip.

After attending four previous meetups I have learnt that there was an underlying theme with the City Diners Coffee Club - Self Development.

For the last two years I felt stuck in a rut being in a job I loved but working with autistic adults ( not in the literal sense!) was making my life hard work! I knew I had to get out of my situation before losing my sanity. But I have been procrastinating ever since my bed broke. It’s no wonder I don’t sleep well I tell myself. My bed is lopsided. I will spare you the details how it arrived at such a state.

Sip.

“I know… I know.. I’ve been meaning to write this book for ages! I’m so proud of myself now that I have started the ball rolling” Petra’s face is of glee and ecstatic.

“Well done Petra” I join in with the praises.

Deep down I was jealous. I wish I had the talent to write a book too.

You can do anything you want, if you put your mind and heart to it! That is what the fat lady keeps telling us.

Before I know it the hour and half is up. Members starts to leave and I need another cup of coffee.

“See you next week!”
“Yes, yes see you next week”

I feel lifted in spirits. Together as a group we have empowered each other.
I tell myself this time next week I will have a new bed and an updated CV.

I give Fred a wink as I depart.

Copyright@2009 by Sandra Fox

My coffee love affair continues....

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If you come across a Starbucks in Green Park, London, there is a high chance you will see me there.
Cradling mug with both hands, sipping and watching the world go by. My favourite pastime since breaking up with Henry. He was a nice man, but he was a tea lover. Need I say anymore?

Today I have an important presentation at 9am. Although I dislike the new boss (another tea lover) I need to make a good impression with our pay rise review in a couple of weeks' time.

"Good Morning! ...the usual?"
"Yes, large, black!"

It's how I like it first thing in the morning. Even more so this morning. I have not slept properly for 3 nights in a row.

It's 8.10am. Enough time for a sit down, enjoy my brew and a last minute preparation for my presentation.

8.20am... sip... 8.35am...sip.. I check my watch.. he's normally here by now.

Maybe he decided to change Cafe? perhaps they serve better coffee down the road?

He's dark, tall and he's a coffee lover too! I can tell a coffee lover.
People who like drinking coffee are people that live for the moment. And those who like their coffee black are feisty in character. They like a challenge and downright honest!

Usually he comes in around 8.20am. I'm there already seated. With his pin-striped suit and leather suitcase, well-shaven and chiselled features, he orders his black coffee and usually sits down for 10 minutes to read the Financial Times.

Oh god I'm can't believe I am getting upset over a stranger. I should be concentrating on my notes but instead my thoughts are on him.

Where IS he?

The door swings open and he enters. I am already captivated.

In truth, I have been eying this guy up for 3 months solid. Today is my lucky day he chooses a table near me. I refrain from looking. I must not stare. I keep my head down and start twirling a few strands of my hair with my finger. I wonder whether he has noticed me? He sips, I sip, we are in synchrony. I feel slightly aroused from the aroma of the coffee and the aroma of his aftershave.

I tell myself that I will pluck up the courage to say hello to him tomorrow.
oh damn! 8.45am. Time to make a move.

As I leave the Cafe I turn and take one more look at him... yes ... tomorrow....definitely .... tomorrow....

Copyright@2009 by Sandra Fox