The two women, no older than thirty, were enjoying coffee at the diner after an evening of Broadway entertainment. They conversed about the play, analyzed the subtle overtones, and chastised the love story.
“Some more coffee?” the waitress said.
One of the women, Kathy, looked puzzled at the waitress.
“We’re okay,” the other said.
“Okay. Just let me know if you’ll be needing anything else.”
The waitress cleared the table, and when she was gone Kathy said, “Doesn’t she look familiar, Laura?”
Laura was finishing her coffee when she gazed over to the waitress. “All waitresses have that familiar look. I’m sure we’ve never met her before. Probably seen her at any store or walking the city. It’s a big place, but the world is small.”
“No, I’m more than sure I’ve seen her somewhere.” “Well why not ask her?”
“I couldn’t!”
“Why not? It’s a simple question.”
“I guess. But what would I say? I’d be too embarrassed.” “Kat, if you don’t ask you’ll be stewing about it all night. Just call her over for the check and ask her.” “Good plan.” Kathy raised her hand, and the waitress came to the table.
“Ready to go?” the waitress asked. Kathy answered. “Yes.”
The waitress calculated the bill and placed it on the table. “Whenever you’re ready,” she said.
“Before you go,” Kathy started. “I’m sorry. This might seem a little strange, but I’m more than sure I’ve seen you before. Have we ever met?”
The waitress paused. “We went to Columbia together,” she said. “Graduated the same year.”
“That’s right, Janice,” Kathy said. The silence was uncomfortable.
“So how have you been?” Kathy said.
“Just fine,” Janice said and forced a dry smile. “I thought you were going to med school?”
“Oh, Kat, she doesn’t have to answer your questions.” “I’m just making conversation.”
“Look,” Janice said, “if it’s any consolation, my mother fell ill after graduation. I never went to med school.”
“Oh!” Kathy said. “I hope she’s okay.”
“Just leave the check on the table,” Janice said abruptly. “I didn’t mean to pry,” Kathy said.
“It doesn’t matter. But it was nice to see you.” “You too.”
Janice left the table, disappearing into the kitchen. “Seriously, Kat, do you always have to pry into people’s business?”
“I was just asking a question.”
Laura placed a twenty on the table. “I think it’s best that we go,” she said.
“But I feel just horrible.”
“Let’s just forget it. She obviously doesn’t want to talk.
So we’ll do her a favor and leave her be.” They left the diner.
Janice watched from the kitchen as they left. Her hands were shaking as she bit her lip, her eyes on the verge of tears. She hurried to the storage closet, shut the door, and sat down on a box. But the tears ceased then as the eyes turned to a blank stare.
Her hands wouldn’t stop shaking, but she was oblivious to the trembling. Her eyes were lost.