Free Chance Encounter by Chris Alesso Page A

he took the price for both out of the twenty I had sitting in front of me.
    “Oh dear,” She said. “I can pay you or just get the next one.”
    “Either way,” I replied.
    “I’ve never been here before.” She continued after a moment. “He – my friend - gave me the impression it wouldn’t be crowded. I’m Marilee, by the way.” She offered her hand.
    “I’m Rachel,” I said taking her hand briefly and then reaching for a sip of my Irish coffee. I continued to hold it, enjoying the warmth in my hands against the dank air. “It rarely is on Thursday nights.” I said, thinking about what she said. “Must be the rain; this is much more pleasant than a crowded train station. Tomorrow night now this place will be buzzing with unattached singles from all over the business district.”
    “ That would explain all the black suits.” She said with sudden understanding. She scanned my outfit briefly. “I guess that includes you. Are you one of those financial types?”
    “Only by association. I manage computer support at one of the consultant companies.” I replied. “From the way you’re dressed, I’d guess you aren’t one of us.”
    No, I’m a physical therapist. I work up at St Matthias.”
    “Really, my friend Hannah worked there for awhile. How long have you been there?”
    “About a year. What’s your friend’s last name?”
    “You wouldn’t know her then. She moved about two years ago. She got a job reviewing claims for an HMO.”
    She studied me surreptitiously. Admittedly, I did not look my best. After all, I had walked in the rain for two blocks and my umbrella did little to protect my hair from going limp. The ponytail I had created when I got here was neat; but what can I say, it’s not my best hairdo.
    “There’s a man waving at you over there.” she said pointing. “If that’s your date I’ll move along.”
    I looked up and recognized a fellow I knew from work. With elaborate hand motions, he was inviting me to join his group, so I smiled and waved as I shook my head.
    “Sit. That’s just someone from my office. I’m not meeting anyone in particular. And I’m not looking to join anyone. I put my purse on that seat, because I can watch it better.” I answered.
    “So, you’re really just waiting out the rain? My grandmother would have described this rain as ‘God washing away the sins of the world.’.” She looked at the water streaming down the windows. “…we must have been bad.”
    “But tomorrow we’ll all begin again.” I smiled. “What a nice idea. I like your grandmother, I think.”
    “She’s pretty smart.”
    “Actually,” I said slowly, surprised that I was about to share something with her. “I was coming here tonight no matter what. Nothing to do with the weather. It’s sort of an anniversary. Or maybe it’s just a final acknowledgement.
    Merilee raised her eyes questioningly. “Former lover? … Broken heart?”
    “No.” I said and tried to choose my words carefully. “No, more of a wake. At least I’ve come to accept it as that. I came to say my last good-byes.”
    “Wow” Marilee said. This time she turned her head and stared out at the crowd. I thought perhaps she was looking to get away from an awkward moment, but she surprised me.
    “You want to talk about it?”
    “Actually,” I said after a moment, “I’d love to. It would do me good. But you’ve got a big date. I won’t put a damper on it.”
    She looked at me with eyes that said she had experience listening to people’s confidences. “You need to tell it though, and sometimes talking to a stranger is easiest. My guy won’t be here for awhile. I told you I came early. Tell me your story and then we’ll find something happier to talk about.”
    “Thanks,” I said. “I would like to talk about it.”
    I drank a little of my coffee and took a moment to collect my thoughts.
    “Like I said, it’s an anniversary.” I began. “A year ago today, I came here with my friend