LITMIR.BIZ

      Stanley was beautiful. He came into my life gently. Always the gentleman. I am sure that he put a lot of thought into asking me to have coffee with him that day in the café. I was so quick to turn him down. But Stanley had made up his mind about me, so I was later told. He would not be deterred. He would simply sit and order his coffee and bagel. Then give his attention over to whatever book he was reading or paper he was writing. I couldn’t help but stare and wonder about him. Occasionally, our eyes would meet. He would smile and give a friendly nod and continue with his routine. I did notice, however, the pink in his cheeks. Which told me he still had an interest in me. And although I didn’t want to have an interest in him, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Wanting, even hoping, he would invite me to sit with him for coffee again. But he didn’t. Day after day, he didn’t. I was surprisingly frustrated by this. I tried to put him out of my mind, but I couldn’t stop thinking about this man. When I could stand it no longer, I requested the day off and went to the café. I knew Stanley would be there at his usual time, sitting at his usual table. I arrived early and sat down at his table. I ordered his usual, times two. Then I waited. He walked in at exactly eight fifteen, just like I knew he would. He started toward his table, and there I was.

      “Hello, Juliet. Looks like you have acquired my table. Does this mean I should find another?”

      “Now that would really be a shame, considering I have already ordered you coffee and a bagel. I think maybe you should sit here and have breakfast with me.”

      “That would be delightful. I would enjoy that.”

      Stanley’s face lit up with excitement and relaxed with relief. I couldn’t help but reciprocate his reaction. From that day forward, we met for coffee every morning. If I was working, I would save my break time so that I could take it with Stanley.

      Stanley said what he meant and meant what he said. He was very honest and straightforward. Serious and to the point. I never had to ask him what was on his mind because he shared his thoughts readily. I, on the other hand, liked to keep him guessing. I teased him playfully just to see his cheeks turn red.

      I told him all about my dreams to be a famous actress. He listened intently, showing real interest in what I had to say.

      “If anyone can do it, it will be you, Juliet,” he said sincerely.

      Stanley decided that he wanted to be a doctor when he was nine. His interest began with the fascination of how his own body worked. Observing how injuries healed and the process from illness to recovery. He began going to the library, and instead of checking out comic books or adventure stories, he went for anatomy and physiology books. He became especially interested in the dynamics of the immune system. So, after he graduated high school, he began the long arduous process of becoming a doctor. He was intelligent, kind, and handsome with wavy black hair and some premature gray, soft brown eyes, dominant cheekbones, and a smart straight nose. He had a very manly look. Nothing pretty boy about him. Just refined male handsomeness which fit his personality. He was quiet and laid-back. This could easily be mistaken for being shy or weak. But Stanley was neither.

      We both shared an enthusiastic interest in the great outdoors. We began planning hiking trips together when time could be found between us. He was quite skilled at everything outdoorsy. And because I lived alone in LA, he insisted on teaching me how to defend myself. This was how I found out that beneath all those button-up shirts and khaki pants was a strong capable body as well. I caught myself staring at him during our lessons and not minding the holds he would place me in while teaching me to get out of them. I began daydreaming about Stanley. Soon my thoughts and my days were consumed with being with him or thinking about being with him. I felt safe with him, trusted him. I loved him…