Love is a Unicorn
One of the worst things a person at peace with herself and her life can do is listen to someone who is not. That is exactly why I refused my best friend’s offer to fix me up with my perfect match. No offense to CeCe, but if she couldn’t find a perfect match for herself, I doubt she can find one for me. Her and her husband, Greg, are like two bullheaded warriors, clashing over their shared domain. If that’s what she was able to find for herself then no thank you, I’ll pass.
“Talia, are you sure you don’t want to meet him?” CeCe’s voice rang out through my earbuds. She’d called me while I sat in my favorite cafe, waiting for my bi-weekly treat of over-priced coffee and calorie loaded coffee cake.
“Most definitely. I like going home to peace and quiet, and I’m done with giving up my happiness to be part of a couple. Appreciate the offer, but I’m good.” I reached into my bag and pulled out the book I was hoping this conversation wouldn’t trump my getting a chance to start reading.
“Pity. You are missing out on a chance for love. Guess I’ll have to find someone else to hook him up with. He’s too nice of a guy to go to waste.” CeCe’s voice was covered in determination, and I felt sorry for her next target.
“I’m good with that, and for the record love is a unicorn and I’m done taking chances and chasing unicorns.” I smiled at the waitress as she sat my treats in front of me.
“Yeah I get it. Go on and enjoy your utopia and I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Will do,” I said, ending the call and pulling out my earbuds. As I reached for my coffee and cake, a voice from the table next to me said, “Excuse me, young lady, but due to the close proximity of these tables I couldn’t help over hearing your comment about unicorns. Let me tell you unicorns exist and are worth the chance and chase.”
I resisted the strong urge to roll my eyes as I looked over at the lady that sat at the table next to mine’s. She looked like she was in her forties, but I suspected she was in her late fifties or early sixties. She was so fit and fabulous that I was starting to second guess my coffee cake choice. “I suppose you were able to capture one?” To my surprise, she stood and took a couple of steps over to my table.
“You mind if I join you?” she asked and waited until I gave her the go ahead before having a seat. "I’m Lauren by the way.”
“Talia,” I responded, and then for the next hour listened, first impatiently before coming captivated, to her recounting of how she and her Walter met and the wonderful life they created for themselves. She didn’t sugar coat it either, sharing their highs and lows. Once she was done, all I could say was, “Wow. Are you two still together?”
She smiled and looked out the cafe window and waved someone in. A tall, distinguished looking man folded himself out of a white Cadillac parked in front of the cafe. “He hasn’t been waiting for you this whole time, has he?”
“No, I wouldn’t be that inconsiderate. He pulled up about five minutes ago and I signaled him to give me a minute.”
Walter reached the table and she introduced us. “Walter, this lovely young lady is Talia and Talia this handsome gentleman is the one who restored my belief in unicorns.”
Walter gave his wife a questioning look, then turned and greeted me, “Nice to meet you, Talia.”
“Same here, Walter. Nice to meet you,” I replied almost feeling starstruck meeting the leading man in Lauren’s story.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked his wife.
“I am. Look Talia, it was nice talking to you, but I feel like I cheated myself by doing all the talking. How about we meet here, same time next week, and I can get to know you better?” She stood and placed her bag on her shoulder before placing an arm around Walter’s waist.
“Sure, that would be nice,” I said, truly meaning it. I watched them walk out the door together, looking like new love and not love that’s been together for thirty-four years. She almost had me willing to go chasing unicorns, but even though she showed me they do exist, it doesn’t negate the fact that they are rare. I looked at my watch and decided to order another cup of coffee to go with the cake I hadn’t touched.
***
On the drive home Lauren made a phone call. “I think you may be right. I’ll know for sure after I talk to her next week. If all goes well next week, I’ll set up another coffee chat with her and have Quentin pick me up. If we are right, sparks should fly and we can just let nature take its course. I’ll keep you posted, CeCe.” Lauren hung up the phone and smiled.
“Our son is going to kill you if he finds out,” Walter told his wife, shaking his head.
“Love is a unicorn and some people like our son and Talia need a little help capturing it. If it happens to result in me getting a few grand babies then I’m all for helping them out.”
“What is with you and unicorns today?” Walter asked, perplexed. Lauren laughed before filling him in.
***
Talia finished her coffee and cake then headed home, unsuspecting that she would soon catch a unicorn.