I emerge from the dark congested Metro station to find a heavy, overcast sky, driving rain, and bustling pedestrians huddled beneath the shelter of black umbrellas.
I dash inside Bed, Bath and Beyond, then stroll through the aisles, giving my eyes time to adjust to the harsh fluorescent lights.
Mr. K: "I've been expecting you."
Me: "What? I beg your pardon?" I turn and see him.
Mr. K: "Don't you remember me? We met at your friends' place in New Hampshire. Have you already forgotten we spent last Christmas together?"
Me: "Yes, of course I remember. I had a wonderful holiday with my friends."
Mr. K: "You spent most of the time in the kitchen with me."
Me: "Well, you know they say all the best parties end up in the kitchen."
Mr. K: "As I recall, you were the first to come downstairs for breakfast. Perhaps, because you knew I was there? C'mon, Sweetheart; why don't you admit you came in here to find me."
Me: "I just wanted to get out of the rain. Really."
He glances at my hands. I look down and realize I'm clutching a 20% off Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon.
Me: "Oh, this? I was thinking about buying some towels."
Mr. K: "Linens are on the other side of the store. I watched you walk past them when you came in. Admit it, Babe. We both know why you're here. You got a taste of Old Mr. K. and can't stop thinking about him.....am I right?"
Me: "Towels. Honestly. I only came in for towels." I stammer.
Mr. K: "Yeah, sure. So, what are you in the mood for, Babe? Something a little dark? French? Italian?" He smirks as he drags out each syllable, "Col-ummmm-bian? Maybe you would rather have something a bit more on the sweet side? Irish Creme? Hazelnut? Belgian Chocolate? I remember you were particularly fond of Kahlua. I'm all about variety, Honey. Whatever makes you happy."
Me: "It's late. I really should be getting home."
Mr. K: "We both know you're not leaving without me."
Me: "Rain....uh....rain...and it's cold outside...." I stammer.
Mr. K: "Cold? I can fix you right up with some spicy, hot Chai Latte. Later tonight, a little of my soothing, warm chamomile will help you drift right off into dreamland...."
Me: "Well, I do like Chai Latte."
Mr. K: "That's my girl. Now, let's take care of a little business with the cashier and head over to your place."
I dash inside Bed, Bath and Beyond, then stroll through the aisles, giving my eyes time to adjust to the harsh fluorescent lights.
Mr. K: "I've been expecting you."
Me: "What? I beg your pardon?" I turn and see him.
Mr. K: "Don't you remember me? We met at your friends' place in New Hampshire. Have you already forgotten we spent last Christmas together?"
Me: "Yes, of course I remember. I had a wonderful holiday with my friends."
Mr. K: "You spent most of the time in the kitchen with me."
Me: "Well, you know they say all the best parties end up in the kitchen."
Mr. K: "As I recall, you were the first to come downstairs for breakfast. Perhaps, because you knew I was there? C'mon, Sweetheart; why don't you admit you came in here to find me."
Me: "I just wanted to get out of the rain. Really."
He glances at my hands. I look down and realize I'm clutching a 20% off Bed, Bath & Beyond coupon.
Me: "Oh, this? I was thinking about buying some towels."
Mr. K: "Linens are on the other side of the store. I watched you walk past them when you came in. Admit it, Babe. We both know why you're here. You got a taste of Old Mr. K. and can't stop thinking about him.....am I right?"
Me: "Towels. Honestly. I only came in for towels." I stammer.
Mr. K: "Yeah, sure. So, what are you in the mood for, Babe? Something a little dark? French? Italian?" He smirks as he drags out each syllable, "Col-ummmm-bian? Maybe you would rather have something a bit more on the sweet side? Irish Creme? Hazelnut? Belgian Chocolate? I remember you were particularly fond of Kahlua. I'm all about variety, Honey. Whatever makes you happy."
Me: "It's late. I really should be getting home."
Mr. K: "We both know you're not leaving without me."
Me: "Rain....uh....rain...and it's cold outside...." I stammer.
Mr. K: "Cold? I can fix you right up with some spicy, hot Chai Latte. Later tonight, a little of my soothing, warm chamomile will help you drift right off into dreamland...."
Me: "Well, I do like Chai Latte."
Mr. K: "That's my girl. Now, let's take care of a little business with the cashier and head over to your place."