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They were an odd looking couple at first glance.
The man, older than the pretty young woman beside him. Both could turn heads and draw attention in their own way, despite how ordinary the two of them seemed to the casual observer.
Average height and stocky build, the male theoretically towered over his partner. In reality, he only had a few inches on the woman, but the air of confidence made his presence seem much larger. The air that radiated from him was that of cold, egotistical indifference. His eyes were dark and calculating. His dark hair cut short. The shiny silver watch on his wrist and the expensive suit he wore gave off the impression that most people were below him and hardly worth his time.
A typical businessman who was cut from the cloth of those destined to steal everything the average American had slaved to make. Only to hand it over to the devil; hardly any the wiser.
Which was why one could only wonder what he was doing in the company of such a woman.
She was young. Pretty. Long chestnut hair thrown into a messy bun that only seemed to enhance her beauty. If she was wearing any makeup, it was very conservative. Perhaps enough to cover any blemishes, but nothing more. Natural beauty.
Armoured with chelsea boots, a fine fitting pair of dark jeans, and an oversized sweater. While not poorly in any sense of the word, the young woman was just so much more casual in her appearance compared to her male counterpart. Her brown eyes radiated warmth and curiosity. Doe-like and welcoming to those she deemed friendly enough.
The man stood in the lineup with a tense jaw and hard brow. His arms were crossed over his chest. The woman wore a singular pair of earbuds, the stark-white objects contrasting against her sun-kissed skin as one bud hung down towards her chest. She was lightly tapping her foot to a beat only she could hear.
As though sensing the mood from her companion, she glanced up through her lashes at him. He continued to stare ahead, as though he hardly noticed her inquisitive gaze. Then, he gradually uncrossed his arms, one hand going into his trouser pocket in a much more casual stance. His harsh eye softened ever so slightly. Then, the woman took the remaining earbud and placed it into the man’s ear so he too could hear whatever tempo had captivated the young woman beside him.
Then, almost interceptively, both parties let their hands wander down.
Stephen watched as the two conducted what could be argued as ¨holding hands¨. Their pinkies barely interlaced with one another. The man´s dwarfing the woman´s.
Interesting.
A few minutes later, both parties approched the counter to give their order.
Stephen gave them his well-practiced fake smile and pleasant greetings. The woman returned the smile. The man still frowned. The shared earbud now absent.
¨Two medium coffees. One black. One with two cream, two sugar.¨
The man´s voice was clipped and straight to the point. Yep. Definitley a businessman even if the suit he wore didn´t give him away.
Stephen accepted the cash and brought up their orders. A polite smile from the woman and the two were on their way.
He watched. Transfixed. There had to be at least a decade between the pair. And yet. They could communicate in ways one typically only read or watched in movies.
Stephen was left wondering how they met. How long they´ve known each other. Just what the title of their relationship was with one another and if they even knew themselves.