Golden Happy Hour

Beth stepped towards a cafe-members house that Susan had suggested. Entry was an excellent hedge arch followed by an alley of smaller tress sided by marigold flower beds. It looked more like someone’s house, not a cafe. There was absolute silence and no one to be seen from the entrance. Beth opened the heavy 8 feet high oak door and walked through another magical tunnel of plants, making her feel excitingly goofy and wild. She felt like the most fitting thing to do right now would be to throw her shoes off and dance around like a boho flower chick.

She approached the hostess at the end of the tunnel, who guided her through the cafe.. well, she didn’t see anyone as all the tables had such private setups that you could barely imagine more people being there besides you. It was such a beautiful and bohemian place full of plants and art, colours and patterns, so calming while also kind of intriguing. The hostess guided her to a small corner table with banana leaf decor wallpaper and brown woven furniture.

“Beth, my love! I am so glad to see you! It’s been ages!” Screamed Susan jumping out from the corner Beth had not noticed.

It had been few weeks since she saw Susan. She had felt kind of at ease to have that break. Susan was a lot. She talked a lot. She overwhelmed you with her detailed stories and exaggerated gossip. Everything you didn’t need and what made you feel sick to your stomach while listening. Beth also felt obligated to keep in touch since she did not have many female friends, especially in this town. Beth knew Susan for decades.. since first grade, when they had shared a classroom and involuntarily become friends, Susan was the only other girl with such a strong southern accent as she. The accent might have been similar but not the personality. Susan was chatty and active, never still, while Beth was very analytical and more of an observer. In other words, extrovert and introvert, if you may. Classic combination.

The gap between their socializing had occurred because Beth had recently moved outside of the city, and since there was no real need to come to the town, she didn’t. Susan had not offered yet to visit, so Beth was more up to take the initiative. Having a husband and grown kids, Beth didn’t need to socialize with any lady friends, but she kept this flame burning since she didn’t know anyone in her neighbourhood. It had been over four decades since they first met, and even after getting married, raising their kids and sharing the experience of their empty nests.. the relationship seemed still the same. Only that now Beth was older, wiser, knowing her self worth and appreciating mindfulness.

“Beth, I need to tell you about that new woman in my office! I am so certain she got the job for all the wrong reasons, and we have seen her leaving the restaurant with her superior. Also, you have no idea who I saw last week?! Hardin Joanna.. and oh my, what has happened to her looks!”

Zoned out. Complete shutdown. How to process all that incoming data and put on a smiley listening face while it is complete and utter nonsense. Beth didn’t have to wait long for it. They had just finished their first glass of wine when Susan announced that she needs to run to her nieces baby shower, but it’s been fun catching up. Beth was amazed. Somewhat relieved to be released from her active listening duty while also feeling disrespected. Its been over forty years that she makes time and puts effort into meeting Susan. She had taken off her entire day, woke up early to drove almost two hours and met up with Susan, who did not intend to visit her. And now she is given the cold shoulder after barely an hour. No excuses, no apologies. Susan clearly did not comprehend the amount of effort Beth had spent to see her. Was that even a real friendship or just something they kept alive for the old time’s sake? Why do we hold onto something that does not satisfy our soul but makes us feel complete from society’s perspective? Is it wrong to let go of people that are close to you but also so distant?

Susan left, leaving Beth to settle their bill, and it made Beth feel confused. “Why do I get so upset for receiving such a gift to enjoy my day instead of suffering and putting on a fake smile?!” This place was clearly something magical, and even though Susan had suggested the location... Beth could not imagine any connection between Susan and that place. She was eager to explore all these remote corners and learn more about that cafe slash ladies clubhouse. Who are these members? The waiter arrived to help her out and suggested a cocktail bar to mingle with other ladies. Beth was not the most outgoing personality, but this place deeply intrigued her and considering her day had just cleared up, she was ready for an adventure that might require dumping her high heels and dancing the afternoon away.

Here she was.. almost fifty and ready to turn a new page full of fresh blood without looking back with guilt. We are not given enough time to waste on faulty connections and confusing emotions. Better to enjoy the days filled with magical settings and people that make you feel so comfortable that you never want that moment to end.