Nice Mugs (cont'd)

"Well, when I analyze the juxtaposition of the artwork on your mug, it clearly indicates a predilection for jazz." I said.  "Yeah, I don't think so" she replied looking down at her book.  "Or perhaps it was the enthusiasm with which you were tapping your fingers in time with John Coltrane?"  I asked mustering the wittiest look I could.  What about the puppy dogs?" she asked without looking up.  "Everyone loves puppy dogs" I replied with a smug look on my face.  She laughed and looked up at me, silent for a moment.  "You are a bit odd aren't you?".  "You think?" I replied.  "I don't mean in a bad way.  More like interesting odd..." she trailed off looking out the front window.  I could sense some emotional pain in her blank stare.  "...and married?" she said glancing at my ring finger. "24 years with the greatest woman in the world" I replied."  "Why are you here" she asked starkly.  "Apparently to meet you".  "Ha...  Not likely she said looking down at her book again.  "Why are you here?" I asked.  "Not to meet you" she replied.  "I stood there for a moment, unsure what to do next.  The coffee shop was rapidly filling with patrons and I was beginning  to feel out of place standing next to her table. "Are you just going to stand there all day or are you going to sit down and have a proper conversation with me?" she asked flashing a toothy grin.  I smiled, set my backpack down, then sat down across the table from her.