That's Life

Dear That’s Life,

I had not seen him in a while, but Willy is back.

He was sitting outside my favorite Starbucks (and yes, too many of these entries involve that franchise but we can talk about that another time) and I was surprised to see him.

“Hey, Willie,” I said with a smile.

He looked up, shielding his eyes from the sun.

“Hey, Crazy Girl,” he replied.

“How are things?” I asked. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

In retrospect, I am not sure what I expected him to say. If things had been ‘good’, would he be begging for money and food outside of a coffee shop? So before he had a chance to answer, I offered him a drink.

“I’m getting myself something, Willie,” I said, motioning to the store. “What can I get you?”

Considering his options for a minute, knowing full well what the choices are on the menu and that in the sweltering heat drinking a hot beverage would not cut it, he answered.

“I’ll take an iced venti, sweetened, passion tea lemonade,” he decided. I was a bit stunned –– not just because he ordered the drink in the correct Starbucks fashion, but because clearly, Willie had developed a most sophisticated palate.

“You got it,” I responded, and went inside to order his drink.

Coincidentally, Starbucks is pushing its new line of health and fiber filled smoothies and samples were being passed around by a tray wielding employee. I declined the offer but then the barista took her tray outside and offered some to Willie, who took three samples. After his iced tea was finished being made, I brought it outside to him, noticing the sample cups sitting next to him on the ground –– one barely touched, the others still full.

“This stuff is disgusting,” he said to me, pointing to the samples.

“Sorry, Willie,” I said. “I didn’t taste them.”

He took the iced tea from me and took a long sip through the straw, wanting to get the taste out of his mouth.

“Well, they’re terrible,” he replied after coming up for air, and then added, “Even beggars can be choosers.”

MLW