Sandwich Shop Romance

Stopping at my wife's favorite sandwich shop, I observed something that made me pause and smile. I witnessed two employees flirting. They were the only two working, and I think they were happy about that.

The scene started innocently enough. Only the guy was out front when I walked in, and I could tell he was a good employee. Kind words floated toward me as I approached the counter, where I was greeted with a warm smile. “How’s your day going?” Not just a greeter, he’s a conversationalist. I was in the right mood, so I took the bait and a wordy dance was initiated.

After some pleasantries, I realized it was time to get the order in. I made the trek for three sandwiches, and my wife and daughter were hungry at home. Being intuitive, he quickly recognized a slight change in my tone, and moved on to sandwich creation. Even though it wasn’t a large order, he continued his professional behavior by asking for some help from the back.

Out comes a woman about his own age. I immediately noticed their vibe - courteous, but clearly not old friends. They didn’t have any shared memories from childhood. What they did have was an ease with each other. That ever-precious personal space we only become aware of when it is breached didn’t exist with them. As they began their work, their arms crossed over each other. They spoke while looking each other in the eyes.

Curiosity invaded my senses, and I searched for leading questions. “How long have you both worked here, what’s your favorite sandwich recommendation, what’s the weirdest order you have ever seen?” Not interrogation worthy inquiries, but I only wanted to see how much they answered for each other.

Turns out it was a lot more than the average coworker. And when one saw the other answer for them, it brought on a wry smile. They were amused by each other’s answers. They began talking over each other.

Then the funniest thing happened between two people with that kind of kinetic energy. They started ignoring me. Their answers led to more questions, but they weren’t about my desired toppings. They were learning about each other. They were crushing - and I was the third wheel.

I left the shop thoroughly delighted. Young love is refreshing. It’s hopeful. It reminds you that good things happen. That happiness is out there, and often found in unexpected places. What did the future hold for these two sandwich artists? Don’t know, and I won’t know.

What I got to witness was a spark. And that spark was contagious. When I delivered the goods to my wife, I tried a little homemade flirting of my own. It didn’t amount to anything, but that didn’t matter. We have something much better. My wife is my favorite person, and no teenage googly eyes can compete with twenty-one years of marriage to your best friend.