What did you say?

Scene 1: Coffee shop near my house. Fresh crisp morning.

(Enter Me. First in queue. Armed with a smile. Amidst chattering of the people behind the counter.)

Coffee boy: (as he goes to the back) She’ll be right with you.

(The coffee girl approaches)

Coffee girl: Morning! what can I get for you?
Me: Tall vanilla latte, extra hot. And a cinnamon coffee cake, please. Thanks.

(The coffee girl dabs at the touch-screen monitor. Out of habit, she mutters without even looking up)

Coffee girl: And how are you this morning?
Me: Oh I’m just fine today. Its a great morning isn’t it!! I thought it would be raining, but today morning looks just perfect. I even drove with my window down. Thanks for asking!

(The girl has a surprised look in her eyes. She thinks: couldn’t he have said “Fine. Thanks” just like everyone does. Why is he making me speak. While setting up an empty cup for the coffee boy, She manages to say)

Coffee girl: Yeah, isn’t that nice!

(Hands me the cake and the change due)

Me: Thanks

(Coffee girl retreats to clean the espresso machine)

End Scene 1.

I’m sticking with “Fine, thanks” from now on.