#12

I'd seen him waiting across the dining area but he had yet to see me. When he did, he gave me that characteristic grin that I remembered from several years ago. He looked well; life had treated him kindly. Matter of fact, he looked as if he hadn't aged at all. Hugs all around for us both; his tighter than mine. I know he was trying to feel the goods and I didn't mind it at all. We were seated. I immediately ordered a glass of red and he did the same. I pretended to peruse the menu while peeking over the top to get a better look at him. I don't think he noticed. He had been to this place before so he suggested some things he thought I might want to try. The server returned with our wine and we ordered our meal with appetizers to start. As we sat and sipped we caught up on the funny old times we'd shared with each other. We laughed; we gazed; we sighed. Then, we laughed some more. Our appetizer finally came. Lime and chile marinated grilled shrimp, Cuban ham croquettes, and fried sweet plantains. I loved Cuban food. The spiciness, tempered by the coolness of mango or pineapple was so pleasing to the palate. I reached for the shrimp. He did the same. Our hands met.