Every week for the past month she has noticed him in the same lounge at Brussels airport. Like her he appears to commute as part of a hard-won anonymous corporate career. The hours wiled away at airports afford her plenty of people watching opportunities but he catches her eye more than most. He had a way of dressing that sets him apart; it’s more colourful, more interesting, more intriguing. He also finds the quiet corners of the business class lounge to work in, or whatever he is doing on his laptop.
She has studied him surreptitiously for a while and they had exchanged more than a few glances. One evening a small number of flights are delayed hour after hour and the lounge slowly empties as others depart. Keeping an eye on the board she decides to seize the moment. Heading over to the complimentary wine and champagne she grabs two glasses and a bottle and with a deep breath approaches him.
“Thirsty?” she enquires holding up the bottle
He lifts his dark eyes from his screen and removes an AirPod.
“Sorry?” He replies with curiosity, clearly not having heard a thing.