Chapter 4 A Cup of Coffee

The rest of the week was a bustle of getting ready. In

addition to going to the tailor's for fitting, Kelvin had to shop, finding the

minor things that complimented his expensive suits.

He knew that his standard undergarments of undershirts and

briefs, while not visible, would help him feel like he was fitting in.

He also had to purchase an attache case, a coffee cup, and

about a thousand other items that he knew weren't vital to his job, but would

make things easier for him.

He was happy, though.

After years of living on student union meals, cheap peanut

butter and jelly sandwiches, and hotdog dogs from Ralph, he was going to be

able to start cooking for himself.

Without transportation, this meant a lot of trips, carrying

bags upon bags up the stairs to his apartment. But he didn't really mind it. It

was good exercise. All he had left to do was pick up his suits tomorrow from

the tailor.

He was going to be ready.

***

"Hello, is this Kelvin?"

Kelvin grinned at the sound of cultured tones of Kaleb's deep

voice over his cell phone. "Hello Kaleb. What's up?"

"Well," Kaleb said, his bashfulness making Kelvin

smile, "I was wondering if you were free this afternoon. I know it's

sudden, but it seems that Sundays are the best chance for anyone with a busy

job to get together."

Kelvin took a glance at his watch before he replied.

"I'll tell you what. I have to pick up some things from a tailor, but I'll

be free in about one hour."

"Oh, that's perfect," Kaleb replied, "I know

a great coffee shop on the corner of Mulberry and Grand that serves the best

cupcakes. How about meeting there?"

"Sounds good. See you then."

"See you."

Kelvin practically jogged his way to the tailor. It was a

small place, right beside a Chinese carryout joint that bellowed spicy Szechuan

odors out into the street.

Inside, the staff was professional and cordial, without a

hint of the outside smells at all. Kelvin found his two suits, one in a smooth

gray and the other in navy blue, ready for him when he arrived.

Kelvin admired the craftsmanship. They were beautiful, hand

tailored in the finest wool. Kelvin marveled at the texture of the rich fabric

under his fingertips.

"These are excellent," Kelvin said to the owner, a

diminutive old lady. She was Chinese, but spoke with a British accent.

"This is amazing work."

"For Mr. Tshini

and Morgan Investments, we do our best. They've been our best customers for

quite some time now."

Kelvin nodded, and turned to the woman. "I just started

working there. Do you have any advice you could give me?"

The woman chuckled, while she slipped Kelvin's suits into an

airtight garment bag. "Have you ever read Bruce Lee?" she asked,

smoothing the suits in the bag and zipping it up. "He had a well-known

saying. Be water, my friend. Mr. Tshini

is sometimes very unusual. Those that adhere to the things they learned at some

Ivy League school or wherever often find themselves out of a job. The few that

are like water... those are the ones I have the pleasure of making many suits

for."

The tailor handed Kelvin his suits, and Kelvin quickly left

before telling her thank you. He only had six blocks to go, but he was already

running a bit late.

"Kaleb!" Kelvin called, his suits slung over his

shoulder.

Kelvin spotted him standing on the street corner, next to a

light-pole, looking around almost nervously.

Kelvin waved with his free hand when he saw Kaleb swing his

eyes in his direction, and Kaleb waved his arms in return as he walked the last

half block.

"Sorry, the

tailor took a bit longer than I expected," Kelvin apologized breathlessly,

"Have you been waiting out here long?"

"Not too long," Kaleb replied with a shrug.

"Only a few minutes."

Kaleb's disarming bashfulness was sweet, and Kelvin felt

himself grinning at his words. "I guess the cupcakes are really that good,

huh?"

Kaleb scratched at his hair. "Yeah, something like

that."

Smiling, Kelvin walked along with Kaleb to the cafe.

Sitting down, the two talked the usual for two strangers

meeting: where they were from, what sort of foods they liked, their hobbies and

the like. The thing that caught Kelvin's attention the most was how much Kaleb

was willing to listen to him.

Kaleb would follow up his comments with understanding

questions, and he really seemed interested.

Finally, after enjoying a rich cappuccino and a delicious

cupcake apiece, Kelvin asked the question that had been on his mind since he

had run into Kaleb.

"So tell me, why would a handsome, rich-looking guy

like you be running around this district anyway?"

Kaleb laughed, drinking the last of his coffee. "I'm in

imports and exports, and I had a meeting at the Studio Museum in the area. I'm

helping them bring in some new work next month. What brings you to this part of

town?"

Kelvin chuckled. "My new employers has all new hires

get a couple suits from the tailor shop here. I was just coming to pick them

up."

"I see. Where do you work?"

"Morgan investments. I start working tomorrow."

Kelvin saw a shadow pass over Kaleb's face, but it was gone

in an instant, leaving Kelvin unsure if he had actually seen something or if

his eyes were playing tricks on him.

"Best of luck to you then," Kaleb said, draining

his cup. "Would you care for another coffee?"