Au Latte

Gilbert and his companion, Madison, decided to stop at Cococappuchino’s for a drink before going to the Gillard Art Theater to see “Bras Bind Your Freedom”. Gilbert half-hoped it was a sexy movie to get Madison in the mood. He knew better though. It would be some over the top, feminist movie that would take him out of the mood.

They went to the counter and ordered. Madison, called Maddie by her parents and friends but never by Gilbert, ordered Cappuchino Au Latte with almonds, low fat whipped cream, natural honey, sprinkled cinnamon and an umbrella stirrer. Gilbert ordered the same.

“Uh, you want the umbrella too? We also have swords”, the server told him.

“Oh, uh, gee, I don’t- what do you think, Madison?”, Gilbert stammered.

“Oh, come on, Gilbert, it’s obvious. The sword is a representation of men’s violent nature. It’s the old protect the cave from the cats thing. Those days are over, Gilbert, long over. We women don’t need protected. We need respect for our gender. Respect, Gilbert, not drooling. Respect for all women, not just the attractive ones.

The umbrella could be a symbol of our togetherness and unity against gender repression”, Madison told him.

“That or that he’s a wuss”, said a voice behind them.

Madison whirled around to scream at the guy saying this but he looked like he might be a gun carrying bully. Gilbert didn’t whirl at all. They got their drinks, both with umbrellas, and left.

“Yes, sir, what’ll you have?”, the server asked the man with the voice.

“I’ll have a black coffee. In a cup. No whipped cream. And, if you put one of those little swords in it, I’ll take it out and stab you with it”.