Of Peanuts and Mementos, Part 2

Nostalgic rush! Oh my stars! I tried to stifle my screams of delight.

“Yes! I mean, no! Yes, I’m from Dumaguete, no, I’m not a barista! It’s Cafe Memento, by the way."

“But I’m positive! You served me with that Orange Smoothie, and you even gave us packets of peanuts! That was, I think, late last Feb when we visited Dumaguete!"

Then it hit me, the dam just broke. “OH MY GAAAD! YEAH! I remembered!” Humongous laughter. “Yeah, that was me! I sometimes do the waiter-ing when I was still there; I’m not a waiter though. Just a frequent customer."

“Hahaha! You’re name’s Lai, isn’t it? You were always bickering with one of the waiters, heard him scream your name a couple of times.” Omigod! She remembered. I always squabble with Richard, and he shouts my nickname every time we argue!

“Oh! Yes, it’s Lyle with an “L” at the end. This is odd! Hahaha! Hi! I’m sorry but you’re name is?”

“Michelle…” we shook hands. “I remembered you because you were so sweet (again, according to her) when we were there, giving us peanuts and entertaining us and all. (Actually, I recalled, I was a bit tipsy during that time, hence the confidence.)

“Tina!” she called out to her gal-pal who was sitting two tables away. “Tina, look! The small guy from Momento… Memento!” Small guy!?

Tina gave her a puzzled look. “What? Huh?” she mouthed, raising both her eyebrows and crinkling her temple.

“The peanut guy! Memento? Peanuts? Don’t you remember?” Peanut guy!?

“Oh hi!” Tina waved. I waved back.

“Do you want to join us?” Michelle offered.

“Nah, I’m off to work in a sec, next time na lang.”

I escorted her back to her table where we chatted for a minute or two. I was introduced to Tina, who told me she loved the complimentary “Dumaguete Peanuts.” Actually, those weren’t exactly “complementary”. I bought them from the Kuya-Allan-Mani-Beh! kids. Decided to give them away since I had plenty. Those kids, every time they go to Memento, I feel obliged to buy their peanuts!

Anyway. I soon learned they’re call center agents, and we promised to hang out one of these days. We exchanged numbers, and then I set off for work.

* * *

Small world, isn’t it? Who would’ve thought that a simple encounter, a simple gesture of thoughtfulness and my being a sweet, adorable, small, peanut guy would set the stage for new friendships!? I may have lost a lighter, but I certainly found some new friends.

* * *

To the Cafe Memento Crew & the Peanut Squad: I miss you guys so darn much!