“Most places draw a particular crowd, but here, there’s no category that would fit.”
“Why do we need to categorize people?” Jaime asked.
Olivia’s gaze returned to Jaime. “I didn’t say that.”
“No, but it’s implied. You expect people to fit into categories, and since they don’t, you are confused.”
Olivia straightened. “I’m not confused. I merely pointed out that it’s unusual since most places cater to a specific audience. It’s easier to set up a business based on the preference of a particular crowd rather than trying to attract…everybody.” She waved around.
“You have a point.”
Olivia raised one eyebrow. “High praise coming from you, Your Honor.”
Jaime shifted in her seat, unsure what to make of Olivia’s use and, more so, the intonation of her title. Neither usually spread heat through her cheeks. She cleared her throat.
“Maybe that’s what’s wrong with a lot of things.”
“That your praise is few and far between?”
Jaime narrowed her eyes. “No. I don’t take myself that seriously. I meant society. We are so busy categorizing everything and everyone, it’s like we don’t allow people to breathe, to just be, because everyone is so preoccupied with fitting into whatever categories.”
“Well, people like to belong, and categories make it easier.”
“Yes, but why are there so many, and for everything? Why can’t I just be…Jaime?”
Olivia held her gaze, an odd expression washing over her face, almost as if she swallowed her first response.
“Youarejust Jaime, but all the aspects ofwhoJaime is don’t fit into just one category. And most people… Let’s say we rarely share all the same interests and desires, and so splitting us up into categories makes it easier to interact, or better, to connect with others.”
“What if you have no interest in connecting with others?”
Olivia’s eyes widened, and her fingers fiddled with the spoon. “I don’t know. You might live a lonely life.”
“If the lack of connection is forced upon you, yes, you’d experience loneliness, but if you choose it? How could that lead to a lonely life?”
“You’re human. We all need contact, connections. You can’t just be…an island.” Olivia rolled her eyes.
“There are ways to meet potential…desires without having to form lasting connections, without joining this rat race.”
Olivia leaned forward. “But doesn’t that prove you have…desires, that there’s something you need aside from yourself?”
Jaime tightened her jaw as the urge to flee roared to life, yet she couldn’t help her body from leaning forward, drawn to Olivia like one of those stupid moths dancing around the candle in front of her.
She straightened. “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”
Jaime jumped up. The chair scratched along the floor as she rose and strode toward the bathroom.
She was such an idiot. What had she been thinking? She truly was dumber than the moths. They only had instincts, while she had reason and yet…
She leaned over the bathroom sink after splashing water into her face. Rising, she grabbed a paper towel and dabbed her face. Flinging it into the trash, she turned when the door opened, and Olivia stood in front of her.
God, they needed to stop meeting in bathrooms. Or anywhere, really.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“You didn’t,” Jaime rushed out.
“OK, good.” Olivia stared at her feet.
