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Meat Cute: London
The art historian, the astrophysicist, and the rib-eyes
Jason never did anything significant before falling in love with Ann. His life before her wasn’t quiet and desperate but it lacked crescendos of passion and spontaneity. Once they met, a rapid inflation of possibilities began for Jason, leading him to see how he’d comfortably resided in a universe that constantly eclipsed him.
There was no particular whiff of destiny to that chilly London morning but the gravity of certain moments changes everything. Perhaps such a moment requires a historic setting like London, which, despite its modern hustle and pace, remains landscaped by previous centuries.
In the middle of Marylebone is an old butcher shop with a large window to the street, serving as theater for the passing carnivorous masses. At times, small crowds gather to watch steaks being chopped or legs dressed. Then, once its curiosity is sated, the crowd disappears back into the city. However, one person came back many times for repeat performances.
Ann knew the routines of the men in white shirts and aprons working beyond the window. She knew how each moved behind the counter and the different ways they held a knife. The butchers were oblivious to her but few other men were. Ann’s cyan-blue eyes rested on impossibly high cheekbones. She was…
