I entered the sequestered area near the windows looking out on the street. This space had only tables for two. There were already two persons accupying two tables - both facing the entrance. I sat at my table facing them. As the evening progressed and my delicious courses followed, five more single persons all took their solitary seats facing in the same direction - facing solitary me.
Initially, I noticed I was one of three bald men with an Apple iPhone; however I found them more interesting than they did their phones. Then, one surly 40ish gentleman sat down - tea total. Five minutes later another man of the same age passes by the surly one who emits an unintelligible, monosylabic surly word - which was ignored. The surly guy can't help looking over his shoulder every 4-5 minutes to see what this other fellow, who is drinking half a litre of red, is up to. He folds his arms tightly; he appears even more surly. They both wore wedding rings. It could have been an illicit gay thing, or French male friends are like me i.e. bitchy.
Out of the eight of us (7 facing correctly), was the only lady. She seemed pleasant and was probably in her 70's. After paying up, she returned 20 minutes later looking for something she thought she left behind but hadn't as it turned out. I noticed that she had different clothes on.
The youngest gent at the back drank the dregs of a half bottle of vintage red wine abandoned on the unoccupied table to his right; then drank more from his own caraffe of white table wine. I could not discern from his expression which he prefered although 10 minutes later he grabbed the bottle, which had not yet been cleared away, off the other table to verify the label.
My dessert arrived with a bottle of tap water. I explained it was a misunderstanding due to my lousy American accent. Instead of "de l'eau" I had ordered "Calvados". She should have twigged, afterall we were in Brittany where they make the famous apple brandy.
I can't help people watching; looking at the backs of their heads would be like church.