Cafe Zola, Ann Arbor, Michigan

For the four years we've been together, Todd has warned that his ex-girlfriend (whom he affectionately refers to as his "wife") would be returning from Palestine so they could get married. And, for the four years we've been together, I'd always rolled my eyes and played along until....

Last week, when he confirmed that Samar ("Summer") would soon be arriving for a holiday, and would be coming to see him (as well as her brother). After college, she had returned to her homeland of Palestine, and they hadn't seen each other in over twelve years. While I obviously viewed this as no threat, I still did not know what to expect--would she be a ball-bustin', over-opinionated witch? Would I be able to deal with them mooning over their young romance?

Rather, when we arrived to pick her up at her brother's home in Belleville, I met one of the nicest, smartest, most independent women I had ever encountered. She's lived under the violence and chaos of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, subjected to checkpoints and chronic underemployment. Her current job is on hold, expected to resume in November.

We enjoyed a beautiful, Indian Summer day walking the streets of downtown Ann Arbor (where they frequently spent their days), recalling their time together. We sat down to eat at Cafe Zola in Ann Arbor, a cute, artsy, brick-wally brunch place named after French writer, Emile Zola, featuring a Mediterranean-themed menu with a few Turkish specialties.

The brunch menu was full of delicious options: savory crepes with fresh tomato or ratatouille, and sweet crepes with nutella or fresh fruit; omelettes with sauteed mushrooms or homemade Polish sausage; waffles with flavored butters or brandied cherries and chocolate. It was a stellar selection, and I hope to return again soon.

Todd ordered a gorgeous Omelette Provencale, frittata-style, with sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onion. I went the lunch route with a Norwegian salmon burger, which arrived with pomme frites and a spiced mayo. I happily devoured my sandwich and savored every bite of my fries. Samar, perhaps, seemed disappointed with her order: a grilled chicken sandwich, marinated with lemon and herb, and served on a crusty Italian roll with vegetable chips. While the chicken looked tasty, the bread seemed too hard and crusty for a sandwich.

We enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the sidewalk, allowing the two of them to chainsmoke after lunch, like the locals they encountered on a trip to Paris, years ago. We had wonderful conversation, recalling their days long past, and exchanging views on the world's events. It was fun to see another part of Todd's life, and I think he enjoyed finally having his "husband" meet his "wife."

Now, if I can just get him to forget his hair-brained plot to get me to impregnate her with my baby, so he can have a piece of both of us to love. Then, they could sue me for custody and the house, and leave me out on the street, hawking my famous crabcakes.

Photo credit cafezola.com