Funny what the most memorable part of traveling can be. In Philly for a meeting, I took to people-watching. Memorable, for sure. Not that people-watching in Columbus, OH is less exciting. It’s just that the press of errands and deadlines discourages this engaging sport.

For writers and daydreamers, there is no better break. In front of the Radisson Warwick, in the heart of downtown, three of us had plenty to gawk at: prom-goers emerging from shiny black limos, upscale young couples pulled along by leashed puffs of thoroughbred puppies, and most memorably a tall blonde in an orange chiffon gown and spike heels accompanied by a young man in bermudas and flip flops.

What was the story behind this odd couple? A little miscommunication? Happy self-assertion? Blatant disregard? We could only speculate. And that, in the people-watching business, is half the fun.