The Appearance of Reading

We're in a local coffee shop.

W: It's only a matter of time before he locks eyes with a middle-aged lady.
Me: He's good at that?
W: Oh yes, and then they come over and ask his name and how old he is.
Me: Very sweet.
W: I don't know how he does it.

J stares, meercat-like, around the shop. I see what W means.

W: Only a matter of time...

I unfold a section of the newspaper, J turns his attention to it and holds one edge, appearing to peruse the print. Nearby, I notice an older couple watching us.

Woman: He looks like he's reading. (her husband smiles)
Me: He does that a lot at home with his story books.
Woman: How old is he?
Me: Four months.
Woman: He looks very alert. (she smiles)

J does it again, another granny is hooked. Reading is a few years away, but the appearance of reading, it seems, may have already been mastered.