Cutting back on coffee shops

When by myself, the reason I am in a coffee shop is simple: to get work done.  

But I have a peoplewatching problem!

I would much, much rather eavesdrop on the couple who look about five years younger than me as they awkwardly converse in something I MUST assume is a first (or second or third) date. He got there early, checked his phone, stood around, sat down, checked his phone again.  She gets there, squealing that she's "never been here before" and "omg this mugs are so cute" and laughs at everything he says.  I guess it's going well?

I watch a woman interact with another woman about her mother's age (the woman is not her mother, I observe, as she does not call her "mom").  Regardless, the woman keeps giving her things! A purse, a ring, a promise of more.  What is this relationship??  I sit here hoping the older woman is not being wildly manipulated by the younger one. 

Two men talk through a business proposition.  The more seasoned of the two, the one who may be contracted for a new position, harps on an unethical business move.  There's an energetic counter, an attempt to rephrase said unethical business move as a shrewd but necessary decision.  They continue back and forth. 

How am I supposed to get anything done, seriously? People are so interesting.