“Back again?” the barman asked the next evening.
“Uh, yeah.”
“Same again is it?” The man reached for a pint glass and began scooping in ice.
“Yeah, why not. But this time add a slice of lemon if you will.”
The man smiled and within a few seconds set Nigel’s drink on the bar. “If you’re interested, the soup tonight is beef and vegetable.”
He has a kind smile, Nigel thought, unable to hold back a return smile. Today’s baggy sweater was a mixture of dowdy browns and bright reds. Maybe his wife or his mother knits them and he feels obligated to wear them?
“Sir?” the man asked.
“Oh, uh, sorry. Miles away. I’ll see what my friend wants to eat before I order.
The barman nodded, and turned away to serve another customer.
The pub was a great deal busier than the previous night. But then it
