Bill strolled down the street, looking about at all the people caught up in the usual Friday afternoon flurry of activity. He forgot about the cab and started off on the fifteen-minute stretch home, which was always therapeutic for him after a long day.

He stopped to look in at one of the shop window displays and, while staring through the glass to try and read the price tag on a vase; he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder.

Spinning around, he was surprised to see his old high school mate, Gary.

�I thought it was you� exclaimed Gary, his face lit with delight.

Bill, though not one to look down on others, always felt that Gary came across as a real twat! He optimistically wondered if the years had changed him, but reunions of this sought had generally left Bill disillusioned, and he anticipated the worst. It had been some years since Bill had spoken to his former schoolmate and he was just as astounded to see him.

�Where did you pop-up from� asked Bill, grinning.

The two men were soon reacquainted, with Gary insisting that they sit down for a drink and reminisce about the old days.

�Ooh, I really don�t think I have the time�� mumbled Bill.

�C�mon� insisted Gary. It�s my treat.�

Swayed by the enthusiasm of his old classmate, Bill felt that he should put in the extra effort. They made their way over to the Flamingo restaurant on the opposite side of the road and sat down by the outside tables.

The waitress in a short black dress and white apron came over to present the two gentlemen with a menu, while offering to bring them some red wine.

�Yeah sure� whatever�� responded Gary, who was more interested in his engrossing conversation with Bill. �You can take these menu�s back with you�� he quickly added, as an afterthought.

It wasn�t long before the waitress was back to find out if a second glass of wine was in order. This time Gary paid more attention to her.

�Oh c'mon, lets order a couple of pints� insisted Gary. �Let's leave the wine for the women.�

Bill wanted to make a comment, but the forces of nature were already in motion before he had a chance to utter his protest.