…and sat down at the farthest seat from the door since I was by myself with a book to read.

But not for long.

I was accosted by a man, whom I had met before several times since he is a regular at this particular neighborhood bar. He has a group of guys he stands at the bar with and he joshes them.

So maybe I was not exactly accosted but buttonholed, verbally pinned, energetically addressed.

“Who are you waiting for? Is it him?” A grey, well trimmed beard covered his lean cheeks. “Oh! Then I think I will sit down with you. No, not really.” His eyes seize mine. “How old are you? What year did you graduate high school.”

If this were anyone else I would be offended but this guy has the gift of gab.

“You can’t be that old. I am five years older.”

The bar-owner comes over. “This guy bothering you?” He nudges the guy with a grin. Turning to me, “You know what you want?”

“I’ll take a 17.” The bar-owner leaves.

“You know, I am just a Jewish boy, but I married a red-haired Catholic girl and that’s why I come to this bar. You know som’thing? I gave up beer for Lent. That is why you haven’t seen me.”

I nod but don’t really believe the Lent part.

“No, really. I gave up beer starting Ash Wednesday and when I counted 40 days, I came in here and learned that the 40 days does not include the Sundays.”

I look doubtful. “Are you sure? I am Episcopalian and I thought Lent was 40 days including Sundays.”

“Well, no! It does not include Sundays because they are fast days already.”

Bar-owner comes back, “We just kicked the Flemish Sour.”

“No!”

“Unless you want the foam.”

“Oh, too bad. What do you recommend?”

“Hey, whatever she wants, it’s on me! I have been bothering her for the last year.”

Writing101 Day Six: A Character-Building Experience

Today’s Prompt: Who’s the most interesting person (or people) you’ve met this year?