(Continued from March 27, 2010)
Dessert had been served. In addition to the chocolate mousse, there were some delicious-looking cakes and tarts. There were also various kinds of fruit.
While we consumed the goodies, a conversation ensued about the possibility of a budding romance between Bob and the waitress. Elsie remarked: “If those two start dating, the letter that Alice left on his kitchen table will have been written in vain. He will be driven into alcoholism even more.”
“First of all, I don’t think the waitress will be interested in a habitual guzzler,” Alice responded. “Alphonse was having a bit of rather innocent fun at Bob’s expense; but, my assessment of the server is favorable. She strikes me as fairly well educated, a girl who is making extremely good money in a part-time job. With her good looks, she most certainly gets generous tips.”
“I plead guilty to Alice’s claim that I was having some fun at Bob’s expense. Furthermore, I agree with her evaluation of the waitress. I judged her to be a college student with a major in psychology. And, having done a bit of beer slinging myself, I know that gratuities can be considerable.”
Aunt Dorothy came to my young friend’s defense: “From the details that I have been able to gather regarding the man to whom you refer as the guzzler, I would say that he had set himself up for the treatment he received from Alphonse. In fact, if the experience lowers the opinion he has of himself by a notch or two, it will be beneficial for him in the long run. And, although I have never laid eyes upon the waitress, two concurring opinions suggest that she probably is either a college student or a graduate trying to pay down her student loans. If she is indeed a psychology major, she will know that reforming an alcoholic is a real uphill battle.”
Since no one appeared interested in expressing any further thoughts about Bob, I asked my young friend about his exit from the pub. I was interested in the dialogue that preceded Alphonse’s departure.
“After calling you from the washroom, I went back to the table and announced that I had to go on my way. Bob asked whether he would see me again soon at the health club. I said: ‘I noticed that the managers were having a discussion while they were looking in my direction. So, I may give them a call, requesting free use of their facilities.’ I didn’t have to explain to Bob that I would be an asset for that gym. Folks would wander over and ask me questions pertaining to proper body building.”
“When he requested my phone number, I told Bob: ‘I am cutting down on the use of my cell phone; I can’t afford the cost right now.’ So, he gave me his e-mail address.”
(To be continued)