A Meeting in London

(Een ontmoeting in Londen)

25. "We have lager and ale," the waiter says. He speaks each word slowly. "Which ones?" James asks. The waiter thinks. And thinks. "Stella for lager. London Pride for ale." More thinking. "Also Guinness." He seems unsure.

26. "I like ale. London Pride is good," Emma says. "Me too. Two pints of London Pride, please," James tells the waiter. The waiter nods and leaves. He walks away very, very slowly. They watch him go. "Is he walking backwards?" Emma whispers. They try not to laugh.

27. "Do you drink beer often?" Emma asks. "Sometimes. Usually on weekends," James explains. "I prefer beer to wine. What about you?" Emma nods. "Me too. Beer tastes better." They laugh. "Especially in a proper pub," James adds.

28. The waiter returns with beer. It takes him five minutes to pour two pints. They wait patiently. "To meeting new people," James says. They touch glasses carefully. "To new people," Emma repeats and smiles.

29. The beer is good. Not great, but good. "What do you do on weekends?" James asks. "I paint on Saturday mornings. I visit markets for inspiration." Emma loves her routine.