His shirt says “Al.”
He sips beer quietly ‘til
two young women sit beside him.
They return his smile,
then greet two men.

The couples chatter.
Al counts bubbles.
Finally one woman says
‘’I’ll see you there at eight…”
Her three companions leave.

Al makes an offer.
She nods. They order.
His hands make circles and squares.
She laughs nervously,
touches his arm.

Food arrives for her, beer for him.
She speaks between bites.
He drinks. She asks questions.
He shakes his head.
She stares into space.

He whispers in her ear.
She smiles, pats his cheek.
His arm slides around her back,
pulls her toward him.
She laughs, “Oh, Dad!”

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