wednesday september 2

today i arrived at squirly's to meet a friend for a couple drinks. i arrived about 20 minutes before he did, and spent that time sitting at a table near the bar by myself. although i didn't mind this, the bartender seemed to be dying of embarrassment for me. she came over every five minutes or so, asking me if i wanted anything, or if i'd checked the back patio to see if my friend might be there. finally, i accepted her third offer of a drink, if only to alleviate some of her pity.