The Lodge in Sunapee—that was its full name, I hoped they didn’t pay big bucks for someone to think that up—was next to a large hotel. It was the same as I’d remembered: loud and smoky. It was one of those few places that refused to cater to the non-smoker. I think they tried it a few years before but business fell off so sharply that they had to forget it. There was a balcony on one side of the room for non-smokers, but that sort of defeated the purpose because smoke rises. At least no one could say they didn’t try.
A small stage nestled in one corner. I think they knew they couldn’t pay a big band because the three musicians; a bass player and two guitarists, kind of took up all the space. A grand piano would have put the pianist in the parking lot.
Bud was ecstatic to see me. He picke
