The Dead
Walking into Grogan’s, I felt a mix of dread and adrenaline. Sean, behind the counter, didn’t recognise me. I said, “Sean.”
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph, it’s Grizzly Adams.”
He came out from behind the counter, said, “My God, where have you been? The whole country’s looking for you. Sit down, sit down, I’ll get your usual.”
“Sean, no booze. just coffee.”
“Are you serious?”
“Alas.”
“Good man.”
You know you’re bad when a publican’s glad you’re not drinking. I sat down, feeling light-headed. Sean came back with the coffee, saying, “I’ve given you a Club Milk to take the bare look off it.”
I tasted the coffee, said, “Jeez, tastes good.”
He clapped his hands like an excited child, said, “That’s real coffee. Usually I give you any old dregs, but now…”
“It’s great, terrific bite.”
