Decisions

She's away this week. There are lots of things I want to do with my limited free time. Mostly things that would cause discussion, negotiation, possible consternation if she were home. She's usually happy for me to get stuff out of my system - usually by putting stuff into my system.

On the way home from work today, I had several ideas. The first one was to go to the pub for a pint and read my book, then get chips and indian snacks and bring them home. I had less than three hours between getting home and going to the Open "No mic". I toyed with the idea of trying out the Morrocan - not the one I've been to - but I remembered the sign in the window saying "No alcohol during the month of ramadan". This didn't fit.

In thinking about going for a pint I was clear that it would be in the Sugar Loaf. I like reading my book in public places and I'm gripped by my current novel - Crime by Irvine Welsh. Then it occured to me that I might meet someone in the Loaf and would have to chat and not read.

I settled on the Thali cafe. I had some deliberation over whether or not the line outside was double yellow. With the assistance of the Thali guy I decided it was and didn't park there. I went to the offie and having procured a large bottle of San Miguel, I entered the cafe and disappointingly the queue. When I got to the front I was surprisingly unperterbed by the £1 I was charged for bringing a bottle.

"Will you open it for me in that case?" I insisted.

He did.

I decided to sit on the sofa and as I opened my book I noticed that the woman sitting opposite was someone i had vaguely known about 17 years ago. I was prepared for a cursory smile but when she looked up she blanked me. I would prefer to think that she was having one to one time with herself like me - rather than her not recognising me.