Half and Half spilled on a table. Sugar packets piled up. Coffee stains on a napkin. Two men sit in a booth and wait.

He said he’d be here? Paddy asked.

Yes. Yes, he did. Said so yesterday when I spoke to him, Smitty said.

Yesterday?

Maybe the day before, Smitty said. Or the day before that. Too much. Too many things on my mind. 

The two went back to silence. Both stirring coffee. A waitress comes over with a pad and pen.

We’re just having coffee, Paddy told her.

Just coffee, said Smitty. We’re waiting on someone.

A friend? The waitress asked.

Something like that, Paddy winked.

So you’re waiting for him to get here before you order?

We’ll let you know, Paddy pointed while Smitty slurped his drink.

Could we get water? Smitty asked with a smile. With lemons. It tastes better with lemons. Right?

I suppose so, the waitress walked away.

Paddy looked at his watch. Where is he?

You told him the right place?

Yes.

The right time?

Stop. Paddy said. Just stop. Of course I did. I told him everything.  All information was revealed. 

And he said what? Smitty drank more coffee. What did he say?Smitty asked in between gulps.

What?

What was his reply?

The two looked at each other. Paddy pulled out a pen and grabbed a napkin. He made a mark. A straight up and down line. Then another.

What are you doing? Smitty asked.

Marking down how often you annoy me, Paddy said. I predict I’ll have a hundred marks on this by the time he gets here.

Smitty sat in silence. Elevator music played in the background. The two looked at each other.

Nothing to say? Paddy asked.

Smitty shook his head.

They continued waiting.