Melanie put her arm around mine and gave it a tug. "C'mon," she said, "I want to show you something."

"Whoa!" I said. "You're going to make me spill my beer."

"Melanie's found some carvings she likes," Barb said. "They really are nice."

"Okay," I said. I finished my beer and stood up, staggering, becoming aware of how much I'd been drinking. "I hate to leave these fans."

"We'll keep them running for you," Sam said. Barb sat down in my chair.

I started to walk off, then turned around and left a tip on the table. "In case I don't make it," I said.

"Damn cheap tombstone that's going to buy," Ted said.

"If I don't come back, just buy a round and sing my praises," I said. "And be sure to invite the waiter. It's his money."

"C'mon you big bear," Melanie said, pulling me along by the arm.