*although he's careful not to stare, or to parse the words threading the murmured voices, finds himself fascinated by the effortless give and take between the elderly couple two tables over—an elegant dance of fries and sips and words moving through space without once butting up against the other person's*
*is so lulled by this practiced ease that he has to make himself turn his focus to his waitress, who—he can immediately tell—has recognized him and is trying to act as though she hasn't (bless her)* *gives her a genuine smile as he ultra-politely orders a pint and a turkey wrap and fries*