Bob and Steve have a lunch date – Lesson two

Bob was trying to leave the office early and stop by the dry cleaners before having lunch with Steve. He wanted to look good, wear a clean shirt and not the one he had been wearing for two days. Steve was a friend, at least he thought so, but he had doubts that he would have remained one after their lunch. He had been hesitant to call him, and took him two days before he called him to set up the date. He had not seen him since the car accident, five years before and was still in anguish for causing his broken leg.
He entered the restaurant after taking a deep breath, straitened his back, looked around and spotted Steve in a window booth in the back. He displayed his best smile and walked toward the table.
“Stephen, my friend so good to see you, how is it going pal ? Long time no see”. He put his hand on his shoulder and then gave him a pat on the back
“How are you Robert ?”
“Just fine pal, so happy you could make it, looking forward to talk about the good old times, you know reminisce-ting a bit. What you been up to handsome ? Always stealing the prettiest girls, eh ?”
“Same as the last time we saw each other, only working for a bigger company”. He was looking straight into Bob’s eyes as he said that, showing great satisfaction.
“Yea, so high finance, uh ?” Paused, I see, and how’s you leg ? Back in perfect shape right ?” Bob was desperately trying to hold that smile he entered the restaurant with, it was harder to keep his back straight now so raised his hand to get the waiter’s attention.
“I am not limping if that’s what you mean”, Steve’s words were challenging and Bob was trying to interpret his behavior, was hostile or just matter of fact ?
“Well, that’s great news Steve, so what will you have ? Lunch is on me, they make the best stakes here, I think I’ll have one. Wine ?”
“I am going to have some rice and a salad with sparkling water, I like to stay light at lunch so I am more lucid, you know, a very challenging job requires a clear mind”. he took a sip of water and continued “And you Bob, still selling cars ? You always preferred a football field to a class in economics, and I see you have a couple of pounds you could do without. Still married with…..” the pause lasted a bit more than necessary, Steve looked at Bob with inquiring eyes.
“Lorraine”
“Yes Lorraine, good old Lorraine, how’s she doing ? She was a great cheer leader, ask anyone”.
That was definitely hostile, like a punch in the stomach for Bob. But he wasn’t going to give up just yet.
“And you Steve, are you married ? Who’s the lucky girl ?”
“Her name is Angela, Angela Parris, you know , the judge”. The waiter arrived.
“Splendid, here is your salad and my stake, bon apetit”. The thought of asking Steve to invest in his business was fading away and was gone by the time they ordered desert.