The walk to the cafe was brisk. A nice wake-up after a very restful sleep. I have some great memories of this coffee shop, this very booth as a matter of fact. It was the site of my first date with my wife. In college it was the hangout. Looking around, I see it hasn't changed at all. The same worn out jukebox in the corner, playing the same worn out songs. It's hard to believe I have been out of college for twenty years.
Excuse me, I should introduce myself. My name is Bob L. Head. I am married to a wonderful woman I met in college. We have two great kids, a dog and a mortgage. I am sitting in an old cafe on the eve of my college reunion. I remember my senior year as if it were yesterday...
Statistics exam on Monday. I really should get some studying done this weekend, I think to myself. Fuck it, it's a weekend, party time. My thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of the old gang. They all sat down boisterously, as college kids tend to do on a Friday afternoon. My best friend, and horn dog, Craven Moorehead, piled in first.
"Bob, you old reprobate!" he slapped me on the back.
"What's goin' on Craven?" I replied.
"Same shit, different day." he said with a big grin.
The undefeated beer drinking champion four years running, Bud Wiser, squeezed his bulk into the seat across from us. "What's up, Bob?" he asked with a loud stomach ripping belch.
"Buddy, where's the party this weekend?" I queried.
He just looked at me disdainfully. "C'mon Bob. Don't be stupid. Where are all the great parties held? Duh. Tappa Keg Aday frat house yah moron." he emphasized the last word and let out another rumble, this time headed south.
Of course, Tappa Keg Aday always had the best parties. It was rumored they were about to have their charter revoked, due to their legendary antics. They were the real life Delta's of Animal House fame.
The timid and nerdy Hugo First, was next. He sat next to Bud nervously. I chuckled and thought of Mutt and Jeff. Those two couldn't be more opposite if they tried. But wherever you found one, the other was close behind. Bud was always picking on Hugo. He playfully put Hugo in a headlock and wouldn't let go until he said 'Uncle.'
Red Tide pulled up a chair and set his books down with a thump. His real name was Rip but we all called him Red. Rip was a pre-med student. We always teased him about his choice of profession. He always gave the same response to our needling. "Gynecology is a great science and the best way to meet eligible women." he said with a smirk. Craven piped up, "My mom is eligible. Should I schedule her for an exam."
That remark drew an explosion of laughter from the group. "Sure, if you like." he replied without hesitation. "But I just saw her last week."
"Oooooooooooh, nice comeback, Rip." I cracked. "Hey, isn't that Phil at the counter?" I nodded in that direction, changing the subject. Phil McCracken was another part time member of our group. He was kind of an odd type. We all wondered if he was secretly gay. He was indeed sitting at the counter involved in an animated conversation with two guys I didn't recognize.
"Yo, Phil!" Bud the ogre yelled out, ignoring Hugo for the moment. Phil looked up and beamed as he spotted us. He turned back to his comrades, and then ambled over to our table.
Rip got up abruptly and pulled the nearest table over to make room. "Who's your friends, Phil?" Hugo asked adjusting his skewed glasses.
"Hey fellas." Phil said in his soft lispy voice. "These are my new friends. This is Dick Long, and Hugh Jorgan."
We all shook hands and asked them to join us. They sat down and drinks were ordered. True to Friday night tradition we all made plans for dinner and then discussed the evenings entertainment. It was pretty much unanimous: fish tacos. The local Mexican restaurant cornered the market on that item. Phil and his friends had other plans. I assumed they were going to Sonic. I heard them mention 'hot beef' and 'foot longs.' To each his own.
