Franco's

Stormed out the office and into the brightness of an April afternoon.

After circling the block and throwing words down the phone I rounded back, via Tescos, full of uninspiring wet-looking made-yesterday sandwiches and went to join the queue at Franco's.

"Next"

"Chili Con Carne and Rice"

And I fell into a trance, listening and watching the people, until my order was called and I re-joined the life and buzz of the place.

Friendly brown Italian eyes asked me if I'd like pepper and parmesan. Yes.

Then my package was deposited on the counter and I gave him a note and a coin.

I waited for my change.

He held out his hand.

"Ups" he said, as I went to retrieve my money to find only

the stroke of his fingers.

I smiled as he candidly handed me the twenty pence.

Cheap thrill.



image courtesy of bixentro