More of the Same

It happened again, this time at Underbones. While attempting to order a first round, I found myself standing next to a sloshed crew of nondescript 20something men. I asked if they were waiting for the barkeep. The one nearest me said something unintelligible. I asked him to repeat himself. He then said something unintelligible to the barkeep, a young, Asian lady. She looked at me with order-hungry eyes. I said do you have Julius Echter bottles, good, one of those, a Cascazilla Red, and an order of corn fritters. She turned to the unintelligbile dude and said, are you sure you want to get him all that?

I asked what was going on, and he said KARMA. I asked what I could do for him, and he said NOTHING.

I put my wallet away, but left a 20-dollar bill on the bar. The bartender poured my drinks and took the bill to the register. The bearded dude stood next to me and said nothing. I pointed out, only somewhat innocently, that the bartender had taken my money. I jokingly offered to pay for half or all of my round.

The bartender came back with my change. The dude handed me a 20 from his wallet and pocketed my change.

How much should we leave her, he asked. We have to leave a big tip. Give her the 5, I said. He counted 5 singles from the change, dropped them on the counter, and walked away.

Back at the table, Ian could not believe the story. When the same bartender appeared to retrieve our empty glasses, I asked her what was up with the guy giving away free beer.

Who's giving away free beer?!, she asked.

That dude who bought my corn fritters!

You mean you don't know him?!

Never fucking seen him before.