along with lovers, fuggers, and thieves (aw,
but they’re cool people)

a bartender at the Uptown, his name was John. I
didn’t pick that up from him direct, I just heard
other people call him that. During a certain period
of my youth, I was there every week or so. It
seemed he always remembered me. He’d nod at
me in his LA Kings hat, then get me a drink
pronto. Quick, friendly service. He didn’t talk
much, neither did I, it was a beautiful casual
business relationship. One time OC and I walked in
just after last call and the lights were on and I
ordered two Leinys. He glanced at me, glanced at
the clock, then nodded and served ‘em up. Clutch.

I met Bob and OC there, they were parked at a
corner of the bar. I plopped down next to them.
John came over and said “whadya have” and I said
a rum and coke please. John nodded, turned to
mix it. Then OC piped in with “and I’ll have
another Leiny.” What followed was a sudden,
violent explosion. John whirled, yelled at him: “I
DIDN’T ASK YOU!!”

Bob and I burst out laughing, we couldn’t stop.
John just smirked, then went to get our drinks.
Like I said: Clutch.