"I did not say that," Ben said, pushing up out of his chair and heading over. He started in with the usual niceties before settling in the booth opposite the other man. It was a more difficult pull than usual, sure, but he was also out of practice. After a few minutes, he came back with a scrap of paper.

"I've got his number. Told him I didn't think it was fair to just leave my friend all alone and promised I'd ring later."