Chapter 4

 On the way home from work he decided to stop off at his favorite little place called “The Wines” not far from his house on the ocean. He had wandered in there when he first moved to town and taken an instant liking to the owners Bennie and Sally,  a couple of 50 somethings who were learning how to run a bar as they went. They were great hosts and he looked forward to their talks.


“Dr. John!” Bennie yelled as he snaked his way into the lounge. “We haven’t seen you since Karaoke night. Who knew a broken down old American could sing like that!”


“Asshole” John replied as he extended his hand in greeting.

"Taking the piss’ was a New Zealand tradition where you showed your affection through insulting remarks and good natured jabs. He was starting to get the hang of it.

“So is this week we get you on a motorcycle?” Bennie said as he cupped John’s open hand. Bennie also owned a motorcycle shop, and the bar was often full of enthusiasts from all walks of life.

“Yea, let me master the scooter first and then we’ll talk about the Harley,” John replied. He had purchased a small scooter to get back and forth from the beach which had subjected him to endless ridicule from Bennie and the other patrons.

“Fucking scooter," Bennie said as he laughed again.

And with that he poured John a beer and slid it across the bar. He made his way to the back of the bar by the fireplace, where he would often pick up a book and enjoy the fire as he slowly nursed his beer.

It reminded him that he would like to get back to the writing again one day himself. One day when he had more of a story to tell.

 In the meantime he was enjoying the fire and the cold New Zealand beer. A “Tui” which was the same name of his favorite client.

He took it as a good sign he was connecting with his clients again.

As the last log of the fire burned down he decided to call it a night.

There was still a little beer left in the glass.