My job at the coffeehouse continuously surprises me. I never know what face is going to pop up on the other side of the counter. I’ve been working there for about two years. I make more money than people think with the addition of tips. Even so, when an old pal appears in the shop, I don’t quite know how to react.

Hector recognized me immediately, however, and beamed.

“Larry! Wow, great to see you,” he gushed.

Hector was wearing business clothes and looked like he’d probably been working a professional job since we’d last hung around together in high school.

I greeted him just as warmly, and he insisted on taking me out for a beer at the end of my shift.

“Sure thing. Just let me tell my wife,” I said, taking out my phone.