“Coming right up. Say, I haven’t seen you in here for a while.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. But I’ve been busy.”

“I’ll bet. Uh, it might take a moment to pour this beer. Tap’s been on the fritz.”

“Really? I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Heck, there’s nothing you can do about the tap.”

“Yeah, I know. But I’m still sorry.”

“Would you knock it off with saying ‘I’m sorry?’ You’ve said that three times since you walked in here.”

“Uh? Said what?”

“That you’re sorry.”

“Oh, yeah. Gosh. I didn’t realize. I’m… I’m… I’m sorry.”

“There you go again.”

“I can’t help it. I’ve had a lot on my mind lately.”

“I hear you, pal. Hey, let’s change the subject. Seen any good shows lately?”

“Uh?”

“You know. Concerts. I hear Dido is coming to town. You going?”

“Uh… No. I’m sorry, but I think I’m going to have to miss that one.”

“Uh… Right. How about Ruben Studdard or Marshall Crenshaw? I’ve heard rumors that they might play here in the next couple of months.”

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can make either of those shows, either.”

“Uh, uh. Then what about Charlie Musselwhite, Steve Poltz and Gladys Knight? In fact, it looks as if it’s going to be a great spring season for concerts. Who do you like?”

“Uh? I’m sorry, but I didn’t catch that.”

“Concerts, man! There are tons of bands and artists on tour, like Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan, and they’re all going to play here within the next few months. Surely, there must be someone you like.”

“Concerts? Bands? Artists? You mean, like Cher or The Strokes? Gee… I just don’t know. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? What the hell do you mean, you’re ‘sorry?'”

“I don’t know. I guess I’m just caught in a rut. You know. Force of habit. Same old, same old. I’m -“

“Yeah, I know. You’re sorry. Sheeshh… Hey, let’s talk about something else. How’s the job these days?”

“Er… Uh? I guess I wasn’t paying attention. What did you say?”

“I said, ‘how’s the job these days?’ You know. How’s everything at CBS?”