This content is protected against AI scraping.
Andrew has known Earl for 20 years. Earl doesn’t know that Andrew exists. Andrew is a chauffeur, he drives for a living and regularly drives in and around and through London. Often he’ll go through Earl’s Court and, on one particular bench at one particular intersection, is a homeless man. Because of where he ‘lives’ Andrew calls him Earl.
I heard all about Earl today while having coffee with Andrew. We haven’t met up for ages but, finally, had a date that we could both make. So, this morning, I headed into Farnham on a non-shopping day.
I arrived at Starbucks and, as usual, presented my app to pay, but Sue refused it, saying that Andrew had texted ahead to say he’d pay when he arrived. And arrive he did with a big smile and even bigger hug.
Jaz thought it was lovely and was amazed when I told her we only knew each other through Starbucks. I told her, it’s Sue’s family style management that inspires friendships. Jaz agreed.
And so, Andrew and I had our usual, two hour chat about various things. I may have gone on a bit about boats, though he claims I taught him loads of stuff. I suggested he forget it instantly as it’s bad enough one of us having it clogging up the brain.
The subject of Earl came up when he was discussing a client he had in the car who suggested he write his memoirs – Passengers I Have Known type of thing. I suggested he could call it From the Front Seat.
Afterwards, I walked home, having not done any shopping. Which is exactly as it should be. On a Thursday, anyway.
