we drove downtown

We drove downtown and parked in front of the gyro shop.

“We’re going in there?” I asked, surprised.

“I was planning on it. Why?”

“I don’t know – aren’t you afraid you’re going to get to mobbed by people?”

“Naah, I hang out downtown all the time. I get asked for pictures and stuff, but people in Athens are used to seeing me, so it’s no big deal.”

“If you say so,” I muttered dubiously.

We walked into the gyro shop. The restaurant was just the way I remembered it: grease-smudged wallpaper, rickety tables, the smell of roasting meat in the air. It felt like not a moment had passed in over four years – especially when the shaggy-haired alterna-dudes behind the counter immediately shouted out welcomes.

“Derek! What’s up!”

“Hey man, how’s it goin’!”

“D – good to see you, dude!”

The guys were different from four years ago – at least I think they were – but otherwise it was complete déjà vu.

Derek walked over to the counter and shook hands all around. “How’s it goin’, Bennie? Dwight, my man! Z