They’re meeting for the first time
over fist-sized croissants to talk about how
they can help each other. Their two businesses
have so much synergy it’s absolutely wild!
They’re discussing funding and cash flow
and development and assets. They guy
who was late to the café asks if it’s warm.
As he takes his jacket off, revealing a peck-
hugging blue vest and heavily tattooed forearms,
his new mate coughs and undoes his shirt’s
top button. Have you ever driven a forklift?
asks Shirt. Never, replies Vest. Their drinks
are delivered by the barista: one black coffee,
one mint tea. Shirt removes his cufflinks,
rolls up his sleeves and grabs the mint tea.
Thoughts on the cup final? he tries.
I’m a rugby guy, he gets.

© Carl Burkitt 2023