Then the man at the piano began the lyrics that were so familiar, and as he sang to himself, she repeated the words in whispers.

It's quarter to three,
There's no one in the place except you and me.
So, set 'em up Joe.
I've got a little story that you oughta know.

We're drinking , my friend,
To the end of a brief episode.
So give me one for my baby,
and one more for the road.

She smiled, and as she opened her eyes a few tears escaped her long lashes. She didn't try to hide it. Embracing the pain was better tonight. The silky voice she heard carried it's own loneliness along with hers as the song went on...

You've got the routine.
So put another nickel in the machine.
I'm feelin' so bad, so
be sure to make the music
dreary and sad.

I could tell you a lot, but
You've got to be true to your code.
So give me one for my baby,
and one more for the road.

The piano continued for a while, deftly but simply finishing out the refrain. There was scattered applause as the song finished and the murmur of conversation took its place.

Diane opened her eyes just as the couple blocking her view of the piano rose to leave. Her vision was blurry from the tears but she could see the outline of the pianist as he reached over to retrieve his glass from the edge of the keyboard.

She blinked hard and focused, as Harry Denby swung his long legs over the piano bench and turned around.

There wasn't much left in Harry's glass as he bowed his head slightly in polite recognition of the applause. He glanced over at the bartender and held up the remains.

"What do you think? Have I earned a refill here, Joe?"