Conveniently, Ropati investigated the bubbles of his beer as the fellow next to him tried to save face. Yep. Sure a lot of bubbles around the rim. Who would have thunk?

"Pat." He shook his hand without so much as a cringe. "How long do you think before they're back?"

He angled awkwardly to pick up the glass with his clean left hand, taking a quick but careful swig of it.