...unsteadily towards the bar, I say thanks to those who stop me with their lovely birthday messages. It hasn't been too bad afterall! I glance back over my shoulder and giggle as I watch Mari, still perched on a table and now drawing quite a crowd. That girl sure does know how to entertain!

As I meander past, the newly arrived singer offers to perform something special, but my mental processes are a little too "lubricated" so I grin inanely and just ask for something with a bit of bounce.

I finally reach the bar where Louis is working frantically, as always. Such a dedicated lad. I manage to catch his eye, and he wanders over - I'm about to order my drink when he hands me a note tablet.

I squint at the writing, struggling to focus. With considerable effort I eventually decipher the words. Curious.

"Is this mysterious stranger still in the bar, Louis?"

I ask as I turn to scrutinize the patrons of the 'O'.

"Can't see him anywhere, Tai."

He says with a shrug. Intriguing, but I will have to contain my curiosity until the note-writer returns.

"So what are you gonna have Tai?"

"I have it on good authority Louis that I should try something with balls... melon balls that is."