Cake beside the bar

Distant table laughter Your laughter reaches me before I see whose hand you're holding. Our friends have pushed the tables close. There's cake beside the bar. You see me taking off my coat And pull your fingers back. You ask about the walk here. I say the air was cold. He stands to make a little space. I wish he hadn't been so kind. I tell you work's been busy. You nod like that's enough. Don't stop laughing when you see me. Don't look down and let it die. I still know the way it takes you, How you have to close your eyes. Don't stop laughing when you see me. You don't have to hurt for me. He gets the story wrong on purpose. You nudge him with your knee. I used to know that little touch. You used to turn to me. You catch me looking down again. Your sentence trails away. You lean across and whisper, Would you rather we didn't stay? Don't stop laughing when you see me. Don't look down and let it die. You keep watching for my answer. I keep saying I'm all right. Don't stop laughing when you see me. You don't have to hurt for me. Rolling toms I thought if you were lonely, It would mean we still had time. You ask him for your jacket. I almost let you leave. I call for plates and pass them round. Please stay. They haven't cut the cake. You settle back beside him. I slide a plate his way. Don't stop laughing when you see me. I won't ask you to pretend. I still wish I were beside you. You reach for his hand again. Don't stop laughing when you see me. You don't have to hurt for me. You laugh into his shoulder. I leave my coat across the chair.