really want to pay you back financially. I can’t keep mooching off you,” Noah said, “I owe you so much.”

“Like I said, don’t worry about it. Just have a good time this weekend and get busy busting the books next week for our classes. Beside, your treat tonight and by the first of December or January you should be in good shape financially. You’ll have a good chunk of money coming in from the VA,” Jeremy reminded his roommate.

“Yeah, I hope so.”

“Oh, remind me after we finish eating I’ve got to stop by the drug store to pickup a couple of things for our next lesson,” Jeremy said laughingly.

Finally, the two college brothers arrived at the rustic looking structure. As they entered the tavern Jeremy nodded and waved to the patrons in the pub; it was apparent to Noah that his roommate was well-known at the bar and had frequented the establishment before. As the two walked to the back Noah drew the attention of everyone in the room due to his good looks and contagious smile. Noah’s well-built military physique filled out the red T-shirt he was wearing, and six years of Marine Corps physical conditioning made his presence known in the barroom. Of course, the USMC T-shirt brought high fives, congratulations and welcome homes as the two men moved through the crowd toward the rear of the establishment.

Although Noah was built he wasn’t totally ripped like a body builder, but rather he fell into that just right category for a Marine Corps recruiting poster. Every part of his body was nicely tanned and all the muscles were toned without being overdone. Typical of Marines, Noah’s dark hair had been cut high and tight for six years, but recently started to grow out. With sprouts of dark hair revived on his head the Marine presented with an infectious smile and a beautiful set of white teeth. The most noticeable aspect about Noah was his dazzling emerald green eyes. His eyes were beautiful and were truly the windows into his soul. One could feel the intensity of his very essence just looking into them. Needless to say, the Marine turned student was a handsome hunk whose presence was immediately noticed as the two slowly made their way towards a booth in a quieter section at the back of the tavern.

Once seated in the booth the waiter came over and lit the candle on table. Jeremy suggested that Noah try one of the dark beers. He named off a few brands, but the only name that sounded familiar to Noah was Samuel Adams. They ordered two Sam Adams as they studied the bill of fare. There were at least half dozen different varieties of hot pastrami sandwiches on the menu. Most that Noah had never heard of before. The Marine’s taste buds were more attuned to mess hall food or burgers and fries from fast food outlets around the base, not the cuisine listed on the menu in front of him. He asked Jeremy, “Which one do you suggest?”

“Order the number four; it comes with dill spears and two sides,” Jeremy suggested, “You do like pastrami and sauerkraut don’t you?”

“Yeah. I guess, never had it before. The description of the sandwich sounds great,” Noah said.

The number four was thinly sliced hot pastrami folded over on two slices of pumpernickel rye. Along with the pastrami came slices of red onion