Kalaj was in top form.

"If I had a car I'd drive you home right this instant."

"I'll take him if he wants," said the young Moroccan cabdriver.

"How many times do I have to teach you," said Kalaj, reprimanding the abdriver who was more my age than Kalaj's. "Never say 'if he wants' with this kind of honeyed, ersatz tone in your voice. Instead, say, 'I'm taking you home. Let's go.'"

"Well," said the shy Moroccan, "should we go?"

Everyone laughed.

Auteur: André Aciman