[ Background: Government minister Michael Wooldridge had a bitter confrontation with the AMA president Kerryn Phelps. John Howard suggested that they got together to resolve their differences. In the meanwhile the university staff were dealing with the responsibility of the issue of individual credit cards.]

The Lunch.

 A private table for two in an exclusive Sydney restaurant. A lady and a gentleman. It is the closing minutes of a two hour lunch. A Waiter, immaculate, discrete, hovers. Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is ethereally present.

Their hands reach out and touch, moved by a common inspiration.

Kerryn
Michael, it's been delightful.

Michael
Kerry, I'd say it again, and take the flack, just for this outcome.

Kerryn
It's really been a surprise, but I suppose we should leave now. It seems such a shame to part.

Michael
Waiter! The bill.
The waiter places the bill on a silver platter before Michael. Kerryn reaches into her bag.

Michael
No, Kerry, allow me.

Kerryn in mock disapproval
Oh, Michael, you are so conventional!
(of course both dinners are aware that this is all show as each would charge the lunch against her/his respective institution - ed.)

Michael hands waiter a visa card
The usual for yourself.

Waiter clips his heels and nods
Sir.
Michael and Kerryn gaze into each other's eyes, the waiter returns

Waiter
The card was rejected, sir. Error 57, transaction not permitted to cardholder.
(for visa codes see https://stripe.com/au/resources/more/a-complete-list-of-decline-codes - ed.)

Michael
Some bureaucratic nonsense.

Kerryn
Here, waiter, use my card.
Michael and Kerryn gaze into each other's eyes, the waiter returns

Waiter
The card was rejected, madame. Error 61, exceeds withdrawal amount limits.

Kerryn
Well, really!

Michael
Well, I guess we shall have to pay cash. Do you mind Kerry, I don't carry cash, the bulk spoils the cut of my suit.

Kerryn
You're on the wrong tram, doctor. You might recollect that the idea of this lunch was to save you embarrassment. Now I have agreed to drop that issue, you can hardly expect me to foot the bill as well! It's your problem mate!
Kerryn storms off

Waiter partially sympathetic
Sir?

Michael resigned
Oh, charge it up to Johnny, I'll sign the chit. It was his stupid idea in the first place.

Waiter
If I may be so bold sir. Should you like to (coughs discreetly) give it another try. Perhaps ...
passes Michael a card, it reads ...

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