He probably said: "Can't miss me, I'll be reading Carol Shields"; what are the chances, eh?

[metrocentric]

Owing to advances in technology and its applications, practices are developing here which are established traditions elsewhere. The arbitrary matchmaking effect inherent in gathering at licensed premises is now being supplanted by methods more contrived, but no less random

Comments

[that]

The way we did it before: presence preceded possibility; now it's vice versa.

I like that. Something rather opaque is happening. Can't tell exactly what it is or what it means, but it's happening alright.

So I guess you never saw Scott?

[metrocentric]

I never did see Scott, no. But I saw the young woman concerned again just the other day, in Maida Vale or thereabouts; before she saw me, so was able to take evasive action...