Jerry Brooks waits for his flight back to his home in Washington, DC, at an airport in New York City. Due to an incoming storm, flights are being cancelled. He sees Smitty, a large, kind man, making conversation with the people around him. Smitty’s good cheer is infectious. Jerry and Smitty strike up conversation in line. Later, as Jerry tries to find a hotel for the night, Smitty wanders past and books a room for Jerry at Smitty’s hotel. They meet again at the hotel bar and chat; Jerry works in political strategy, and Smitty works in sales. Smitty reminisces about his childhood in western Massachusetts. Albert and Alice, a couple Smitty met at the airport, join Smitty and Jerry.

Albert and Alice order tequila shots for all four of them, which Smitty reluctantly accepts. As the night goes on, Smitty drinks more and more tequila, all while introducing himself to more and more strangers. Eventually, 50 people are gathered around the bar. Jerry notes Smitty’s conversational pattern: He asks a question, is surprised by the answer, says something wistful, and then makes a resolution. Jerry decides to implement this strategy in his own life. After Alice and Albert leave, Jerry stays for another drink with Smitty before heading up to his room.