Forgive me for missing your birthday; I had an accident.
Im sorry, Paul, for not showing up the other day. I hit a child on the road,Vincent said, downing a gulp of pastis.I was leaving a worksite, got into my car, and as soon as I was on the street a kid lunged onto my hood.
You can imagine? Fortunately I wasnt going fast. I pulled over, saw the boy alive, asked if he was okay and he answered that everything was fine. A little redhaired kid, not more than six.
Where are your parents?I asked.
Moms at home,he replied,shes making dinner.
Lets go then,I suggested,well talk to your mother and figure something out.
He led me to his building, pointed out his apartment door, and slipped behind me. I rang the bell; a woman opened. She was stunning, a rare charm, though her eyes seemed dimmed.
Excuse me,I began,something happened. Dont worry, Im sorry, I ran over your son with my car. Hes fine, here he is,I brought the child to the front.Do you want to call the police?
No need for the police,she said softly.This is already the fifth time its happened.
How so?
Marc, go to your room,she ordered her son firmly.Come into the kitchen, please. Tea? Or maybe coffee?
His tea turned out to be delightful, brewed with herbs.
Im sorry,Isabelle told me, thats her name.Marc heard a few days ago that Id told a friend how hard it was to live without a husband, so he decided to find us a dad this way. Youre at least the fifth man hes tried this on. He nearly gave two of them a heart attack. I tell him Im the only one who matters to me, but hes stubborn, just like his grandfather. That old man never lets go of an idea. The car isnt badly damaged? I could pay for the repairs. No? Whatever you prefer.
And I stood there watching her, realizing I was in love. You wont believe it, Paul, but for the first time I saw the woman of my lifetired, in a nightgown, natural. I felt that if I lost her, I might as well jump off the roof.
I know this sounds absurd, but perhaps I could invite you and Marc to the cinema as compensation?
Thats unnecessary,she replied.You know Marc could imagine all sorts of things again.
Do I not please you?I asked.
Its not that. Its just under different circumstances this feels like Im deliberately sending my son under cars to find a husband. Its shameful.
Yes, and it makes me look like a profiteer of the situation,I joked.Now were heading to hell together. But if thats the case, maybe we could share the same fire?
I cant recall exactly what I said after, but the next day I drove to pick them up and we went to see *Transformers* at the movies. Then we had dinner at a restaurant. And
In short, Paul, thats why Im here. Were getting married in June and need a photographer. Can you handle it? Look how photogenic they are.
Vincent pulled out his phone and showed a picture of a laughing, beautiful redhead sitting beside a little boy.
Now Im convinced Cupid has no wings. He has freckles and two missing baby teeth, and his name is Marc. As for the surname well, Vincent will give him his soon enough. I have no doubt about that.
