Forgive me for missing your birthday, PaulI had an accident.
Sorry, Paul, I didnt show up the other day. I ran over a kid on the road, Vincent said, gulping a swig of pastis. I was leaving a construction site, got into my car, and the moment I was on the street a child flung himself onto my hood.
Can you believe it? Luckily I wasnt going fast. I jumped out, saw the boy alive, asked if he was okay, and he answered that he was fine. A little redhaired kid, not more than six.
What about your parents? I asked.
Moms at home, he replied, shes making dinner.
Lets go then, I suggested, well talk to your mother and sort this out. He led me to his building, pointed to his flats door, then slipped behind me. I rang the bell; a woman opened. She was striking, a rare charm, though her eyes were dim.
Excuse me, I began, something happened. Please dont worryI hit your son with my car. Hes fine; here he is, I called the child to the front seat. Do you want to call the police?
No need for police, she said softly. This is already the fifth time hes done this.
How?
Marc, go to your room, she ordered her son firmly. Come into the kitchen, please. Tea? Or maybe coffee?
Her tea, brewed with herbs, was actually delicious.
Sorry about all this, Isabelle told meshe introduced herself. A few days ago Marc heard me telling a friend how hard it is to live without a husband, so he decided to find us a dad in this way. Youre at least the fifth man hes tried this on. He almost gave a heart attack to two of them. I tell him Im only interested in him, but hes stubborn, just like his grandfatheralways fixated on an idea and never letting go. The car isnt badly damaged, is it? I could cover the repairs if youd like.
I stood there watching her and realized I was falling in love. You wont believe it, Paul, but for the first time I saw the woman of my life: tired, in a dressing gown, natural. I felt that losing her would be worth jumping off a roof.
I know this sounds ridiculous, but would you let me take you and Marc to the cinema as a sort of compensation?
Its 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 I look like a opportunist, I joked. Now were heading straight to hell together. If thats the case, maybe we could share the same pyre?
I cant recall exactly what I said afterward, but the next day I picked them up and we went to see *Transformers* at the movies, then to a restaurant, and
So, Paul, thats why Im here. Were getting married in June and need a photographer. Will 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 doesnt have wings, but he does have freckles and two missing baby teeth, and his name is Marc. As for the surname Vincent will give him his soon enough. I have no doubt about that.
Forgive Me for Missing Your Birthday, I Had an Accident.
