Forgive me for not showing up at your birthdayI had an accident.
Sorry, Paul, for missing your celebration the other day, Vincent said, swallowing a quick gulp of pastis. I ran over a kid on the road, he continued. I was leaving a construction site, got into my car, and as soon as I hit the street a child threw himself onto the hood.
Can you believe it? I asked. Luckily I wasnt speeding.
I jumped out, saw the boy alive, asked if he was ok, and he replied that everything was fine. He was a little redhaired kid, no older than six.
Where are your parents? I inquired.
My mothers at home, he answered, shes cooking dinner.
Lets go then, I suggested, well talk to your mother and sort this out. He led me to his building, pointed to his apartment door and lingered just behind me. I rang; a woman opened. She was strikingly beautiful, 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 boy over. Would you like 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 perhaps coffee?
Her tea, brewed with herbs, was delightful.
Sorry about this, Isabelleher nametold me. A few days ago Marc overheard me telling a friend how hard it was to live without a husband, and he decided to find us a dad that way. Youre at least the fifth man hes tried this on. He almost gave two of them a heart attack. I tell him hes the only one who matters to me, but hes stubborn, just like his grandfatheralways set on an idea and never letting go. Did the car sustain much damage? I could cover the repairs, if you wish.
I stood there, watching her, and realized I was falling in love. You wont believe it, Paul, but for the first time I see the woman of my lifetired, in a dressing gown, completely natural. If I lose her, I might as well jump off a roof.
I know this sounds absurd, but would you let me take you and Marc to the cinema as compensation?
Its not necessary, 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 it would feel like Im deliberately sending my son under cars to find a husband. Its shameful.
Yes, and Id look like a opportunist, I joked. Looks like were heading straight to hell together. If thats the case, maybe we could share the same pyre?
I cant recall exactly what I said after that, but the next day I picked them up and we went to see *Transformers* at the theater, then dinner, and
In short, Paul, thats why Im here. Were getting married in June and need a photographer. Can you handle that? Look how photogenic they are.
Vincent pulled out his phone and showed a picture of a laughing, beautiful redhead sitting beside a small boy.
Now Im certain Cupid has no wings, but he does have freckles and two missing baby teeth, and his name is Marc. As for his surname well, Vincent will give him his soon enough. I have no doubt about that.
