Forgive me for missing your birthday, PaulI had an accident.
Sorry, Paul, for not showing up the other day, Vincent began, gulping a swig of pastis. I knocked a child over on the road. He continued, I was leaving a construction site, got into my car, and as soon as I hit the street a kid hurled himself onto the hood.
Can you believe it? I asked. Luckily I wasnt going fast.
I jumped out, saw the boy conscious, asked if he was okay, and he nodded. A little redhaired child, not more than six.
Where are your parents? I inquired.
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 out the apartment door, and slipped behind me. I rang the bell; a woman opened. She was strikingrare charm, but with a muted look.
Excuse me, I started, something happened. Please dont worry; I ran over your son with my car. Hes finehere he is, I called the boy to the front. Do you want to call the police?
No police needed, she said softly. Its already the fifth time hes done this.
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.
Pardon us, said Isabelleher nameMarc heard a few days ago that I 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 hes the only one that matters to me, but hes stubborn, like his grandfatheralways a plan, never giving up. Did the car sustain much damage? I could cover the repairs, if youd like.
I stood there, watching her, and realized I was falling in love. You wouldnt believe it, Paul, but for the first time I saw the woman of my lifetired, in a nightgown, completely natural. I felt that losing her would be worth jumping off a roof.
I know this sounds ridiculous, but perhaps I could invite you and Marc to the cinema as a peace offering?
Its unnecessary, she replied. You know Marc would imagine all sorts of things again.
Am I not to your liking? I asked.
Its not that. Its just under different circumstances it feels like Im purposely sending my son under cars to find a husband. Its shameful.
Yes, and it makes me look like Im exploiting the situation, I joked. Now were headed for hell together. But if thats the case, maybe we can go to the fire together?
I cant recall exactly what I said after that, but the next day I picked them up and we saw *Transformers* at the movies, then dined out, and
In short, 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 certain Cupid has no wings, but he does have freckles and a couple of missing baby teeth. 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!
