They got to their destination in no time, and Sabrina was feeling much better. The environment was festive. They had decorated the area in celebration of Veteran’s Day, and they were serving a free glass of Martini, their house special, to anyone who showed proof of their service for the country. Sabrina and Jade made their way to the end of the bar’s counter and sat down on the wooded bar stools.
Sabrina ordered a glass of white wine, and Jada ordered a Mule, with extra lime slices. The music was at the right volume, and people were coming in sporadically. They ordered two servings of chicken wings, one BBQ and the other Buffalo style. They talk until it was about eight o’clock. Jada’s phone rang, and she excused herself and went outside to talk. She came back, smiling.
“What is going on? Why are you smiling?” Sabrina asked.
“That was Matthew. His wife is in the hospital about to deliver the baby,” she replied with a broad grin. “Come on, let’s go!”
“That is fantastic! Go on ahead. I will be okay,” Sabrina responded.
“Are you sure you do not want to come?” Jada inquired.
“Yes, I am sure. Go on. You do not want to miss the birthday celebration. Congratulations, Auntie Jada!”
They both burst out in laughter and walked out of the lounge arm in arm like lovers.
They traveled together until Sabrina made a right on Clark Street. In what seemed like a blink of her eyes, a dark-colored car pulled out right in front of her. She slammed her foot on the brake, and the car tires shrieked to a stop on the left side bumper of the other car. Her legs shook out of panic. She sat in her car, and tears streamed down her face. The driver came out, looked at the accident, then walked towards her.
“Ma’am, are you alright?” he asked her.
“Yes,” was the only answer Sabrina could muster.
“Good. I am so sorry. I did not see your car.”
Sabrina took up her phone to call the police, but remembered she was drinking.
“Ma’am, there is no need to call the police. It is not bad. Come and see. I am a mechanic; I will be able to fix this for you.”
His accent transformed his words into a sweet melody. Sabrina opened her door and stepped out. Planting her feet on solid ground created stability, and they stopped shaking. His car sustained more damage than hers. Her car was old, but sturdy. So, based on the minimal dents, Sabrina agreed not to get the police involved. Sabrina took pictures of the accident, and they exchanged information. He gave her his business card. His name was Carlos, the car specialist. Motto: Restores to Intended Use.
… to be continued.
Ok, I said it!