Forgive me for missing your birthday, PaulI had an accident.
Sorry, Paul, for not showing up the other day, Vincent said, gulping a swig of pastis. I knocked a child down on the road. He added, I was leaving a construction site, got into my car, and as soon as I was on the street a kid threw himself onto my hood.
Can you believe it? I asked. Luckily I wasnt speeding. I jumped out, saw the little boy alive, asked him how he felt, and he replied that he was fine. A reddishhaired kid, about six years old.
Where are your parents? I inquired.
Moms at home, he answered, shes cooking dinner.
Lets go then, I suggested, well speak 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 stunning, a rare charm, though her eyes were dim.
Excuse me, I began, something happened. Please dont worryI hit your son with my car. Hes okay; let me bring him out front. I called the child over. Do you want to call the police?
No need for police, she said softly. This is already the fifth time this has happened.
How? I asked.
Marc, go to your room, she commanded her son firmly. Come into the kitchen, please. Tea? Or perhaps coffee?
Her tea, brewed with herbs, was delicious.
Pardon us, Isabelleher namesaid. Marc heard a few days ago that I told a friend how hard it is to live without a husband, so he decided to find us a dad that way. Youre at least the fifth man hes used for this trick. 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 clinging to an idea. The car isnt badly damaged, is it? I could cover the repair costs, 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 lifetired, in a nightgown, natural. I felt that losing her would be worth jumping off a roof.
I know it sounds absurd, but perhaps I could invite you and Marc to the cinema as a way to make amends?
Its unnecessary, she replied. You know Marc might imagine things again.
Do I displease you? I asked.
Its not that. Its just in other circumstances this feels like Im deliberately sending my son under cars to find a husband. Its shameful.
Yes, and it makes me look like Im taking advantage of the situation, I joked. Now were headed for hell together. But if thats the case, maybe we could go to the same fire.
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 movies, then to 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 redhead sitting beside a little boy.
Now Im convinced Cupid has no 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.
