I’m late for a squash game. I’ve been going around the block several times but still haven’t found parking. Finally a guy gets into his car… but someone is already waiting for that spot. Without giving it a second thought I zoom in and steal the space. I jump out of the car to the sound of furious honking, grab my bag and run to the squash club. I don’t particularly enjoy being a jerk but this is an emergency: I hate being late for a squash game!
I meet my opponent on the court a few minutes late, quickly forgetting about the parking incident… until the game is interrupted by someone cursing at me. The girl whose spot I stole was also going to the gym, and she is now standing outside the squash court, practically screaming, telling everyone what she thinks of me. I look at her and absorb the well-deserved words, my silence being the only response to her fury. After she leaves I pick up the ball and prepare to serve, noticing a smirk on my opponent’s face. Fortunately the guilt of being a jerk and the shame of being exposed in public are quickly erased: Squash is the ultimate workout to release whatever weight you have on your shoulders.
Showered and ready to take off, I chat with my buddy who works at the gym’s front desk. He asks what I did to make this girl so mad at me. As I tell him the story, a crazy thought crosses my mind. I grab a piece of paper and scribble: “Sorry for being a jerk today. Can I make it up to you by taking you out to dinner?” It’s a long shot but why not? She is cute and I am single, I have nothing to lose. I ask my buddy to give the note to the girl when she checks out of the gym.
A few hours later, after my traditional post-squash meal (pasta with butter, salt and cheese) I browse through my DVD collection in search of tonight’s entertainment. The phone rings…
***
Looking back, maybe I would have had more dates if I weren’t such a nice guy all the time!
Cedric, 9/16/11
(this true story happened in 1999 or 2000)
lucky for me 😉