Inconvenience. We all go through ’em.  It gets everyone more that we’d like.

Early one bright morning just 5 days removed from our Monday dinner I was headed to Emily’s place of work. She had tire problems driving to work Friday evening as she reported to her night shift job. 

That particular Saturday I had a breakfast meeting with a real estate broker to discuss a project, so it wasn’t as if I were trying to back out of helping her.

But I wasn’t about to back out. 

I knew she didn’t want to call me (to ask for help). I could feel it in her voice. She asked if I could pick her up from work the next morning (Saturday) and take her home.

A year from now no one will ever even remember if you’re late for a meeting – at least that’s how I viewed it. 

I pull up at 6:30 am on a Saturday morning to her employer’s parking lot. She jumps in. Her oldest will help with the tire later in the day, but me picking her up was a big help for her. She looked tired and sleepy so I didn’t mind helping her. From here she had to navigate me to her home, the one she left my property for. But it wasn’t as if it was something she wanted to do in the first place. Still it felt strange. I felt I was to blame. 

We talked about nothing. Really. It was a simple drive to her place. Other than a stop at McDonald’s for my favorite coffee to go. 

Later on that day, she thanked me graciously via text. And that her son was very appreciative as well.  She didn’t need to thank me. I was getting to know her and it was nice to see her in an ordinary unplanned setting. 

Driving back to Houston I knew I wanted to ask her out. I wasn’t sure how she would react. But again, it would be something casual. Close to her side of town. 

Hey I liked this girl.

Yes I made the morning meeting. I couldn’t tell you if I was on time or not.