Simon, sorry I couldn’t make it to your birthday bash that time, I ended up hitting a kid with my car on the road, — Victor downed a shot of whiskey. — I was on a job at a new build, got into my car, and just as I drove out, this kid appeared on my bonnet out of nowhere.
Can you imagine? Thank God I wasn’t going fast. I jumped out, checked him over — the boy was okay, I asked if he was alright, and he said he was fine. A little redhead, probably about six.
“Where are your parents?” I inquired. “Mum’s at home,” he answered, “making dinner.” “Alright,” I said, “let’s go see your mum. We’ll sort this out.” He led me to their front entrance, pointed to their flat, and hid behind me. I rang the bell, and a woman answered. Beautiful, never seen the likes of her before, but somehow, how to put it, a bit weary. Her eyes lacked sparkle. You get me?
“I’m sorry,” I said, “but I must tell you, I hit your son with my car. He’s alright, here he is,” I pulled the boy out from behind me. “But do you want to call the police?”
“No police, please,” she replied softly. “This is the fifth time he’s done this.” “What do you mean?”
“Mark, go to your room,” she said firmly to her son. “And you, come into the kitchen. Want some tea? Or coffee perhaps?” The tea she made was lovely, by the way. Some kind of herbal blend.
“Please excuse us,” she said, introducing herself as Emma. “Mark overheard me tell a friend a few days ago how hard it is without a husband, and thought this was the way to find us a dad. You’re at least the fifth man he’s scared like this. Nearly gave two of them a heart attack. I keep telling him, I don’t need anyone but him, but he’s stubborn, takes after his grandfather. Once that man got something in his head, that was it. Did he scratch your car badly? I could pay for repairs. No? Well, if you’re sure.”
And there I was, looking at her and realizing — I was smitten. Wouldn’t you know it, Simon, for the first time ever, there was my woman across from me. Exhausted, in her dressing gown, no makeup. And I felt that if I lost her, it would be like jumping off a roof.
“I know how absurd this sounds, but as compensation, may I take you and Mark to the cinema?” I asked. “It’s not needed,” she replied. “You understand, Mark might conjure up more ideas.”
“Am I not to your liking?” I asked. “It’s not that. It’s just… under different circumstances… I feel as though I’m using my son to find a husband. How embarrassing.”
“Right. And it makes me the jerk for trying to take advantage of a woman in a tough spot,” I joked. “And now we’ll both go to hell. But maybe we could go together?”
I don’t remember much of what else I said, but the next day I picked them up and we went to watch “Transformers” at the cinema. Then dinner out. And, well… Long story short, Simon, we’re getting married in June. We need a photographer. Can you handle it? They’re so photogenic, look.
Victor pulled out his phone, showing a picture of a laughing redheaded beauty and the boy sitting next to her.
Now, I’m absolutely certain Cupid doesn’t have wings. But he’s got a bunch of red freckles and is missing two baby teeth. And his name is Mark. His last name… well, soon enough, Victor will give him his. Of that, I’m sure…
