Matti’s Secret
Matti always avoided bars, especially Saturday nights. She didn’t want to risk being sidelined by the singles crowd like an orphaned calf in the wrong pasture. Still she hungered for a real steak hamburger, not a lifeless McDonald’s patty. The Lone Star Bar and Grill remained the only place near Oak Grove open late where she could get takeout. They never ate steak at home. Granny’s dentures didn’t fit around bitin’ things.
She’d duck in and be out in a few minutes. The car wobbled as she pulled into the graveled parking lot. She scrambled out just as the car’s chassis sank to the ground. A flat tire. Damn! Who could she call? She rummaged through her handbag for her cell phone. Dead! She tossed the useless device into the glove …show more content…
“Come with me. I want to show you something.” He took her hand and tossed ten dollars on their empty table. Outside, Matti stopped and breathed deeply, drawing in the fresh air with relief. Seeing David head toward the edge of the lot, she yelled at him. “Remember my flat tire.”
Startled he turned and returned, his head down like someone caught leaving a party. “I’m sorry. I know, I promised. Show me your car.”
She pointed to her car on the edge of the lot near the highway and followed his large strides. He walked around the front end, squatted down by the flat tire and ran his hand along its outer rim. “There’s a nail in the tread. You can’t drive on it. Let me see your spare?”
Matti opened the trunk and pointed to a well-worn tire. David turned away. She felt the muscles in her back stiffen. Would he change his mind about helping her? There was no way she could change the tire. Was he shocked with her old car? With its rusted fenders, torn seat covers and a trunk filled with brushes and paints?
“No problem.” He pulled it from the trunk. “I’ll get it mounted. Won’t take a second.” But then he paused. “Not yet. I want to show you my new truck.” Before she could answer, he dragged her over to his new Ford pickup. Its glassy exterior reflected the yellow parking lot