Parking in the first available space in front of the restaurant, Cline said out loud, “This must be my lucky day!”
Chorus members had invited him to their weekly get-together after rehearsal for more singing and eats. Because he was brand new, his eats would be on them.
Throughout the first 30 minutes, Cline retold much of his background story to the chorus members who asked.
“There’s a tow truck outside,” one of the older members said matter-of-factly, but Cline ignored him and continued conversing.
A few minutes later another member said something similar about the tow truck, “He’s lifting a red Camry. Anyone here own a red Camry?”
Cline froze in mid-sentence and said, “Red Camry?” He picked up his cell phone and ran to the door. The tow driver was slowly lifting the front end of the Camry so Cline approached him.
“What are you doing?”
“What’s it look like? You’re parked illegally and I’m towing the car.” The tow driver pointed to the sign directly in front of the Camry.
Parking space reserved for Carson, Ingram, and Associates, P.A. All violators will be towed.
It was ten at night and the only business open on the strip mall was the restaurant.
Cline sighed and said, “All right. What’ll it take to drop the tow and for me to get my car?”
“Let’s see, 30 bucks cash now or 125 at the City garage after midnight.”
Cline shook his head and pursed his lips.
“Thirty bucks cash now or 125 later,” the tow driver said again. “Your choice.”
“Yeah yeah. I heard you.” Leo took out his wallet and pulled out the only bill he had, a five. “I don’t have cash now but can you give me two minutes to go scrounge some up?”
“Fair enough. Two minutes and I’m gone.”
Cline rushed back inside and pled his case with his new singing acquaintances. Three men pulled out ten each and handed it to Cline who was out the door seconds later. The driver was just getting into his cab when he arrived.
“Here ya are, Buddy,” Cline said, forking over the cash.
“Thanks,” the driver said as he lowered the tow. “But somehow I don’t think I’ll get a tip for this one.”
“Let’s just say I hope to never do business with you again,”
“Likewise, I’m sure,” said the tow driver.