Small Town Life
part 7

Carl Matthews

It’s about that time, actually a few minutes late. I wonder where she is? I hope everything is all right.

Oh Lord, here comes fun. Mrs. Henderson and that flea-bitten mutt o’ hers. Gosh, Carl … calm down and be nice. Don’t let her get to you.

Mrs. Henderson, how are you doing this fine morning? Glad to hear it, ma’am. Fill ‘er up?

Good morning, Brenda. Wait … oh my God … she’s pulling in here! What do I do? Okay, act cool, Carl. It’s no big deal. She’s just another customer. I don’t wanna call her Mrs. Massey, she ain’t with Mr. Massey anymore. I’ll just avoid them naming conventions all together.

Good morning. What can I do for you?

I have always appreciated the way Brenda looks ya in the eye. So charming and polite.

Yes, ma’am. You did give me a five instead of a ten last time, but it was an honest mistake and I paid for it. I can’t believe you’ve worried about it all this time. It’s nothing, ma’am. Okay, it’s nothing Brenda. It’s been taken care of. I appreciate your honesty and all, but I can’t take your money. You’ll what? Oh, I can’t … well … I don’t wanna be rude. If you insist, I guess I could. How’s 7PM? Okay, where are you? 506 Oak Lane. Okay, I’ll see ya there. You have a good day, too.

Oh my God, thank you Jesus! I ain’t believing that happened. I might have to go home sick.

Yes, Mrs. Henderson, I heard it click. I was just trying to help out Brenda there. Yes, ma’am … I’ll converse on my own time, you caught me red-handed.

Killjoy ol’ bag. I feel sorry for the dog of yours sometimes.  I wonder if he’s ever tried to choke himself with his collar.

That’ll be $11.00. Outta a twenty? There’s sixteen, seventeen, eightteen, nineteen, twenty. Have a good one, ma’am.

And take your own sweet time coming back, ya hear? Geez … of ALL days to come in here and show yourself …

My Lord, I can’t beleive Brenda remembered all of that oil change nonsense and has felt guilty all this time. Just goes to prove my point, that’s a fine lady there. Rare specimen.

I gotta calm down before I go over there tonight. I’m so nervous I’m liable to hose down the front porch with puke before I even get inside … thank you, Lord, again.

part 1 – part 2 – part 3 – part 4 – part 5 – part 6