AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I didn't say you were."
I keep walking and the car inches along next to me. "Why're you all wet?"
"Got pushed into the pool." Also nearly died and got totally humiliated in front of rich people.
"Were you up at the party at the Bianchi's?"
"I don't even know the name of the family. All I know is I got thrown in the pool."
"Where're you headed now?"
"To the bus stop."
"No buses running this time of night."
"I'll catch one in the morning."
He's quiet for a second but keeps following me with his car. "You got a place to stay?"
"Ain't none of your business."
"I'm just concerned. You look like you've had a rough night and could use some kindness right about now."
Kindness? What the heck is he talking about? "I'm gonna be just fine."
"Why don't you let me give you a ride?"
Istop and look at his gray hair and frizzly moustache. He looks like the grandpa who reads bedtime stories to his grandson.
"No thank you. I'll walk."
"It's a long way to a bus stop. Even longer soaking wet. Go ahead and get in. What's your name?"
I shouldn't trust the guy but something about him seems honest. "Foster."
"Hi, Foster. I'm Henry. When someone offers you a helping hand, you take it."
"I don't take favors 'cuz I don't wanna owe nobody nothin'."
"You don't have to pay me back. You pay it forward we'll be even."
"I got nothing to pay anyone back with."
"You will someday. Now get in."
He seems harmless. A little kooky, but he doesn't look like he wants to chop me up and eat me. A ride to the bus stop would be a godsend right about now. "Okay." I open the passenger side door and get in the car with Henry.
He drives past the bus station and gets on Highway 27 toward Queens.
"You just passed the bus stop."
"Then we'll get to know each other a little."
I roll my eyes in the darkness of the car so he can't see. I don't want to listen to a lonely old man telling his stories.
"So what were you doing up at the Bianchi party?"
"I was working with the caterer. My friend told me I'd be washing dishes. I ended up carrying drinks in. There was a girl."
