A Random Stop
Evelyn was hurrying. She was always late for work, for tea with her mates, even for dates. Today it mattered more than ever: in two hours she had an interview at a topfloor firm in the city centre, and if she flunked it she would be out of a job for at least six months, because there were no other offers on the table.
The doubledeck bus pulled up to the shelter just as she burst out of the flat, lungs ragged. She lunged forward, tripped on the curb, and landed hard right in front of the doors. The driver, without pausing, slammed the doors shut and rolled away.
Bloody hell! she exclaimed, feeling the sting in her knee and the scratches on her palms.
Need a hand? a man leaned over her.
Evelyn glanced up and saw warm brown eyes, dark hair, and a faint smile.
Thanks, but its too late, she whispered, pushing herself up. The bus is gone, and the next one isnt due for another twenty minutes.
Where are you off to in such a rush?
To an interview. Downtown.
He checked his watch.
Im heading that way anyway. Give me a lift.
She hesitatedwhat if he were a predator?but the clock was ticking.
Are you sure?
Positive. By the way, Im Andrew.
Evelyn.
He turned out not to be a stalker. The car smelled of fresh coffee and a faint pine note. A soft jazz tune floated from the radio.
Do you often pick up ladies on the street? Evelyn asked, trying to break the tension.
Only those who tumble in front of me, he replied, deadpan, though a twinkle danced in the corners of his eyes.
They arrived ten minutes before the appointed hour. Evelyn leapt out of the car without even asking for his numberperhaps shed need it later.
Thanks! she called as she hurried away.
Good luck! he shouted back.
The interview went surprisingly well. Evelyn left the office lightheaded and smiling, and almost immediately ran into Andrew again. He stood at the entrance, two steaming mugs in his hands.
How did it go?
Brilliant! But what are you doing here?
Waiting.
Why?
To hear the result and, if you have the time, celebrate over a cuppa. Theres a reason to mark the occasion.
Evelyn laughed.
There is a reason, and Ive got plenty of time. They hired me, but I wont start for a month.
Even better! Lets toast at a café then.
They spent three hours in a little tea room, chatting about novels, travel, and foolish mishaps. Andrew turned out to be a design engineer, a fan of classic films, and a sworn enemy of olives. Evelyn spoke of her love for painting and how, as a child, shed dreamed of being a ballerina before a broken ankle while leaping over puddles ended that ambition.
So falling is your Achilles heel, Andrew noted.
And yours?
Rescuing the fallen.
For the whole month they met every daysometimes strolling through parks, sometimes driving out to the countryside, once even dashing for shelter from a sudden downpour, laughing and tripping over each others feet.
I told you you tumble too often, he teased, shaking her jacket.
At least youre always there to pick me up.
On the first day of her new job, Andrew waited outside the office with a bouquet of sweet peas.
Whats this for? she asked, bewildered.
Just because.
Six months later, on the very same bus stop where they first collided, Andrew confessed his love.
Remember how you fell?
How could I forget?
Well I never got up after that. You knocked me completely off my feet.
Evelyn laughed, her eyes glinting.
Thats the strangest way to say I love you.
And the most honest.
They married a year later. By the time Evelyn was expecting their first child, Andrew once again drove her to that fated stop.
Look, he pointed at the pavement, theres even a nick from your keys.
Youre lying, she giggled, but leaned down to inspect. Her growing belly made bending a little more cumbersome.
Andrew caught her by the elbow.
Falling again?
No, just a shift in balance.
He rested his hand on her rounded tummy.
Is our passenger calm today?
Just woke up, Evelyn said, pressing his palm to the spot where the baby nudged.
Andrew froze with his usual silly grin whenever he felt those tiny kicks.
You know what Im thinking? Evelyn whispered, wrapping an arm around his waist. If the bus hadnt left that day
Id have found you anyway, he interrupted. Maybe at the clinic, the shop, the car park, or that park where you love to read.
A romantic, she poked him in the ribs.
A realist.
They walked slowly to the car. Evelyn moved as if carrying a crystal vase, not a squirming infant.
You understand, Andrew said suddenly serious as he opened the door, now I have to lift two people.
She pressed his hand to her cheek.
You think you can manage?
Well try, he kissed the top of her head, the same gentle gesture he used whenever the words felt too heavy.
A month later, as they drove home from the maternity ward with a wailing bundle in the backseat, Evelyn burst into laughter.
Look, hes as rushed as I am! He couldnt wait for his due date.
Andrew, eyes fixed on the road, covered her fingers with one hand.
Just hope he doesnt inherit your habit of falling.
Dont worry, Evelyn smiled, watching her quiet son settle, hes got you.
