I ran into James yesterday evening.
James (waving from across the intersection): Hey, hey, I gotta talk to you!
Me (under my breath): Fuck, shit, goddammit ...
James: (crossing the street): Hey, hey, tell them puppies not to bite me! I gotta talk to you!
Me: Hey, James. Dude, how's it goin'?
James: I got me a place ... up on 185th.
Me: Wow!! Cool! Congratulations.
James: So, I need some furniture. All I got is a reclining chair.
Me: I can't help you, but if I hear of anything, I'll let you know.
James: Well, can you help me out a little?
Me: What? You just got a place, man.
James: I need to get back there ... c'mon ... three dollars for the bus.
Me: Can't help you, man.
James: I know you gave me that twenny the other day ... just two dollars and I won't bother you no more.
Me (thinking): 20? I never gave him a 20.
Me (to James): James, when I gave you the 20, you said you'd make it last and that you wouldn't be asking me no more ...
James: Yeah, I know; but that was before I got my place, man. You know how gettin' a place costs money. Just bus fare ... bus fare.
Me: I can't help you today. I got my own place ... you know how it is with money when you get your own place.
James: Bus fare, maybe a dollar.
Me: James, see those people there comin' out of that place. They're from outtatown ... go ask them. They oughta be able to come up with three dollars between 'em all.
James: Yeah, good idea ... We still friends, right?
Me: Yeah. Good luck with your place, man. I'll check around for the furniture.
James: Thanks. (Turning to the small cadre of people waiting for the valet to bring their car) Excuse me, folks ... where you'll hail from?
Hey! What a coincidence - I just got me a new place, too and could use a little help. Just a dinette set. And maybe a tv. Curtains would make the place look a little more cozy too. Whaddaya say? Got an extra dinette set you can spare?
Posted by: Elle at September 9, 2006 08:50 AMSad, sad James! I commend you for not giving him "bus fare". I suspect he would have "missed the bus" and bought a beer. Maybe I shouldn't think that way, but...
Posted by: Trace at September 10, 2006 12:59 AMAt least he asks for a purpose and names a price.
Posted by: Anji at September 10, 2006 02:08 AMAnji is right. He did name his purpose and price.
Posted by: Trace at September 10, 2006 07:20 PMDude, I got a place. Been thinkin' about double pane insulated windows ...
But seriously, life just hands some people, like James, the shitty end of the stick.