Years ago my wife, Carrie, and I dated for nearly five years before tying the knot. In those days I drove some really unreliable cars. I never had the money to get a nice ride. But I made it work.
Once when I was poking around in an auto store I ran across a portable floodlight designed for and automobile. It had a large light on one end and then a power cord that finished with a cigarette lighter adapter. I could plug it in my car and use it under the hood or under the car, unless my battery was dead.
It came in handy a few times. This story is about one of those times. Stick with me on this one.
Carrie had a sister, Teresa, that we lost way too early. Back in those days she would partner up with her friend, Debbie. When the two of them got together all I could think was, Trouble Brewing.
They had this strange past time of prowling around in their car looking for a boyfriend. I kept thinking there must be a better way to find a good man. I guess I was lucky. Carrie I found each other early, so we were able to skip this (dangerous in my opinion) young adult activity. I guess they would drive all evening on the main strips of local towns near us in search of a gaggle of young prospects. They did have some success and met lots of young suiters always willing to provide alcohol in various forms to lure the prey in. This went on for a couple of years.
It seemed like every season there was a new stud standing next to Teresa. Unfortunately for her she never seemed all too happy with any of them. Once she dated one for half a year. That was a new record for her, but alas, he too faded into history. So the nighttime prowling continued.
Once somewhere in the winter months Teresa and Debbie had planned another evening out on the town. It just so happened to coincide with a dinner date that Carrie and I had planned. I believe it was a Friday night. It was quite dark out. I arrived at Carrie & Teresa’s house just after Debbie. I saw her car out front of the house with her in it. Teresa was up at the door trying to exit. I thought I’d go up to call on Carrie but I could see she was coming out behind Teresa. But something was wrong. She doubled back in for something she must had forgotten. Before I could get out she was back and on her way to my car. I would not have to face the cold. I noted that Debbie was pulling away from the curb as Carrie reached the passenger side of mine.
We pulled away after an affectionate kiss and we were on our way. Now, Carrie lived about one mile away from the first highway. Both cars were heading for that road now. Carrie and I shared our day’s events as we drove along. I noted that I had caught up to Debbie. I suspected that she didn’t know it was us. Like I said, it was quite dark out.
As we reached the highway we turned right, as did Debbie. With no oncoming traffic I found myself still behind her. We were moving faster now, maybe 45 – 50 mph. Just up ahead was a bridge that went over the huge Midwest interstate I80/94. This super highway connected the eastern United States with west. It is the best way to get around Lake Michigan. Both cars continued on with the intention of crossing over and not ramping on to the super highway. It was at this precise moment that I felt that all too familiar voice in my head.
Trouble brewing.
Carrie and I had been discussing the dinner menu for the evening when I heard it.
Mike, you know what would be fun?
Mike, pay attention to your girlfriend don’t be rude.
Michael, maybe you need a light for your cigarette.
Pay attention to Carrie.
Mike, you know who always has a light?
“I’m sorry Carrie, what were you saying?” I tried to stay in our conversation.
Michael, you know that Debbie always has a lighter. Maybe you should ask her?” I looked forward on the road and recognized Debbie’s all too familiar license plate. We had crested the top of the bridge and were on our way down on the other side.
They were mine.
Things began to happen. I reached in the back seat on the floor and retrieve my new flood light.
“What are you doing Mike?” Carrie question me full of curiosity.
“I want to try something.” I pulled the cigarette lighter cap off and connected the flood light. It was bright. Carrie was surprised. I think it might have to had been 1,000,000 candle power, but my memory fades and exaggeration comes in.
I sped up a bit to reduce the distance between the two cars. I raised the flood light into the window of Debbie’s car. I shined all over the inside of the car. I could see Teresa turn to look back in fear. Perhaps the cops were on them. The final move synched the deal. I turned on my right turn signal.
They pulled over.
I pulled over and hit my hazard lights. I put an unlit cigarette in my mouth. I emerged from my car and ran at theirs.
Debbie, in horrific fear, rolled down her window.
“Do you have a light?”
I would tell you her response but the censors have removed it from this story.
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Those were the days. You are lucky that is all Debbie said and did not do. Tough gals in that car. You were so funny. Hope Debbie get’s to read this. Keep your stories coming. So glad I am a part of them. Fun memories.
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