Another Honda? No, I Don't Think So

I met Bob at Lakeshore Honda this morning. He walked toward me and stuck his hand out.

"Hey, Buddy," he said. "How ya doing? Long time no see."

We shared a laugh and a hand shake and turned toward the new Hondas parked in the lot. The sun shone on the new paint and shiny chrome. These cars were pristine. But I had some misgivings.

We stood together and peered into a side window and after a moment, Bob spoke.

"Do you like these Hondas?" he asked. "Honestly? 'Cuz I don't."

I'd been having some second thoughts about them myself, Ms J, and my friend only validated my feelings. I wrinkled my nose.

"I don't know, Robert J. I guess they're alright, but ..."

"But you like the look of the Mazda better, don't you? Hmmm?"

I turned toward him. His eyebrows were raised and he was nodding his head. His broad smile was evident behind his bushy beard.

"Yeah, Bobbo," I confessed. "I do prefer the Mazda. Do you think we ought to test drive the Civic anyway?"

"It's up to you, man. Doesn't matter to me. I don't see much point in test driving something you don't like, though."

I stared at him for a moment. Now I was nodding my head and smiling.

"Are we done here, then?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said. "Yeah, we're done."

"OK. No worries. I'll catch you later." And he turned to go.

I called after him.

"Bob?"

"Hmmm?"

"Thanks. I appreciate you meeting me here today, even if it was for nothing."

"It wasn't for nothing," he grinned. "I mighta just saved you from buying another car you don't like. Are you going back to see the Mazda guy?"

"I think so, yeah."

"Wait til Monday," said Bob. "You don't want to look too anxious. Wait til Monday and I'll go with you. A little moral support, eh? Keep you from doing the wrong thing."

I thought about what he'd said as I drove home. Bob's a good friend, Ms J. And that's one of the advantages of having friends who care.

They keep you from doing the wrong thing.

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