It was about 12:15 on a warm Thursday night in August. I drove my cab down the street, humming to the tune on the radio as I aproached my detination.
By the time I reached the Sheriton, it had started raining. The windshield wipers slid back and forth in front of my face as the door opened and two passangers climbed in.
"236 Spruce Street please," said the gentleman.
"Sure thing buddy." I spat out my usual reply as I began driving and listening to the conversation unfolding in the back seat.
"I just don't see what was so wrong with what I said," the gentleman remarked to his companion. She just glared at him, her eyebrows raised and her lips clenched shut.
"Well, ok, maybe I shouldn't have insulted his intelligence but he was asking for it."
"Tom, he was just being friendly. He didn't want to ignore me."
"Look, a wave or a casual hello is being friendly. Walking up and giving you a back massage is pushing it a bit."
"Oh, don't be such a jealous fool. You know there's nothing between Jim and me any more."
"Which is exactly why he shouldn't be touching you like that. It's not really appropriate."
"You're right, it's just that you are so..." She trailed off and turned to gaze out the window. He just sat there staring straight ahead.
In the rear view mirror, I could see him give her small tug on the arm. I watched as she turned towards him and squeezed his hand. I almost didn't notice the red light in front of me and had to stop short. The sudden change in motion made my pasangers jolt forward slightly.
"Sorry 'bout that," I shouted to the back seat. I recieved no answer. Instead they continued their conversation.
"I'm sorry. It's just that he acted that way and he spoke like that. I just find it hard to deal with him."
"I just wish you would be a bit more civil to him. I mean, I am still friends with him even if you're not."
"Alright, I'll try to behave better next time."
"Thanks," she rested her head on his shoulder and stayed that way, silent for the remainder of the ride."