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 crawled in.
"236 Spruce Street please," grunted 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 anything wrong with what I said," the gentleman announced to his companion. She just glared at him, her eyebrows raised and her lips clenched shut.
"Maybe I shouldn't have insulted his mother but he was really 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. For him to walk up and give you a back massage is so much more than that."
"Oh, don't be such a jealous fool. You know there's nothing between Jim and me any more."
"If there's nothing between you, then why does he think he can put his hands all over you like that?"
"Oh Tom! Sometimes you are just so..." She trailed off and turned to gaze out the window. He just sat there and stared straight ahead, mad.
In the rear view mirror, I could see tears running down her cheek. I watched as she wiped her face with the back of her hand. I almost didn't notice the red light 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.
"It's just the way that he acts and the way that he speaks to me. I just don't like him to be around you."
"Well, you will just have to deal with it. 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."
"Well, I'll try not to blow up next time, but I would prefer that there not be a next time."
"Thanks alot," she she said softly and then turned and rested her head on the window. She stayed there, staring at the other cars silently for the remainder of the ride."