I came home from college for my last Christmas break before graduation. It always felt a little strange sleeping in my old room after many months away and I must have had a growth spurt this year because my bed felt awfully small. My mom had to move some clutter out and give the room a good dusting, but it was great to spend time with her again.
After a few days I set up a meet with some old high-school buddies at the burger joint where we used to hang. I hadn't seen most of them in years and I was really looking forward to catching up. I also knew that things were going to be changing for all of us and it may be our last chance to get together and relive our glory days, such as they were.
I cranked up my ugly-ass Nova after a few tries, filling the driveway with noxious blue smoke. Mom had her own car so mine just sat while I was at school. I crawled through my neighborhood, marveling at all that had changed and all that hadn't, and made my way to the main drag through town. There was a signal every quarter mile, so it was slow going, but I was not in a hurry at all. I just enjoyed the nostalgic tour through my hometown.
When I got to the railroad crossing, I slowed down to creep over the tracks. The shocks were shot on the Nova and going too fast would cause it to bounce and maybe bottom out. It wasn't a great car, but the Nova was all I had so I did my best to take care of it.
Suddenly, I felt a violent jolt. I hit my brakes and looked in the mirrors. Crap! Someone had rear-ended me!
I pulled off the tracks and to the side of the street. I got out to assess the damage. Say what you like about the 69 Chevy Nova - it's built like a tank. There was a fairly deep crease in the huge, chrome, rear bumper but the damage was minimal at best. The same cannot be said for the BMW Hybrid pulling over behind me. The entire front end was smashed, and the headlights were shattered. I'm sure it was mostly cosmetic, but the cost of BMW cosmetics is high.
The driver-side door opened and a flashy-looking dude in an expensive suit stepped out. He folded his arms and whistled while he surveyed the front of his car. I walked towards him, preparing myself for an argument regarding fault and insurance coverage. In my experience, most rich people like to hang onto their money and not pass any to people like me from the other side of town.
He looked over at me and to my surprise said, "You OK, kid?"
"Yes, sir. You?" I answered.
"Oh, I'm fine." He shook his head, slowly. "But the Beemer here is going to need a little work. Looks like your ride handled the contact pretty well."
"Yeah. It's pretty tough. Let me get my insurance card for you."
"Hang on a minute. We don't need to bother with all that." He pulled a roll of cash out of his pocket and peeled off five, crisp one-hundred-dollar bills. "Will this take care of you?"
"Absolutely!" I took the money from him, folded it and stuffed it quickly into the front pocket of my jeans before he could change his mind. "Thank you! Now I can get my mom something nice for Christmas!"
"That's great, kid. Hope you have a terrific holiday."
"Thanks. You too. Do you need any help with this?" I gestured towards the front of his car.
"Nah. My car guy isn't far from here. I think I can get there OK." He squatted down and pulled a loose strip of molding off the fender. "He's not going to be happy with me."
"Sorry about that. Hope it gets fixed up quick." I turned to walk back to my car. My back stiffened up a bit while we were standing there talking and I gave it a little twist and rubbed my neck.
"Hey, kid!" he called after me. "You sure you're OK?"
"Yeah. Just a little stiff. I'll be OK."
He stood up and reached into his suit pocket. "Come here a second." He pulled out a business card and a pen. After writing on the card, he offered it to me. "I've got a lady that can help you out. My treat. Just give her a call tomorrow afternoon and she'll take care of you."
"I will. Thanks!" I took the card and put it in my pocket with the cash. He kept his hand out, so I shook it firmly. "Have a good day!"
"You too, kid. See you around."
I made my way back to the Nova and got in. I fished the business card out of my pocket. Jameson Crusoe. Money Management - Investment Strategies - Wealth Building. On the back, he had written "Misty" and a phone number. I'd never had a professional message before, but I was willing to bet a guy like that insisted on quality. I was definitely going to give Misty a call tomorrow.
My buddies were quite surprised when I sprang for the burgers and beer. They were amazed at my good fortune when I told them about how I got the five bills. I did not tell them about the business card.
The next afternoon I dialed Misty on my cell phone. I was a little surprised when I got a generic "leave a name and number" message. I figured a reputable business would at least have an answering service. But I followed the instructions and left my name and number. I also mentioned that I was referred by Mr. Jameson Crusoe.
About an hour later my phone rang - it was Misty's number.
"Hello?"
"Hi. Is this Steven?" She had a Southern accent that was as thick and sweet as molasses. "This is Misty."
"Yes, ma'am. Thanks for calling me back. Mr. Crusoe told me to contact you."
"Are you OK, darlin'? Did he really hit you with his car?"
"I'm fine. He just rear-ended me." I heard her giggle. I'm not sure why.