After a quick shower we’re heading out when we run into Robert and Carol. We’ve really enjoyed their company this week and we have a nice chat. We’re heading back to the ATM one more time to get settling cash and Robert, who has had a car all week unbeknownst to us, offers a ride. Now we’ve known that Robert has a little problem hearing but I think he’s pretty close to deaf in his left ear because I say three or four times on the way down that we’ll turn in just past the Commerce Bank without any response from him. When we get there we just roll right on by. Sweetie Pie and I just look at each other. Finally, when we near the roundabout Robert looks over and says “Where to?” We smile, “Well, back there.” Robert is too kind, and shortly we’re at the bank. “Would you like me to wait?” he asks but we’ve got coffee and breakfast plans. What a great guy.
We are the only ones at the ATM this morning and its door is ajar. We don’t think anything of this and close it when we step in. We’ve figured out what we need to settle and tip and quickly get what we need. When we turn to leave the door won’t open! We spend a good minute or so trying to figure out what the hell is going on, how do you get locked IN an ATM! A Jamaican walking into the shopping center sees us flailing about and comes up to the door. “There’s a button somewhere up near here,” he says pointing on the door frame. There it is, a little doorbell ringer like button! We walk out and have the best laugh with our liberator.
We walk up the road one last time. It is an absolutely perfect morning and as we’re walking we talk about what an incredible environment this place is for a photographer. We grab a couple of shots that are just too easy.
When we walk into Easy Rock Max isn’t there. An older lady at the bar says he is next door at the bar. We walk down to the bar next to the coffee shack and before we even get inside we know what’s going on, you can hear the TV and the boys chattering. “Match today, Sweetie,” I say. Little did I know. Max is transfixed on the screen when we come in, even after we call out. A couple of his buddies nudge him and he responds. “Oh, Hey!,” he says, “How ya doing! Man U is on this morning! Let me get my stuff, I’ll go make you some coffee.” He starts to pull his things together on the bar. I look at the TV and it’s not just Manchester United playing, it’s Manchester vs. Liverpool! In soccer this is like Yankees-Dodgers, Cowboys-Steelers, Lakers-Celtics. There is no way we’re letting Max make us coffee. “No problem, brudda, we’re not taking YOU away from THIS game to make us coffee. We just wanted to come and say goodbye and…” I put some money on the bar, “say thanks, mon, it’s been a great week.” Sweetie Pie walks up and gives Max a big hug. They have a true moment and pass a few words of future friendship. Max comes and gives me a hug and then meets my eyes, “She’s very special, mon,” and he shakes his head. All I can do is nod and smile. I’m a little misty now thinking about it. Good man, Max, we’ll see you soon.
