magnifico

The Tesla tore past me, still blaring its horn and flashing its lights at 192-D-3XY--who was now out of sight--and it annoyed me.

Idiot.

It was raining, the road was slick, he was doing close to 120. He was going to cause an accident or at the very least rattle the driver of the Toyota enough that she might cause an accident herself.

What an idiot. How would he like it if someone was pushing him on like that?

How indeed.

A glance in my mirror showed there was a gap in the fast lane once he shot past. Taking a moment to think ‘this is not me’ then making the decision regardless, I flicked down my indicator and turned the wheel, sliding in behind Mister Tesla, provoking a beep of annoyance from the Renault behind.

“Yeah, this place is a bit of a dump but they do good coffee,” I said. “Hey, can you believe that guy? Lucky you dragged me away, I swear I was going to…”

“Were you?” she asked, raising her eyebrows and releasing my arm. “Going to go all Jason Statham on his ass?”

“Probably not,” I conceded, taking another gulp from my cup. It tasted even better outside, now the rain had stopped and the clouds were letting in light. “Not exactly the confrontational type. Not sure what got into me.”

Both our cars were parked across from the shop, either side of the Tesla, which must have been there when I arrived but I was too shaken to notice.

“Don’t have to be confrontational. You already proved you’re my Knight in Shining Audi,” she said, as we made our way across. “And besides, as flattered as I am, I’m capable of getting my own payback. Mr. Reynolds is going to find it hard to rage-drive when he comes out to two flat tires.”

Saying this, she opened her free hand to reveal the two, small valve caps she held then laughed as she ran to her car.

“You didn’t!”

“I did! You can call me…Magnifico. And you're my Figaro.”

I watched her open her door, start to get in, wanting to say something, anything, not wanting this moment to pass. But what could I say? I didn’t want to come across like…

“I don’t have Revolut,” she called. “Old school, remember? But I do like this coffee and I’ll be here at the same time tomorrow if you want to shout me back.”

Magnifico didn’t wait for a reply, just slid inside and shut the door. A second later she was driving past me, waving as she went for the exit. I waved her off, sipping my coffee, smiling.

The world felt different. The day was looking up. Commute 5280 had gone quite badly but things were looking up for 5282.

My sparkwheel had managed a light and now I had a flame to keep burning.