Wisdom

The Awkward Getting-to-Know-You Phase (Story #1,041)

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

The media trucks lined Hickory, some of them emitting a faint hum.

A small protest took place across the street.

Maybe five people, crude signs.

Angie turned to Sally.

“Corinne’s never gonna win the nomination, but she’s gotta be the wisest politician I’ve ever heard speak.”

Sally sniffed, shook his head.

“Most politicians are grifters. Babner is an impressive orator, and like you say, wise about the issues. Wise doesn’t really fit with politics though, most of the time.”

Angie and Sally turned up Aspen, Angie using the fob to unlock her Audi.

When they were inside the car, Angie said “Who’s the wisest person you ever met? Can’t say a family member.”

Sally smiled, thought about the question.

“You like Thai food?” He asked Angie.

“Love it. Chiang Mai Kitchen or Siam Express?”

“Udon Palace.”

Angie smiled and typed Udon Palace into the GPS. She pulled out of the parking space. 

“Gonna answer my question?

“My Undergrad Housing Coordinator at Duke was pretty wise. I’ll say him. Colton…Brisbois. Yeah. He was a wise dude.”

“Your dorm czar made an impression, huh?”

“Yeah…”

Sally looked at Angie, loosened his tie. Might as well get it over with.

“...four days before move-in day my Freshman year my Grandfather was convicted of ordering the hit that took out Senator Lousch, his Chief of Staff and his driver…”

Angie felt her eyes get wide and tried to douse their intensity. Just by the timbre of Sally’s voice she could tell it wasn’t a comfortable topic.

“I’m Salvatore Angelo Vancatti the Fourth. Sally Van is my nom de…nom de… relative anonymity. I’m not ashamed of my family, but…it’s just easier.

Angie patted Sally’s leg. She wondered if it was reassuring or patronizing. 

“Anyway,” Sally said, “Brisbois called and asked me to meet with him. They changed my housing assignment from a party quad to a one roommate deal.”

Angie made a left on Taylor Road, then looked over at Sally, expectantly. Tell me more.

“They got me a sweet flat right next to campus security…my roommate was Willard Pettenerre.”

Angie looked puzzled.

“Pettenerre,” Sally repeated. “Heir to the Pettenerre Tobacco fortune. Brisbois knew that he was the one kid on campus whose grandfather was responsible for more deaths than mine.”

Angie took a left on Bailey, skipping her turn signal.

“Ummm, ok…guess that was wise. Anyone else come to mind?”

Sally hesitated, said “Ummm…uhhh…Gandhi was wise.”

Angie smiled.

“Pretty sure you never met Gandhi.”

“Oh…yeah…ummm…”

“Take your time,” Angie said.

Sally nodded.

As they parked across the street from Udon Palace, Sally said “My grandfather’s triggerman was pretty wise. He left immediately after and lived out his life in Slovenia, in the mountains, and never once testified in any manner.”

Angie opened her door, got out. Crossing the street she said “You’re not gonna vote for Corinne Babner in the primary, are you?”

Sally took Angie’s hand.
“We’ve only known each other a week, but I wouldn’t negate your vote.”

Angie wasn’t sure if Sally’s statement was true, but she was certain that it was wise.

***