Hats’ Off to a Best Friend

My foot finally let up on the gas as the vintage sedan skid into the parking space. Hopping out, I glanced through the lot for a small coupe. Not seeing it, I proceeded toward the neighborhood pizza parlor.

Often we would meet up before going in. Sometimes even travel together. But not today. Hesitantly I nudged open the proprietor's door and inched in. My head searched about the dining area as the server pointed towards an empty booth. Settling into the red leather, my eyes stared at the doorway wondering if I had figured the wrong day.

Still not here. I was tempted to text, then slipped the phone into my giant pocketbook.

Sipping a chilled cola, thoughts skipped to times gone by. Of heart-to-heart chats more nourishing than plates steaming with luscious pasta laden with red sauce, surrounded by tasty meatballs. Like smooth ocean waves, time eased by as our stomachs and souls were filled. A glad-to-be-alive moment.

Slathering butter on another roll, my eyes again shifted toward the entrance. All was still.

Patience was a must.

Gulping the last bite, I was reminded of other things. Patience had been a calming force, weathering times of rocky waves. Along with gentleness, caring and self-control.

Joined together for many years, we had embraced moments of gladness as well as upset, journeying to a place of hope and promise. But to get there was not always easy … sometimes there were mudslides along the way. There were bills to pay, children to encourage, and a home to maintain. That is when we pulled up our sleeves and declared a singular faith to guide us.

My head again bobbed towards the door. Other hungry folks were coming in. So I rearranged myself in the booth, changing the picture. What delightful décor! The walls were wallpapered in old-world design suggesting outside buildings with creeping vines and flowers. Ample sized oil paintings with golden frames caught the attention of my roving eye. Then whiffs of garlic, basil and savory sauces eased in filling every nook and cranny of the room. My mouth tingled and my stomach yearned to be full.

I closed my eyes as soft violin strains weaved through the restaurant. Although still seated, my hand held tight to another, as we glided around the room in an elegant waltz. It was all so carefree, a moment lit with gladness.

My eyes fluttered and opened wide. His smile mischievously playful, he gently kissed my cheek as he slid into the booth.

My very best friend had arrived.

… “and that’s how I live it.”

Hats’ off to every friend who stands true, yielding to the finest regard for one another, with a skip in their step and laughter in their heart.