This just happened and I swear it’s all true. I felt the need to spend the day alone in one of my peaceful and happy places. I knew The Metropolitan Museum where I often escaped during the Covid lockdown would provide just the quiet, and solace I required. After wandering around for a few hours with no specific objective seeing some new and fascinating exhibits I happened on a short film “An Arrested Moment” by Frank Ivory about his unexpected love affair with India. It was tucked away in a corner of one of the wings and made me feel like I was on a magic carpet ride.

   When it was time to leave and head home, an easy trip involving two buses that bring me right to my door, I saw a bus stopped at the corner. I wasn’t sure I could make it but as luck would have it the light turned red and I was able to board (that never happens !). Since I had gotten on the first bus I saw I wasn’t sure where to get off to catch the crosstown bus (stay with me here, it’s worth it). I asked the driver if he stopped somewhere near 64 or 65. “So you want to catch the M66 right?” I must look like an M66 Crosstown bus kinda gal!  “Yes” I replied. “I gotcha, get on and stay near the front”. The bus was packed and I obediently stayed near the front as we slowly made our way down Fifth Ave. I couldn’t see around all the people so I had to rely on the overhead announcements and the driver. I started getting anxious as I heard the next stop was 69^th so I edged my way up to the front door. A man all dressed in black was standing in front of me chatting with the driver and blocking my way “Excuse me” I said as the bus came to a stop-he moved aside but when the driver saw me he said “wait, I thought you wanted to catch the Crosstown bus at 66^th “.  “I do” I said sheepishly. “Well don’t be so impatient you have one more stop”. Ugh, the whole bus heard that! The man in black, who looked and sounded just like Jon Favreau the Director and star of the movie “Chef”, said in his heavy Queens accent, “Don’t worry we’ll take care of you, I’m a professional chef (wait, maybe it was Jon Favreau!) and he’s a professional chauffeur so you’re in great hands, and if I was 10 years younger I’d ask you out (he was WAY younger than me but it made me smile). All of this was taking place at top decibel I’m sure to the amusement of about 50 New Yorkers. As we neared my stop the driver said “hold on, your bus is there and I won’t let him leave without you” He began honking and then pulled up right next to the M66, opened his door and signaled for the driver to wait for me. As I exited, embarrassed to the core, but expressing profound gratitude to my two protectors, the chef said (still at top decibel even though I was less than a foot away) “always remember age & experience trumps (sorry but that’s what he said) youth and audacity” then, even louder, “bye girlfriend-call me”. The bus driver then waved and honked goodbye and yelled “Yes, call him”.  At that point I burst out laughing, sure I was imagining it all, but no, the M66 driver was actually waiting for me and most likely wondering who I was to get that kind of treatment.

   I’m writing this with big smile on my face so please tell me it puts a smile on your face too on this nerve wracking day!