March 19, 2010

Oh, Hey, Former Neighbor


Mrs. Driver likes sports. This includes the Dallas Mavericks basketball franchise. And before he got traded to the Phoenix Suns basketball franchise, it also included our neighbor Steve.

Steve — along with his roommate, Dirk — lived two blocks away from The Drivers in a moderately priced apartment in an urban setting. One time, The Drivers saw Steve and Dirk at the local market. Another time, Mrs. Driver almost ran over Steve and Dirk as they crossed the street between their apartment and the local mixed-use development.

And then there was the time when the Mavericks got kicked out of the playoffs (Or was it the NBA Finals? Who can remember?). By that time, Steve had moved to a condo literally one street over from The Drivers. The day after the humiliating defeat, The Driver was driving to the grocery store when he spotted a tall, disheveled man shuffling along on the side of the road. He wore ratty, cut-off jean shorts and a wrinkled t-shirt. His long hair was unkempt. Hello? Split ends anyone?

The seemingly homeless man in question was none other than our neighbor Steve.

The Driver suppressed the urge to roll down his window and offer the poor man a lift.

Between you and The Driver, Mrs. Driver probably still likes our neighbor Steve. Especially when he does stuff like this.

Don't ask questions. Just enjoy.

The Driver thinks basketball is okay. But he thinks his neighbor Steve is kind of a genius. Even if he plays for the wrong basketball franchise.

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