The Overdue Book

This is going to be a great four-day weekend Larry thought as he finished filling his backpack with cutoffs, t-shirts, and swim trunks. Flying was a lot easier when you didn’t have luggage to check. He looked around his bedroom one last time and had the feeling he was forgetting something. He mentally ran through his list: socks, underwear, shaving kit, cutoffs, t-shirts, swim trunks, sandals, one good pair of slacks, one polo shirt, loafers. Oh, well, whatever it was must not be important.

He saw the cab turn onto his street from his window and went down to meet it. It was right on time he noticed and stopped at the curb just as he stepped out the front door. 

“You’re right on time,” the cabbie said. “Thanks. I didn’t even have to honk. Most people make me wait. Airport?” the driver asked, popping open the trunk.

“You got it,” Larry said waving off the trunk as he climbed into the back seat. “I’ve just got the backpack.”

The driver slammed the trunk and smiled as he got back in behind the wheel. “Just overnight,” he asked, “or do you just travel light?”

“Four-day weekend,” Larry said. “Family reunion. No suit, no tie, no dress shoes.”

“Sounds good to me,” the driver said with a touch of envy in his voice. “I’ve never had a four-day weekend. I’m not sure I’d know what to do with one.”

During the hour’s drive to the airport, Larry let his mind wander over past family reunions. His family wasn’t large but they were scattered all over the US and, once a year, the third weekend in August, everyone would head for Santa Fe where his folks had retired. But this year was different. Last fall his girl friend had gone off to college in Dallas. She had a nice paying summer job to help pay her way through school. He was hoping she’d be able to make it, but wouldn’t know for sure until he got there. They had talked about getting married but had decided to wait until she graduated. He was a little worried she might meet someone else.

“I hope you haven’t missed your flight,” the cabbie apologized as he pulled up in front of Terminal C. “They weren’t supposed to start that road work until next week.”

Larry glanced at his watch. It had taken an extra twenty minutes to reach the airport, but he’d been so busy daydreaming about the reunion and Heather that he hadn’t even noticed.

“No problem,” he told the driver as he paid and gave him a nice tip. “I always allow plenty of extra time for emergencies.”

“Smart. Too bad my other rides don’t do that.” Then seeing the size of the tip, added, “Hey, thanks. I appreciate it.”

“My pleasure. I appreciate the ride. If you’ve got a card, I’ll ask for you when I get back.”

“The name’s Lou,” the cabbie said, pulling a card from his shirt pocket. “Lou Townsend. If you call ahead, I’ll be here when you land.”

The men shook hands and Larry pocketed the card. You never knew when you might need a decent ride.

Just as Larry was checking in, a voice came over the PA system. “Flight 306 from O’Hare to Santa Fe has been delayed. Estimated arrival time, 12:30 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience.”

Oh great, he thought. I get here early just in case, and now there’s a two hour delay. Sighing, he made himself comfortable and reached in his backpack for his Kindle. He froze when his hand brushed across a book. Not the Kindle, but an actual book. He pulled it out trying to remember what book he’d packed. It turned out to be a biography of Benjamin Franklin.

“Oh, No!” he moaned out loud. It was the library book he’d meant to return last week and now it was overdue. It would really be overdue by the time he got back. If, that is, he didn’t forget and leave it at his parents like he did the last time. 

Glancing at his watch, Larry made a quick decision. He grabbed his backpack and made a bee-line for the rent-a-car office. 

“I need a car, now,” he said to the lady at the counter.

“I’m sorry, sir, …” she began, but he cut her off.

“No, I mean now. My plane boards in,” he glanced at his watch, “two hours and seventeen minutes and I forgot something.”

Before she could answer, another clerk stepped up to the counter. “I’ve got this,” he told the lady. “I know Larry.”

Jim pulled a set of keys from his pocket. “Here,” he said handing them to Larry. “Take my car. I just stopped by to sign some forms. It’s still at the curb.”

“Thanks,” Larry said as he rushed for the door. 

Jim must have called valet parking to give them a heads-up. One of the efficient young men had the door open and waiting for him. Careful not to burn rubber or break any speed limits, Larry pulled up in front of the library forty-seven minutes later, double parked at the curb, and took the steps two-at-a-time. 

“Hi, Marcy,” he said, handing her the book without stopping. “Sorry this is late.”

“I thought you were flying out this morning?”

“I am,” he said but if he said more she missed it. He was already through the door.

Jumping back into the car and, being careful not to burn rubber or speed, he headed to the airport, again. He almost forgot about the construction site, but remembered just in time and took the second airport exit. It was longer but, with the one-lane traffic through the work zone, it was quicker.

Jim was waiting at the curb when he pulled up. “You made good time,” Jim said.

“Yes, and thanks,” Larry said tossing Jim the keys. “I owe you,” he called over his shoulder as he raced back to Terminal C. 

“Flight 306 to Santa Fe is now boarding,” came a voice over the PA system. But Larry didn’t hear the rest; he just picked up speed. 

With seconds to spare, he handed the flight attendant his boarding pass and headed for his assigned seat. After stowing his backpack in the overhead compartment, Larry took a deep breath and settled back in his seat.  

Made it, he sighed.