James always thought of himself as a rationale guy but as he stood by the fountain taking the umpteenth photograph of his girlfriend with the perfect lighting, the desire to throw the phone and walk away grew with every hammering click. “You’re not even trying” she whined then gave her puppy dog eyes and asked for “just one more.”
As they drove back home, Lauren flicked through the pictures bemoaning that they weren’t that great. They’ll be good enough for your Hinge profile James thought and wondered how many of the pictures he’d taken will show up on her profile after the conversation he had planned. When they get back to Lauren’s place, James decided. He’d break up with her then. The question was, should he go upstairs to do it? It was a lot of steps. “Are you coming up? ” “Sure” James answered. Guess its better if I do it upstairs.
Thank god that was over! James thought to himself as he got back in the car, feeling giddy and free. It was Saturday evening, he was single again, and had plans for drinks with the boys once he got back home. Excited James hit the gas and merged onto the Northbound highway. This first beer is gonna be great … Lauren didn’t take the breakup all that bad… “SHIT!” James saw the cop car and hit his brakes but it was too late.
Maybe if I slow down and go in the right lane they won’t pull me over.. Palms sweating James see’s the SUV pull out from the median onto the highway. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. Lights flick on behind him as James pulls over…
“This is huge!” Trey exclaimed, as he hung up the phone. No one else was there of course, it was Saturday evening but he just closed his biggest contract to date for his own company no less. Three years ago he was grinding at some shitty CRM software company trying to convince business owners to schedule time with his sales team – if he could even get them on the phone. Now he had his own company and on top of that had enough revenue to start really hiring.
Looking at his computer, Trey realized the time. Shit! I gotta be at dinner in an hour. Trey didn’t always work on Saturdays but this was an opportunity he didn’t want to miss out on. He ran down the stairs. Maybe I’ll hire a secretary, he thought, that’ll help me be more timely – or maybe I hire another sales person, then a secretary. This deal changes everything..
Trey pulled out of the parking garage. Fortunately, his building was right off the highway. Trey chose this intentionally, to avoid as many lights as possible for AM traffic. He merged onto the Southbound lane, shot a text to his mom “Be there in 5.” Well that’ll buy me some time. Trey hit the gas and turned up the music. It get’s silent for a second as the text comes back. “See you soon!” Oh, shit! Trey realized he just passed a cop in the median and was NOT going the speed limit. Great, this is all I need, maybe if I pull to the right and slow down they won’t pull me over… Yeah… right. The cop turns on his lights as Trey’s car passes over the rumble strips to pull over.
“Do you know why I pulled you over? ” “I’m not sure sir” James replied. Two thoughts run through James’ head. First is from his dad saying “if you get pulled over make sure you say sir and have your license and registration ready.” Second he thinks of Super Troopers, what are the odds this cop plays the “cat game” with me? Should I start if off by saying “Meow”? No chance – this guy has the personality of a plastic bag. “License and registration please”
Trey sits nervously as he sees the cops behind his car talking on their radio. Wonder how fast they had me going… god I hope this cop isn’t a prick… gotta remember what dad said – no fast movements when I reach for my registration. The cop gets out and straightens his hat when he gets to Trey’s window – “Do you have any guns or other weapons in the car?”
Silent Actions 