Writing – The Intimacy of Driving

I’m all set. The car is clean, seat adjusted, my window sign carefully affixed.

The first call arrives just as I leave the highway and enter the city proper. A young woman on her way to the gym. She’s forgiving when I’m a couple minutes late. The app and I are still getting to know one another.

Young women are an interesting balancing act. They are climbing into the car of a middle-aged man they do not know. I want them to feel comfortable and safe. Should I talk? Should I remain silent? Is the guy who never speaks to them on the trip reassuring or creepy? I usually say a few things right at the beginning, then wait to see if they pick up the thread. If not, I will offer a companionable silence. Most of the trips are quick so it never grows uncomfortable. The younger riders tend to spend the time on their phone, a soundtrack of quiet beeps and sound effects.

Five rides in quick succession. To the gym, a coffeehouse, home from work or to the airport. The airport trip is a man a little younger than me. We compare notes on our airport experiences.

I pick up a young woman at a local college. We’re headed out of town. When we arrive I ask where she wants to be let out. She’s never been here before, so we search a little. It’s a woman’s health clinic. There’s a clinic at the college.  There are doctors closer than this office.

I wish her well and say a little prayer.

The very drunk young woman who asks my name three times in a row.  Each one is a new and novel experience for her.

The young couple.  She is trying to make her desire for him clear.  He’s had one drink too many to be clear on any subject.  Her language becomes more and more graphic, all in a muted whisper that she believes I can not hear.

It’s none of my business.

Then I turn the wheel for home.