Last Saturday, I arranged to meet Petra at two o’clock at the Rockwood Bakery to discuss having a relationship. Based on comments she made before breaking up with Byron, I believe we have similar views.

The Manito Runners Club meets at Rockwood Bakery following their Saturday morning run. I did not run the day of our meeting. I’m still out with a hurt toe.

I arrived a little early, ordered a drink, and found a secluded table. At 2:20, Petra still hadn’t shown. I didn’t think she’d stand me up, and she lives so close to the Rockwood Bakery. I pulled out my phone, and could’ve kicked myself. I forgot to charge it.

After a half hour of waiting, I left. While walking home, a fellow Flying Irish Running Club member, Gerry Manfred, drove past. He honked, pulled to the side and rolled his window down.

Gerry Manfred’s a dedicated runner and a good guy.

“Jim, what are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m headed home. Why?”

“Petra’s sitting all alone waiting for you.”

“Where?”

“At the Rocket Bakery on 14th. She tried calling. What’s wrong with you?”

“I thought we were meeting at the Rockwood Bakery. May I borrow your phone, Gerry?”

I got hold of Petra and found out I’d said Rocket Bakery when I meant Rockwood Bakery. She told me she’d be right over. Gerry had stopped at The Rocket for coffee and even though he had briefly talked to Petra just once months ago, he recognized her, and they ended up having a lengthy chat.

“Thanks, Gerry,” I said, returning his phone. “You saved the day.”

“Listen, Jim, do the right thing – treat that girl well. She’s a darling.”

“You’re right Gerry. I’ll do my best.”

He gave me a wave as he drove off, and a few minutes later, Petra arrived.

“Sorry, sweet pea. Totally my bad,” I said.

“It’s all right, oh injured one. Let’s get something to eat.”

In next week’s post, I’ll give details about our conversation.