Stories from the
Limo Man - Chapter 4
After getting all Pope John-Paul II's luggage loaded in the limo (and His Holiness doesn't travel light), the driver notices that the Pope is still standing on the curb. "Excuse me, Your Holiness." says the driver, "Would you please take your seat so we can leave?""Well, to tell you the truth," says the Pope, "They never let me drive at the Vatican, and I'd really like to drive today.""I'm sorry but I cannot let you do that. I'd lose my job! And what if something should happen?" protests the driver, wishing he'd never gone to work that morning. "There might be something extra in it for you," says the Pope.Reluctantly, the driver gets in the back as the Pope climbs in behind the wheel. The driver quickly regrets his decision when, after exiting the airport, the Supreme Pontiff floors it, accelerating the limo to 105 mph."Please slow down, Your Holiness!!!," pleads the worried driver, but the Pope keeps the pedal to the metal until they hear sirens. "Oh, my God, I'm gonna lose my license," moans the driver. The Pope pulls over and rolls down the window as the patrolman approaches, but the cop takes one look at him, goes back to his motorcycle, and gets on the radio. "I need to talk to the Chief," he says to the dispatch. The Chief gets on the radio and the cop tells him that he's stopped a limo going a hundred and five."So bust him," said the Chief."I think the guy's a big shot," said the cop."All the more reason.""No, I mean really a big shot," said the cop."What'd ya got there, the Mayor?""Bigger.""Governor.""Bigger.""Well," said the Chief, "Who is it?""I don't know", said the cop, "but he's got the Pope driving for him."
Gary did have 2 other Limo jobs this week, and unlike the pope, they each left a tip.
The first was a birthday party for a 13 year old and four of her best friends. It was pretty mellow for this age group. They cruised through Medford with lots of loud music, waving and screaming and then on to the Medford Mall. For a group this age it was quite mellow. Gary spent most of the time reading in the car and checking out who goes to the mall on Friday at 5:30 p.m. He was amazed at the mix in the crowd as he is now a shopper. His contract called for 2 hours of cruising but instead these girls wanted to check out the mall for 1.5 hours which was all right by Gary. At 6:25 they called Gary on their cell phone for a pick up. He communicated to them that he was waiting for them at the front door with the RED CARPET rolled out. They were quite excited as they were being treated like royalty. Gary got what he wanted, happy customers - while he got to wait in the car under a shady tree, while sparing his boss a tank full of gas. Every one was a happy camper!
The second gig was a big wedding at the Voorhies Mansion, which is now a winery. This contract started at 9:30 p.m. and ended at 12:30 p.m. Picture this - lots of people dancing and celebrating under the clear skies and bright stars of southern Oregon. They were having so much fun that they didn't want to leave, so Gary obliged and enjoyed the music and picturesque gardens. At 11:00 p.m. it was announced that Cindy and Steve were leaving for the J'Ville Inn. Gary brisked them away and delivered them to their honeymoon sweet and was tipped appropriately well. He then rushed back to the mansion to pick up all the stumbling drunks to take them to their hotel of choice, the Holiday Inn Express. A full limo of 7 plus one sleeping child took him up on his offer.
More happy and intersting customers, which is what keeps one going in this business. It also takes one's mind off the homebuilding headaches.
Hope to see you all soon.