Stadium Odds
“Sir, is there a reason why you were driving the wrong way on a one-way street?”
Benny tried to remain calm. “Officer, I didn’t realize it was one-way until after I was on it. My brother usually drives, but he’s already at the game with friends and I’m driving because I was working late, even though I don’t usually drive downtown.”
The officer listened patiently while holding Benny’s license, registration and insurance. “Sit tight. I’ll be back shortly.”
Benny called his brother, Wilson, and told him he got pulled over past the donut shop.
Wilson was chill. “Relax, we’ll be here whenever you make it. Tommy and Chet will probably still be razzing each other over the score.” Wilson added, “At least the traffic is thinned out. Heck, you could walk from there.”
The officer returned and handed back his papers. “I see you have no prior tickets. I’m going to let you go with a warning. Turn left here and you’ll see signs for stadium parking in two blocks. Enjoy the game.”
Benny was elated. However, after a moment he was unsure if he was lucky for not getting a ticket, or unlucky for getting pulled over. What are the odds? Soon after, he was parked and texted Wilson that he was walking toward the stadium.
They met at their regular entrance and Wilson handed him a ticket. “That didn’t take long. How much was the fine?”
“He let me off with a warning.”
“You lucky buzzard. That never happens to me. That’s a sign you should place a bet, or buy a lotto ticket.”
“Dude, you know I don’t do any of that.”
Wilson chuckled, “How is it we are in the same family, again?”
“Your real dad must be the postman.”
They continued to jest with each other while walking towards their seats as the sounds of the crowd reverberated through the concession area.
Tommy and Chet were in good spirits when they arrived. Tommy wasted no time getting started, “Yo, Benny. Did you get busted for driving too slow?”
Chet chimed in. “Did you tell that cop that as a Data Scientist, you were doing a statistical analysis of police response times?”
Tommy was still laughing. “I’m just glad you finally had an adventure. You read too many books and spend too much time with computers.”
Benny chuckled, “It’s good to see you guys, too. But don’t forget I’ve got the car. If you get too annoying, I might suggest you take the same train home that brought you here.”
Chet teased, “At least we wouldn’t have to be concerned about it going the wrong way.”
Tommy quieted down. “Listen Benny. Thanks again for those calculations. We’ve made our biggest bets ever, based on your odds.”
Benny was circumspect, “It’s great that you’re on a winning streak. But those are probabilities. They’re inherently uncertain.” He paused and took a moment to look at each of them. “They are guaranteed to be wrong at times.”
Wilson groaned. “Why do you always give us the same lecture?”
“Guys, I’m just speaking truth. Your luck is going to run out at some point.”
After the game, Benny was leaving the restroom near the soft pretzel stand and was startled to observe Wilson in a confrontation with a guard. Tommy and Chet were trying to pull him away but Wilson was argumentative and defiant. Benny pushed through the throngs of people who were departing the stadium as well as the crowd of onlookers around the ruckus. Benny grabbed Wilson. “Why are you doing this?” He was uncharacteristically loud and firm.
Wilson’s bravado deflated. He mumbled something about a spilled drink, and a stupid argument escalating out of control.
Benny knew it wasn’t the whole story, but now wasn’t the time to push. He turned to the security guard, his demeanor respectful yet assertive.
“Officer, I apologize for any inconvenience caused. My brother can be… passionate at times. We’d like to resolve this calmly and leave without further trouble.”
The guard, sensing Benny’s sincerity, eased away. “Fair enough. But your brother needs to understand his actions have consequences. Next time…”
“There won’t be a next time,” Benny interjected, his voice carrying conviction. “We appreciate your understanding.”
Wilson ushered the group from the commotion and were soon outside the gate. He directed them away from the streams of people exiting and led them to a relatively secluded corner. Benny looked directly at Wilson. “You were upset about the game.” It wasn’t an accusation, just an observation.
Wilson, defeated, nodded. “We lost big.”
“I told you….” Benny stopped short. “Whatever.”
Wilson started grousing and blaming the guard.
Benny looked at each of them, his expression earnest. “This was supposed to be fun.”
Wilson grumbled, “No more lectures.”
They walked quietly to the car.
The ride home was somber, punctuated by an occasional sigh. Wilson, head resting against the window, kicked at the space beneath his seat. Tommy, usually chatty, stared blankly at his phone. Chet was subdued, his gaze fixed on the passing streetlights. The three declined any music.
Chet finally pierced the melancholy, although his voice was barely a whisper. “Benny, maybe you were right.”
Benny paused. “About losing?”
Wilson’s voice was hoarse. “Nah. We forgot why went.”
Benny didn’t say anything but the gloom seemed to be shifting.
Tommy was a bit more upbeat, “We forgot the part about having fun.”
It only took another moment before Chet grinned. “Can you find another one-way street to drive down the wrong way?”
Wilson added. “Yeah, we could use a reverse course right about now.”
Benny was glad to hear them laughing again.
by George Alger
WANT MORE?
Subscribe to LIMINAL STORIES (free) for more short stories and flash fiction.