(Continued from Feb. 03, 2010)
While the girls discussed the details of a super-quick exit from Bob’s apartment, I phoned Alphonse. Since he had been a cabbie for a spell of time, he would most likely know the location of both the health club and the pub.
Alphonse must have been waiting for my call, judging by the fact that we were connected immediately after the first ring. Furthermore, his words indicated an eagerness to speak to me: “I have been waiting for you to contact me all afternoon. I guess you didn’t go straight home after your lunch with the girls.”
“We are still in the restaurant,” I said, slowly emphasizing each word. I then fell silent, giving him an opportunity to imagine the circumstances of our situation. I had noticed shortly after we became acquainted that Alphonse never waited very long for an explanation. Within seconds, he would put forth his own spin on what might be happening. I was curious about his interpretation of the lengthy get-together. I did not have to wait long.
“Did you get into an accident prior to arriving at the restaurant? That would delay the commencement of lunch. Reporting an accident—even a minor bender—is a lengthy process. Or, perhaps, you are having trouble getting out of the parking lot because of a flat tire or engine trouble. Anyway, whatever the problem, I can help. As you know, I used to be a cabbie.”
A psychologist friend of mine, to whom I had told about Alphonse’s interesting habit, explained: “your young friend is totally aware of his idiosyncrasy. He does it with you because you allow him the space in time to ramble on. The moment you interrupt him, he will apologize and never do it again or ask your permission to do so.”
“So, what is his reason for rambling on?” I enquired.
“Alphonse is expecting a favorable or fascinating response from you. He enjoys the anticipation to such possibly stimulating news almost as much as the actual report. So, by imagining vocally what may be happening, he delays your probably captivating account.”
I could have given Alphonse the opportunity to imagine a different scenario by saying: “That is not what happened. What is your next guess?” However, the girls were obviously anxious to know whether their lookout would be available.
“We don’t need your help today,” I told him. “However, we need someone for Friday late afternoon and I told the girls that you would probably have time. Was I correct in saying that?”
As I had expected, he answered in the affirmative. I imagine that he would have cancelled almost any activity if necessary. Also, he was familiar with the locations of the gym as well as the pub. I then told Alphonse that I would contact him later, thus giving him the opportunity to assume all sorts of interesting scenarios.
(To be continued)