I’ve often said that I’m going to write a book entitled “In the Rear View Mirror” that would be a collection of stories about couples who I’ve driven from their wedding reception to their hotel in one of my vintage cars. As their chauffeur I’m in the unique position of being witness to their first time to be together, alone as it were, as a married couple. Each couple is different; some choose to engage me in conversation, others don’t. I’ve had some couples ask me to join them in the lobby bar for a drink when we arrive at their hotel, others were so engrossed with their phones Tweeting, Instagramming and Facebooking that they were unaware when we arrived at their destination. I’ve seen them laugh, sing, cry and pass out, sometimes all in the same trip. Thankfully I have yet to see anyone puke.
Last night I drove a couple who were married at the Bob Bulllock Texas State History Museum. I had no prior contact with them as I had been working with their wedding coordinator. Their names were, I kid you not, Will and Grace and they were one of the loveliest couples I’ve had the privilege of having ridden in one of my automobiles.
As we drove away neither of them said anything to me, or one another, not because they were uncomfortable with my presence, but because they were living in the moment. As I looked in the mirror I saw that Will had his arm around Grace, her head resting gently against his cheek. They both had their eyes closed and were wearing the most blissful smiles imaginable. It was a very personal moment between them that I’m sure they, and I the front seat voyeur, will always remember.
Being with Will and Grace in those first few minutes as they began their new life together, and against the backdrop of current events, was a very personal reminder for me that everyone should be able to drive off on a warm summer’s night as a married couple in the back seat of a Thunderbird convertible while Dean Martin croons “You’re Nobody til Somebody Loves You”. Everyone.
I'm Just Being Frank 