The waitress set the large plate of Maki in front of us, then went inside to let us enjoy our meal. Our martini glasses were full – mine with a Limoncello…Monica, my sorority sister, was having a Lotus Blossom – and the breezeless, early evening weather was perfect.
Then here she comes…Margarita…ambling down the street. She saw me slip a couple of dollars to the guy who stands outside the CVS…and she wanted a piece of that action.
I didn’t see her coming…too focused on the food, I guess.
The next thing I know, Margarita is standing 18 inches behind me! Leaning against the wrought iron fence surrounding the al fresco dining area.
Just so you know, Margarita and I have history…
Years ago, I met Margarita when she was standing in front of the church on 53rd Street with a group of men. Leather baseball cap turned backwards. Leather bomber jacket. Acid washed jeans in the 20-teens. I recognized these fashion choices as clear cries for help. So, I was receptive when she approached me with:
MARGARITA: Hey, Sis. Let me catch a few dollars.
ME: Bad day?
MARGARITA: I had some problems with my old man. I had to get out of there fast, if you know what I mean…and I left everything behind. Can you help me out?
ME (handing her a bill): Awww… Oh no! I hate seeing women out here on the streets like this. Have you tried any of the domestic violence shelters—
MARGARITA: Thank you, Sis. You just don’t know.
I thought I did. I was between jobs and on the struggle bus, myself. A $20 gift to a stranger was A LOT for me at that time. But women have to support each other, right?
ME: Take care! I’m rooting for you!
About 20 minutes later, Margarita approached me again as I headed back home. Apparently, I look like a different person with grocery bags in my hands.
MARGARITA: Hey, Sis. Let me catch a few dollars.
ME: No, thank you.
MARGARITA: You B1+©#! I’m a woman out here struggling and you can’t stop long enough to give me a couple of dollars?
So I said “Wait! Hold ‘em up… I just gave you $20, … and you have the gusto to call me out of my name? You ungrateful so and so” … in my head.
I wasn’t about to get into an altercation and have my a$$ handed to me in the middle of 53rd Street.
But while I may not be a fighter … I can hold a grudge.
Fast forward… back to Margarita hovering behind me at the restaurant…also on 53rd Street. No longer a fashion victim, Margarita is wearing a nice summer dress and lots of gold jewelry…earrings, necklaces and rings.
MARGURITA: Hello.
MONICA: Hi.
Pufst! Whatever! I loaded my chopsticks with a roll and ate.
MARGARITA: Are you two sisters or friends?
MONICA: You can say we’re both.
MARGARITA: Yeah, but are you sisters?
MONICA: We’re sisters and friends.
ME: What’s up, Margarita?
MARGARITA: It’s beautiful to see sisters getting along. My sister and I don’t speak. I was just telling my daughter how lonely I am because I don’t speak to her or my sister anymore.… I can you help me out with a few dollars for groceries?
ME: Nope.
MONICA (handing over a bill): Awww … you have a friend in Jesus, perhaps you can start there….and here’s something to help you.
Monica handed Margarita all the cash she was carrying in her wallet without a second thought. It was heartwarming …. Not so much to move me to give Margarita money. But I did share with her that when people like you, it’s often because people, in general, like you. The world is a reflection of what we put out there.
When people like you, it’s often because people, in general, like you.
I was moved to surprise Monica by picking up the tab. And that felt great!
Thank you, Margarita! This makes us even. 😊