[Frank the Tank]

So, its a long story but a good one I think.

The weather here (Southwestern Ontario) has been pretty cold lately, especially in the mornings and after work. I was on my way to a job interview one day after work, about 5:30 or so and had to stop for gas. It was windy and freaking COLD and as I ran in to pay, I noticed an older gentleman (75-80ish) taking stuff out of his trunk as he was parked beside the building. I thought it was odd and went in and paid for my gas. On the way out, I noticed he was pulling his spare out and that his rear tire was flat. I stopped and looked at my watch. I had half an hour to get across town to my interview. Surely someone would help this nice old man as it was rush hour and the gas station was packed.

I stood there and watch six or so people walk right by and completely ignore him and realized that I had to do what i had to do. I walked over and said hi and offered to help. He said "it was OK, I probably had somewhere I needed to go". Thats when I noticed his license plate with a poppy on it, meaning he was a vet. By his age, he was obviously a WW2 vet. I pointed to his plate and said I'd be happy to help. So we change his tire on his massive Buick or whatever it was, he thanked me endlessly, tried to give me money (which I refused), introduced me to his wife and all that.

So by this time I am for sure going to be late for my interview. I wasn't looking for a new job, this just came up through former co-workers and this guy wanted to meet me. Normally I wouldn't even go, but this job was at one of the biggest companies in North America, so, potentially a good move.

I get there late, apologize to the secretary for being late. She says John (just for the sake of putting in a name) doesn't even want to see me any more. To which I replied "no story is good enough, eh?" She kind of shook her head "no" but asked me what it was anyhow. I gave her the quick version and she was rather impressed. Plus I had grease all over my hands so I had proof! She goes into the office and comes back out in a few minutes with John in tow. Now, he is what you might call a "heavy hitter". He has control over a massive budget and no doubt makes more in two months than what my house is worth.

I can tell at first glance that John is what you might call....hmmm...whats the word.....a prick. Total, complete ass-hat. I apologize again and tell him I just "had to do the right thing and help this old vet out", to which he replies "well I think the right thing is to be on time for meetings no matter what." I stood there for a couple seconds in stunned silence, not really believing what I had heard. He is obviously wanting me to kiss ass to get the interview. I calmly stuck out my hand and shook his and said "well I'm sorry to have wasted your time John" and turned to walk out before he could respond. His secretary (who was SMOKING HOT by the way) shot me the wickedest little smirk as I walked out and left Mr. Big Shot standing there dumbfounded.

I know I just missed an opportunity to instantly increase my salary by at least 50% and have benefits and a pension and all that crap, but it was worth it to wipe that smug look off of that pricks face.

And I couldn't stop smiling all the way home.


Any other good stories about doin' tha right thang!?