Post-run scenario: The lesser of two evils

I just finished running 5 miles through the Reservoir on a very hot and humid day. I always take in my surroundings when I come back from a run. Who is in the parking lot, cars driving by, etc. I am a paranoid person in general,so I always assume someone is out to get me; I think it's why I'm still alive...

I noticed on my return to the parking lot that there is one black car parked off a ways from mine with a man sitting in it. This is not unusual, but I made a mental note of his presence.

I continue to cool down, walking around, wiping the sweat off my face and sipping water. I go to my area where I like to stretch, taking my time, and keeping an eye on the black car.

As I stretch, another car drives by. It's not just any car, but some souped up 70's hot rod with silver sparkles and red trim, needless to say unusual. I track this car as it drives by and the pony-tailed driver eyes me. The hairs on my neck stand up.

This unique car continues as if it's going to pass my car in the parking lot (I am across the street from my car--a good 50 feet) but then he stops, backs up and parks right next to my car so that his driver's door is a mere foot from mine. Why did he have to park so close to me? There is an entire parking lot, and is it really necessary to back in? Hmmm.....

I continue to pace around as if I am still cooling down and take in my options. I could go over to my car, unlock it, and climb in the passenger side, but this seems too obvious that I am trying to avoid this guy, plus it puts me within conversation range. I could go off down the hill and add a couple more miles to my run thus avoiding the parking lot all together and hope he's gone when I get back. Talking to strangers is a bid no-no as a child, but as adults we have to pretend to be fearless and friendly even when our heart is pounding and skin is crawling. I opt for secret option C.

I walk over to the black car with the man who has been sitting there the whole time and, from a fair distance, I say, "Can you do my a favor? Can you keep an eye on that guy" as I nod over in the direction of the hot rod. The guy says "Sure, I got your back...I'll even drive over there." That last little bit seemed a little excessive; I just needed him to be a witness should a crime occur, but I said 'thanks'.

So I walk towards my car knowing this guy in the black car is tailing me and, when I'm in range I wave to the black car as if I know him, unlock my car and jump in quickly, but not before Mr. Hot Rod shouts, "Hey, it's nice seeing you agai..!" I shut my door and lock it not letting him finish his sentence.

As I pull away, it is me tailing the black car as we head out. I follow along thinking that my next plan of attack will be to veer into another neighborhood and let him think I live there instead of turning on my street, but he goes straight where I need to turn anyway. Hey, this guy in the black car may have done me a favor, but he could have just been the lesser of two evils and had his own agenda. You never know...

I say it again, I live like everyone is out to get me, it's why I'm still alive.