Rear-Ended By Jack Lemmon

Turns out we were both going to the same place...Issue # 83

ifOnlyi…was not in shock & had the courage to say yes I would have been sitting with Jack Lemmon having drinks. At least one drink. But it was the lack of courage that prevented it from happening.

It was a work week for me, and I was on my way to one of my customers in Beverly Hills, California. I was driving on what they call Little Santa Monica Blvd; below me was Big Santa Monica Blvd.

While driving, I realized I would be a bit early, so I thought I'd drive into an amazing Specialty Car store that sold a wide range of car accessories for all kinds of cars. They offered the best, and if they didn’t have it, the company would certainly order it for you.

I made my left-hand turn into the shop's driveway. I was already in the entrance to the parking lot when I felt a jolt on the back of the car. What, where, and why had that just happened? Another car had made a right-hand turn into the same driveway but didn’t stop.

I got out of my car, and to my shock and surprise, Actor Jack Lemmon got out of his vintage MG that had just rear-ended me.

It was a blessing that neither car had much damage. Mr. Lemmon’s shiny metal bumper was slightly more damaged than my car. Mine had a crack; of course, it would; it was molded and brittle compared to metal.

Mr. Lemmon offered me his insurance, his driver's license, and all his details. He was driving a Vintage MG TD, a true classic, and he knew he was in the wrong.

I didn’t have the courage to ask for anything.

Icon

Mr. Lemmon’s MG car rear-ended mine.

We went into the shop together. Jack, as he liked to be called, wanted a special Nardi Steering wheel for his MG. At the time, the Nardi was the best wooden Steering wheel money could buy, and they were in huge demand from Mercedes owners, a status symbol at that time. Jack wanted one for his Vintage MG.

Jack ordered a Nardi Steering Wheel to be installed on the MG

While I was at the counter trying to remember what I needed, I was still in shock at who and what had just happened. Jack said he was sorry and that he would pay all expenses to fix the issues I had.

“No, no need, Sir. I can take care of it.” I foolishly replied. “ Well, then, let's go next door, and I’ll buy a drink," Jack replied. It happened to be Carmine's Italian restaurant, just a few steps away from the car accessory store. He was very keen on going.

“It is only 10 in the morning, they're not even open, Mr. Lemmon,” I said. I had sales appointments that day, although I didn’t mention that part to him. “Ollie, don’t you worry; they will open up for me.” I was so shy and nervous and, rather than say “screw work,” I should go for a drink with this legend whom I loved, I declined his offer.

I am still a huge fan and have watched so many of his films. Actually, my Dad and I watched every one of them together over the years, some of them several times, originally on VHS and later on DVD.

“ Are you sure, Ollie?” Jack asked once more. “I would really like you to join me.” “Yes, Sir, I’m good,” I replied. “OK, then, Ollie. Have a good week.” And off he went, leaving me staring into oblivion and wondering…

What just happened? I needed to pinch myself a few times.

….ifOnlyi…. short stories follow my true-life journey. If you've just found me, you can check out my first story about Black Foxe Military Academy in Hollywood, from age four. Or go directly to my publication and choose a story of interest there.