One Facebook friend pointed out that many of my Uber stories are sad in one way or another. I guess that’s true. I have a feeling that will be a running theme. We are broken people living in a broken world, after all. And it’s the sad stories that tend to affect me the most.… Continue reading Reasons to Smile

Sometimes interesting Uber rides are all about timing. A rider may climb aboard at a pivotal moment in his life. It seemed to be that kind of moment for Henry. I picked him up at Hot Tuna, a thriving restaurant and bar near Chick’s Beach. He was heading all the way to Norfolk. I kicked off the… Continue reading The End (Probably) of a Relationship

I am often asked if Uber driving is ever dangerous–if I ever get worried about creepy riders or driving in bad neighborhoods. After ten weeks of driving, I always answered, “No. I’ve never been nervous. People have been great.” After this week though, I have to change my answer. I’ve now been in one sketchy situation. I… Continue reading Definitely Sketchy

Bill summoned an Uber from Commonwealth Brewery–a local brewpub on Pleasure House Road near Chic’s Beach. The place was busy and it wasn’t obvious who was waiting for the Uber, so I gave him a call*. “Oh, hey! I see you!” He said. I spotted a middle-aged man holding a phone to his ear with one… Continue reading I Love You, Man

I picked up Claire at the mall and took her to her apartment near the Oceanfront. She was thin and petite with short, boyish black hair, the word believe tattooed on her arm, a pierced nostril. She sat in the front, which I like. I let people sit wherever they want to, but I like to… Continue reading Thanks for Listening

My first ride of the day is Omar, a quiet black teenager, who needs a ride to Mount Trashmore, where he’s going to join a protest over the recent police shootings of black men in Louisiana and Minnesota and the retaliatory shootings of police in Texas. “I don’t really want to go.” “Why not?” “I’m sleepy. But I… Continue reading The Times We Live In

Charlie looked like a SEAL the second he stood up to get in my Corolla. Lean, taught, tattooed and bearded. He was good-looking enough to have been a movie character. It was two in the morning and Charlie had ordered a pizza from the only place in town that was still open–but we had to hurry.… Continue reading No Seatbelts