A Night at the Palace

I'm sitting here bored, staring at the trailing drops running down the outside of the windows, listening to the rumble of the charter bus next to me. I peer past the drops at one of the Detroit areas finest venues for sports and concerts alike, the Palace of Auburn Hills. Tonight, I find myself in the limo lot once again. Surrounded by some of the worst looking limousine drivers I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Before me is a row of classically styled limousines made from luxury cars such as Lincoln, Cadillac and Chrysler. There's an over sized Hummer stretched to the maximum allowed on the streets of Michigan. To my right, a newer charter bus, better known as a party barge. To my left, and uncomfortably close I might add, is an old school bus that has been painted a sleek silver with black stripes, trying to disguise just how ugly it really is.

The weather is a cool 35 degrees f with a wind chill knocking it down to well below freezing. I've been in the limo now for over 6 hours and it will be at least another 2 to 3 hours before this whole thing can be called over. I'd stand up outside for a while if it wasn't so darn miserable out there. But this weather would only make me have to pee even more than I already do. And the company of the other drivers is less than desirable.
I'm happy to drive these people to the Bob Seger concert and keep them from driving intoxicated themselves. But next time you wonder why it cost so much to "pay a driver that only sits outside all night", remember me on this night fit only for a duck.

An hour later.
After managing the post concert traffic outside the Palace, I've made my way to the Royal Park Hotel. Undoubtedly, the nicest hotel in the state. Since my passengers have raced yachts to Mackinac Island with Mr. Seger in the past, they've been invited back to the hotel for a cocktail. At least my view has improved as I sit watching the Clinton River swell it's banks next to this prestigious landmark. It's been raining for two days and we still have one more day before there's a break in the clouds. As I watch the river flow by, I'm reminded of this morning when the severe weather sirens sounded because of the flash flooding in my neighborhood on this very same river.

It's amazing some of the things you hear when driving this sort of client. Especially when you get a few cocktails in them. But, part of why I get these jobs is that these lips are sealed. I can tell you though, that we all put our pants on one leg at a time. And that deep down, we are all the same.

Four hours later.
It's been a long night. I,ve been behind the wheel of a car half of a full day and I could use a rest. I'm finally home. It's no palace, but it's my home. It's now 3AM, my dog Pugsley is excited to see me. Life is good.