Burning through the drive-thru

“A few weeks ago, I’d signed up to bring donuts to our monthly book club meeting, but as I swung into the drivethru of my favorite donut shop, I felt the first waves of a hot flash bubbling up. By the time I’d gotten up to the first window to pay, I was in the midst of a full-blown meltdown and had the air conditioner blowing full blast. As soon as the cashier handed me my receipt, I whizzed through the lane. My hot flash finally ebbed as I arrived at my friend Linda’s house.

“As soon as I got inside I popped into her bathroom to splash some water on my face and make sure there were no embarrassing sweat stains visible. I thought I looked pretty presentable as I walked into the living room where all the ladies were waiting patiently. Still, Linda seemed to be looking me over. ‘What is it?’ I whispered to her. She said, ‘I thought you were bringing donuts?’

“That’s when it suddenly dawned on me that I’d sped off without my order! I laughed nervously and told her, ‘Oops! I must have forgotten to pick them up—I am sorry!’ Which, in all honesty, I really had.

“As soon as book club was over, I returned to the donut shop, parked and went inside with my receipt to explain. The cashier was a woman who was about my age, and when I admitted I’d been in such a frenzy that I’d driven off without my order, she winked at me and said, ‘We’ve all been there, honey!’

“Let’s just say, the next day, all of my husband’s co-workers were thrilled with my surprise ‘hot flash’ donut delivery.”

—Michelle Davidson, 58, Atlanta