“Are you gloating?”
“Are you leaving?”
Jake laughs before getting to his feet, ready to let me get back to work. I need to finish marking these tests before my next lesson, or I’ll have to bring them all home.
“It’s Saturday night, the dinner.”
“Saturday. Got it.”
“But I suggested to Eric that the two of you should meet up first.”
“That sounds sensible.”
“So he’ll be expecting you tomorrow at the restaurant he works in, before closing.”
“Anything else?” I ask, irritated.
“Yeah, he said to wait for him at the bar and not tell anyone who you are.”
“I already regret agreeing to this.”
“I’m aware.”
“Are you also aware of the fact that this will end up on the list of things I’ll never forgive you for?”
“It must be a long list.”
“It’s never-ending.”
Jake heads over to the door of my office, laughing.
“Tomorrow, before closing time. And please…” he says, joining his hands together as if in prayer.
My friend Jake has always loved drama. At school, they always cast him in the lead role for any plays.
“What now?”
“Don’t piss him off.”
3Eric
“Someone’s asking for you at the bar.”
I let someone else take the plates I’ve just prepared and turn to face the guy who’s working the bar tonight; he’s just poked his head into the kitchen.
“A weird guy.”
“Weird?” I ask, curious, quickly washing my hands and drying them off with a cloth.
“Weird for someone who’s asking for you.”
“You’re bringing guys to work, now?” Miguel, my sous-chef asks, from across the kitchen. This kitchen is way too small for this conversation, and there are people everywhere – it’s impossible to keep your business to yourself.
“Don’t you have enough guys already?” he continues, unfortunately within earshot of one of said guys, who’s just come back in from the main room to collect an order.
“Shut it!” I snap, throwing the cloth at him. “I just need five minutes,” I say.
He glances at me from over his shoulder. “Only five?”
