Page 31 of On Broken Wings

My day had been getting more fucked up by the minute as the seconds ticked by. After lying to Jenni’s face this morning, I thought it couldn’t get worse, but then I got a text from Mason. He’d found my number on one of the coffee cups I’d given Jenni, and called me a couple of weeks ago to see whose number she had. This afternoon, he texted me inviting me to The Rusty Nail for Jenni’s celebration dinner. He’s been a pretty stand-up guy, so I have no reason to tell him no, but Vince doesn’t follow other people’s schedules.

“It’s about time you got here, E,” Vince growled as I climbed from my car.

“I had shit to do,” I barked right back. We were gathering behind Sal’s to pick up this weekend’s product. This meet had been rescheduled three times since this morning, and I was about ready to give up on it.

“Thought this was top priority?” Vince turned his glare on Michael.

“It is, boss. I’ll work on it.” Michael turned towards me and I could tell I was close to another beating. I’ve endured two already just to get into this group. I still have a greenish purple mark on my side where my ribs took most of the blows last time. “Step up, or step out, Evan.” He stabbed his finger in the air at me.

“Boys, boys, boys.” Vince chuckled, but he wasn’t laughing. “Our new supplier has arrived.” He pointed out into the darkness where a black sedan was slowly pulling into the lot without its lights on.

Two men climbed out wearing sunglasses and motioned for Vince to move closer. They rounded the car, and one of the men popped the trunk. Several kilos were lining the area that normally housed the spare tire. Vince nodded to one of the men to open up a package, and the other placed his hand on his weapon. I did my best to find any distinguishing marks, but there were none. No license plate was visible, nothing unusual about the men, nothing. I cursed to myself that I couldn’t stop this, but I quickly pulled myself together.

When I glanced back at Vince, he was shaking hands with one of the men, and placing two of the bricks in a duffle bag. The men climbed back in the car, and peeled out of the lot without so much as a second glance.

“We’re in business, boys. This shit is so pure we’ve got gold on our hands. Once we cut it, I think we got at least a mil here.” He lifted the bag, and laughed. It was more like a cackle than a laugh. Vince always thought he was funnier than he actually was. “You two meet me at the loft. We’re going to package this tonight.”

“I can’t, sir.” I turned on the obedient charm. “I have somewhere I need to be.”

“Where is more important than here?” He flung his arms out and narrowed his eyes.

I had to be quick. “It’s spring rush week coming up. I’ve gotta help plan stuff. I need the ‘in’ to get product to the parties.” I held my breath hoping he bought the lie. I’d been getting sloppy when it came to Jenni, but I wanted to see her tonight despite the fact that this could blow up in my face.

“Point taken. You come by in the morning then, and get your share. You’re expected to unload double this weekend.” He tossed the bag in his car. “Let’s go, Michael.” He flicked his finger to the backseat, and Michael jumped as if his feet were burning. “Bright and early, E.” He stabbed the air one last time, before slipping into the car with Michael.

I stood there until they disappeared from sight, and then rushed to get in my own car. I was a twenty-minute drive from the bar, and I wanted to change. I dressed in black, and I had my weapon tucked in the waistband of my jeans. I needed to protect myself and Vince if this deal had gone sideways. I couldn’t show Jenni this side of me. I needed to look like the nice guy from school, the guy who worked in a bookstore, not a drug dealer.

I flew through the streets much faster than I should have until I reached my apartment; that was another lie I had to tell her. I took the stairs two at a time, rushed through my door, and began peeling off clothes on my way to my room. It was dark with the exception of a desk lamp, and I stumbled over a chair.

“Fuck! That hurt,” I hissed as I jumped on one foot. I grabbed a pair of khaki shorts off the end of my bed and sniffed them. They didn’t stink. They’d have to do. After tugging on a green polo and slipping into some leather flip flops, I glanced in the mirror. I looked the part of a college guy, sort of. I raked my fingers through my hair, and that’s when I spotted the necklace on my dresser. I’d gotten it on my last beach vacation, and had been wearing it at school. I tied it around my neck, stuffed my wallet in my pocket, and rushed back out the door. I was running late, and I was sure Mason would be pissed. He’d warned me once in an informal way that I better not hurt his sister. I know that’s what brothers are supposed to do, and I was going to do my best to keep my word.

oooooooo

When I arrived at The Rusty Nail, there was a line out the door. I knew the place was popular. I’d come here a few times with friends, but I’d never seen it as busy as it was tonight. As I parked my car in the lot off to the side, my phone buzzed. I glanced down to see it was Mason. He was probably pissed thinking I stood up Jenni.

Where the fuck are you, man? I left your name at the door.

I shook my head as I stuffed the phone back in my pocket. I quickly locked the car, and jogged to the door. After giving the bouncer my name, he let me pass, and I began weaving my way through the crowd. There was a band playing, and I’m guessing that’s what the big draw was tonight.

I spotted Jenni and Mason in the back talking to a group of people. I smiled as I made my way over to them. “Hey.” I waved. “Let me get you a drink.” I motioned to Jenni.

“Evan! What are you doing here?” She looked shocked, and I couldn’t tell if it was a good thing or not.

“I invited him. Make it something girlie.” Mason chuckled as he waved me off. I saw him whisper something to Jenni before she glared at him. She shifted closer to his side, and if I didn’t know her better, I’d say she was scared of me.

The place was mobbed, and it took me some time to get drinks. I needed a beer in the worst way after the day I’d had. When I made my way back to where they were standing, I suggested a game of pool. Mason shrugged as he rounded the table, and began racking the balls. I watched Jenni slowly slink over to a high-top table and perch herself on a stool. She smiled softly, and I just wanted to touch her.

“Hope you like this.” I handed her the orange concoction the bartender swore she would like. She sipped it, and hummed in satisfaction. “Good?”

“Very good. Thank you.” She grinned as she crossed her legs. She was wearing a dress tonight, a first that I’d seen.

“You’re welcome. You look beautiful. I like making you smile.” I winked at her, and watched her blush. When she set her glass down, she began to toy with the leather cuffs on her wrist, another new thing for her. I’ve noticed over the last few months that she plays with her wrists when she’s nervous.

“Come on pretty boy,” Mason called. “I’m waiting to bury you.” He laughed as Jenni rolled her eyes.

“I gotta go kick your brother’s ass.” I chuckled as I turned toward the pool table.

“We’ll see.” She giggled as she lifted her glass to her lips. Oh, to be that straw. I’d do just about anything to be that straw for just a few seconds.

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