Free Silver & Black by Tyler May

like it? ‘There’s no such thing as love at first sight.”
    “Whoa, who said anything about love? It’s just two guys getting to know each other better.”
    “It’s an obsession and I’m really worried for you. What if he hurts you?”
    “Like you did?” I say as he grabs my hand.
    “Worse. I’d never physically hurt you.” Wasn’t so sure about that a few minutes ago. “He’s bad news.”
    “It’s none of your business. If you want to stay friends you will support the choices I make: good or bad. I’m going to see Silver. I want to get to know Silver.”
    “Silver? Kind of casual with him aren’t you?’
    “He likes it. It doesn’t matter, Jeff. I trust Mr. Silver. Better?”
    “Trust?” He smugly laughs dwelling on that one word. “You don’t know him―or maybe you do―did you fuck him already?” His tone changes again.
    “That is none of your business and highly inappropriate for a boss to ask his employee.” I know this is a personal discussion, but I wanted to point that out. I turn to walk out and he grabs my arm.
    “You can’t go two days without fucking someone, or should I say letting them fuck you.” What? You fucking bastard.
    “I think you got it wrong. The problem was, is , that I respect you too much and you never return the sentiment. We can’t be friends. Friends don’t treat each other this way. Fuck you, Jeff. I quit. Don’t come chasing me. I’ll be in Friday to get my check.” He lets go of my arm and falls to the chair next to him.  “For what it’s worth, and maybe this is my respect for you talking, but I do wish you the best. Whenever you figure out what that is.” I walk out. Exhale.

 
    ~Chapter Eight~
     
    God that was fucking liberating. I get on the subway full of pride. At least I have the rest of the day to study and read over this contract Silver gave me since I don’t have a job anymore. Holy shit, I just quit my job; rent is due next Friday. Panic starts to take its toll. Just relax, Grey. Breathe. I practice my meditative breathing that Levi taught me. He’s really into that shit, but I have to admit it seems to be working. I put my earbuds in and let Adam sing his love to me. I would move like Jagger for him any day. I might as well read the contract now . I have twenty minutes before I get back to my apartment. I skim through the contract line by line.
    Employment agreement made and entered between:
    Employer :   Silver Inc./ Brian D. Silver; CEO
    Employee : Greyson D. Black                               
    Professional Title : Cooperate Manager
    Salary : $100,000 annual gross income
    What! Silver is crazy to think that I deserve this. I have no degree. I don’t even have the experience. What is he thinking? I continue reading.
    Expectations from contract employee : (Include, but not limited to)
    Hour s — twenty-five to forty hour dependent on school schedule for said employee. Hours will be discussed and agreed upon from Silver Inc. After fulfillment of diploma the employee will resume at least a thirty-two hour work week. The salary discussed above is based on this scale; any time worked over forty hours will be paid time and a half.
    Professionalism —Employee is to possess unique and up-to-date knowledge and have the capability to apply this knowledge; one's own competent vision and opinion; as well as the capability to achieve results. Training will be administered to seek said result.
    Initiative —Employee will show desire to participate in projects and work groups; and contribute to performance improvement.
    Responsibility —Employee will manage to effectively balance personal objectives/results and the objectives/results of the company. To see that employees working under his personal supervision are respectful and compliant to all Silver Inc. rules and regulation s .
    Loyalty — Employee will uphold the best interest of the company and its brand; avoidance of destructive negative