Free The Silver Lining by Jennifer Raygoza Page B

out it was him holding on to me.
    “Do you want to go back to prison? Shit, James.” Mike shoved me a few more times until I snapped out of it. He turned his attention to Zach. “You, get the hell out of my bar. If you say anything to the cops about this, I’ll let them know that I witnessed you in here harassing one of my workers.”
    Zach stood up and wiped the blood from his mouth and chin. He ran one hand through his hair. He stuck his hand inside his suit jacket, pulled out a white envelope and attempted to hand it to me.
    “It’s for your troubles,” he muttered. Part of me wanted to take it. I stepped forward to grab it, because I could use the money. Hell, my right hand was already stretched out before I knew it. Zach could apologize all damn day, but it wouldn’t give me back the time I lost. It wouldn’t make us close to even, but it could pay the bills. My hand touched the envelope and then for some unknown reason I pushed the money back at him. Fuck, what was I doing? I needed it, but it occurred to me that I wouldn’t be bought. This was a great time for my morals to kick in. Shit, I’m too honest for my own good. I slowly backed away. I was mad at him and even more pissed off at myself now.
    “Get the hell out of my bar,” Mike yelled, “And take that drug money with you.”
    Both Mike and I just stood there glaring at Zach. He looked surprised as he stuffed the envelope back into his jacket. He shrugged and then dusted off his jacket as he left the room.
    I turned to Mike. “I’m so sorry about this,” I said, as I rubbed my knuckles.
    “Sorry for what?” Mike laughed. “That kid needed a good ass whooping. I heard enough through the door. I’m surprised you didn’t deck him a lot sooner.”
    “I was trying to avoid resorting to violence, but I let my emotions take over.”
    “Those damn feelings will getcha every time.” Mike chuckled again. “Why don’t you get out of here too? It’s dead tonight anyways. I can hold the place down.”
    “You sure?”
    “Yeah. Get out of here. You deserve some time off after dealing with that dickhead. Get your mind right, and I’ll see you again on Monday.”
    “Thank you, Mike,” I said, before I turned to leave.
    “Stay away from Zach,” he yelled from behind me. “That guy reeks of trouble.”
    I nodded and threw my hand up. Mike was right though. I thought the next time I saw Zach, it would indeed be trouble for both of us. I couldn’t believe that he had the nerve to show up. Did he really try to buy me off right now? This was the typical thing in the world of the wealthy. If you broke it or damaged it, just buy it off. That included people too. Son of a bitch should know better with me.
    I walked out to see a taxi waiting, which surprised me. I usually called about thirty minutes ahead before my shift ended and had one pick me up after work. I didn’t expect to get off so early so I never called for one tonight, but this was cool. The driver waved as he saw me coming. The same guy picked me up every night these past few days. I smiled as I climbed into his cab.
    “I came early. Not too many calls tonight.” He paused. “James King, how do you do, my friend?” he asked, with a thick Indian accent.
    “I don’t know anymore, Mahesh. I guess I’m okay. How are you tonight?”
    “Very good. Thank you,” he answered with an ear to ear grin.
    “That’s good.”
    “Do you have plans tonight? Hot date?” he asked. His accent made me smile.
    “No. No hot date.”
    “What? A big manly man like you doesn’t have a date. What world is this that I live in? I’m ugly. I have a big belly and I drive a taxi for a living. If you can’t get a date, what hope does a guy like me have?” He released a hardy laugh that made me burst out into laughter.
    “Keep the faith, Mahesh. There is a girl out there for each and every one of us.”
    “Yes there is my friend.”
    As we pulled to a stop at my mother’s house, I handed Mahesh money