Page 11 of Devious Lies

Mami is so thin and frail. My chest squeezes and I sniff.

Cancer is a motherfucker, but the doctors are hopeful.

I want to be able to visit her at home, accompany her to her chemotherapy and doctor appointments.

But I can’t and it is killing me.

Part of the reason I sought the Vipers was to maybe catch the attention of their king and get his help with this delicate situation.

A desperate, stupid plan.

I’m embarrassed about it now.

But Nico has been kind to me. And he’s chosen to let it go.

Thank goodness.

Even better, I kind of like his wife.

Maybe we can be friends.

I don’t know if it’s possible. But I want to try. I don’t have many of those.

Loneliness is a bitter pill to swallow, and I feel so alone.

Maybe that’s why I chose bartending as my profession. It gives me a chance to talk to people with the safety of having the bar between me and them.

It sounds weird but think about it.

Waitresses get harassed and groped. It sucks, but it happens.

But bartenders?

Nah.

We’re courted and respected by our customers. It makes sense, right? If you harass me, you don’t get your drink. Period.

Who wants that when they’re at a bar looking to kick back with their friends, have a couple of drinks, and a good time in general?

It’s the perfect job. Of course, there are certain people who get rough.

But that’s what bouncers are for. And the Vipers’ Den has the best.

You don’t fuck with the people who work here.

It’s one of the attractions.

I know all about the Vipers.

Heard whispers of them before I left six years ago. Sure, Papi and Mami kept me sheltered.

But I’m not stupid.

If anyone can take Matteo Sanchez on, it’s the men running this organization.

But since I failed to catch Nico’s eye, I don’t see why they would.

So, I just have to suck it up and hope being an employee is good enough.

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