Page 41 of Fair Play
ROME: You started it with that damn picture.
BILLIE: So… no more pictures?
ROME: Oh, you can send me pictures, baby. All the pictures you want.
BILLIE: Then I’ll have to get creative.
ROME: I’m looking forward to it. So, when do you start at the diner?
BILLIE: Tomorrow! She let me take home a menu so I can start memorizing it.
ROME: You have to memorize the whole thing?
BILLIE: Pretty much. I have to be familiar with every item on the menu and know how much it costs. Each training class includes sampling a bunch of different items, so that part will be fun. The first day is discussing the menu items and learning our way around the restaurant, and then a lesson in using the cash registers. The second day is more sampling and learning our way around the kitchen. And the third day is shadowing other waiters.
ROME: Sounds intense. How are you going to do all that and go to class and study?
BILLIE: I won’t be doing much sleeping, I guess. But if the money is as good as it’s supposed to be, it will make my life a lot easier. I might even be able to get my own place so I don’t have to impose on you and Bodi.
For some reason it bugs me that she has to work so hard.
She should be studying, going out with her friends, having fun—not working long hours and sacrificing sleep to keep up with everything.
It pisses me off that I can’t help her. Financially or otherwise.
ROME: You’re not imposing on me at all. I like having you around.
BILLIE: I like it too, especially the part where I don’t pay rent—but sleeping on the couch is getting old. Sharing a bathroom with my brother. Living out of my suitcases. Not having my desk to spread out on when I need to work on projects. It’s affordable but not that convenient.
ROME: I wish there was something I could do to help.
BILLIE: You have—you gave me a CAR. I’m truly not complaining. I’m very lucky that I have a free place to live and a car. I’m just whining a little. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.
ROME: Friends worry about each other.
BILLIE: Aw, that’s sweet. But really, I’m good. Anyway, I have a paper to work on so I’ll talk to you later. Text me when you land so I don’t worry?
ROME: You got it. Talk to you later.
I stick my phone in my pocket and close my eyes.
This is the first time in a long time I’ve allowed myself to get upset about my financial situation.
If I hadn’t married Lourdes, I’d be in a much better position financially. She was exotic and sexy and a total gold-digger. She opened credit cards in my name, maxed them out, and then let them default since I didn’t know to make payments until it was too late. And of course, I was too blind to get a prenup.
Then I turned around and married Denise. She was my sister Catalina’s friend, so I figured I’d be safe. What a dumbass I was. I was lonely and trying to fit in, with a hot wife, big house, and wild parties. She cheated on me, so I retaliated by doing the same thing—but only one of us was smart enough to get proof. And it wasn’t me. The female judge in our divorce case didn’t like that at all and she made me pay for it.
Now, I’ve got a cabin in upstate New York that still isn’t paid for and no idea if I’m going to have a job in a few months.
What the hell am I doing with my life?
Chapter 15
Billie
We didn’t haveto wear our skates the first two nights of training, but we do on the third night and my feet are killing me. Nita fronts the money for the skates—and takes twenty bucks out of each check until they’re paid for—but then we get to keep them. They’re nice too. Honestly, a lot more comfy than the ones we rented in Venice, but I’m not used to them so after five hours, my feet are toast.
Other than that, working at the diner has been a blast so far. I’ve met some nice people, Nita treats us well and despite being the owner, she’s very hands-on. I get the feeling she’s a little friendlier with me because of Athena and Rome, but I plan to work hard so it never appears that she’s playing favorites or that I’m taking advantage of our friendship.
