The Deal...

The Deal...Special

Friday, July 8th, 2016

Izabella

It was finally Friday, meaning it was paycheck day. And as he promised, I didn't see Cole for the past two days. Being a gang leader must be hard and time-consuming.

Benji and I were cleaning up like we always did around closing time. We were always the first to arrive and last to leave. I couldn't wait to sleep in this weekend. I was beyond exhausted from waking up early and sleeping late.

"Ben! Izabella! Come to my office now!" I heard Cole call from his office. I rolled my eyes and Benji chuckled at my reaction.

"Hey, can you get my check for me as well? I'll finish up in here," Benji asked.

"Fine," I grumbled as I began to take off my apron. I didn’t want to talk to Cole more than I had to.

It was beyond scolding today so I wore really low shorts and a crop top. Due to my attire, I had to wear an apron that went down to my knees. I placed the apron on the counter and walked into Cole's office.

"You wanted to see me?" I asked sarcastically.

I took notice of Cole and frowned. He was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. He didn't look like your average boss nor a dangerous gang leader. He actually appeared to be normal. He looked stressed and tired as well. There were a lot of papers on his desk and he looked extremely disorganized and anxious about something.

Cole looked up and didn’t look at me twice. "I did. As you know, it's Friday. And Friday means paycheck day. Here's yours," He held out a white envelope with my name printed on top.

"Thanks," I murmured and took it out of his hands. I turned it over to the front and traced my finger over my name.

"Is something wrong?"

"You have amazing handwriting," I muttered. Even though my name was in beautiful script, I could still make out the letters.

"Thank you. I'm a lefty so it helps."

"Interesting. Oh, Benji asked me to get his paycheck as well."

"His paycheck?" Cole furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"Yes, his paycheck. His cash, his money, his envelope." I waved mine in the air as an example.

"Ben! I need to see you for a second!" Cole called and I jumped, a little startled. A few seconds later Benji came in with a frown.

"You called, boss?"

"What does Izabella mean when she says 'your paycheck'?"

"Oh! That. Well you see, I told Izabella to come in here to you alone and asked her to get my paycheck while I stayed behind and finished cleaning."

Huh?

Was I only one who noticed how many emphases he was using in that sentence. I look over to Cole to see if he noticed it as well. He just looked even more confused.

"What are you guys talking about?" I questioned in curiosity. Were they talking gang-related business?

"This thing about this weekend," Cole said. I was right. They were most likely planning another robbery since the previous failed miserably.

"What are you guys planning this time?" I wondered, squinting my eyes.

"Something big hopefully," Ben said.

"To make up from last time," Cole added, scowling at Benji.

"I'll just finish up. I’ll see you I’ll see you tomorrow as usual," Benji said and left the office, leaving me alone with Cole once more. Traitor.

"Well, not that I got my check, I'll just be going now. Have a nice weekend." I turned to leave as well but Cole talked, stopping me.

"I hope you wore an apron over that." I spun back to see Cole eyeing my outfit.

"Of course," I fake smiled. "Can I ask you for a favor?" I asked, walking back over to the desk.

"Depends on what it is."

"Can you give my friend a job here as well?"

"Depends. What is she like?"

"Exactly like me. We both worked as waitresses for four years at the same place. We both ended up quitting because of housing situations. And she really needs money since she's living with her boyfriend now. Plus, she's pregnant." I made sure to say the last part in a huge rush.

Cole leaned forward in his chair and rested his elbows on the desk, folding his hands and placing his chin ever so slightly on top of them.

"Let's see if I understand the question. You want me to hire one of your friends, who's pregnant?"

"It would mean the world to her if she got this job. Plus, she's 18."

"Unlike you."

"H-how do you k-know that?" I stuttered.

"I did a background check," he shrugged as if that was normal.

"Do you do background checks on all of your employees?"

"Nope. You're the only one. Although, I might have to do one on your friend as well if I decide to hire her. What's her name?"

"Roxanne Griffin,” I told him. “I must be special."

"Must be? Yes, I suppose you just might be special."