TIED TO MY MAFIA MESSIAH

~Venus~ The bar was alive with its usual rhythm. Loud music thundered through the speakers disturbing the silence. The air in the room was filled with a strong mix of whiskey and the faint smell of cigarettes smoke. “Give me a two shots of your finest whiskey!” a drunk man managed to walk up to the counter. His movement was wobbly, he seemed like he might pass out at any minute. In this state taking more whiskey won’t help him at all, but who I'm I to tell him, all I do is serve up the beer. “Right on it sir.” I stepped away from the counter and turned to the incredible alcohol collection set up behind me. I pulled out a fresh bottle of whiskey and carefully poured it into two cups. The drunk man grabbed the cups and gulped them down at once. Turning away from him in disgust, my eyes locked on a familiar figure. Lexi. Sitting at the far end of the bar, one leg crossed over the other, her dark curls catching the low light like they always did. She was grinning at me, one hand raised in an enthusiastic wave. It had been weeks since I’d seen her, but she looked just as vibrant as ever, her energy cutting through the haze of the room. I glanced at the bar, making sure everything was under control before walking toward her. My shift wasn’t over, but for Lexi, I’d steal a moment. I grabbed a clean glass on the way, pouring myself a quick soda. “Fancy seeing you here,” I said as I slid onto the stool beside her, the corners of my mouth tugging into a smile. “What can I say? I missed the best bartender in town,” she teased, raising her glass of something neon and undoubtedly too sweet. “How was the trip Lexi?” I asked very curious. Lexi was incredibly brilliant right from kindergarten. Eventually, her big brain finally got her somewhere when she won herself a free trip to Paris. Sometimes I wished I had a brain like hers. “Well.. One word, beautiful.” Lexi exclaimed before letting out a light chuckle. “So.. How have you been holding up?” Lexi asked, her voice laced with concern. My brows dropped, as I lowered my head, almost in shame. “Not good Lexi. Grannies bills alone eat a chunk of my salary. At this rate, I can't save up for my next tuition fee.” Lexi’s smile faltered. “Oh, babe,” she said, reaching out to touch my hand. “I... I’m so sorry. That sounds awful.” I nodded, trying to swallow the lump in my throat. “I didn’t mean to dump all this on you. I just... I don’t know what to do anymore.” She pulled her hand back, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her napkin. “I wish I could help,” she said, her tone hesitant. “But, you know, things have been tight for me, too. Traveling wasn’t cheap.” I nodded again, forcing a smile I didn’t feel. “It’s fine, really. I’ll figure something out.” We sat in silence for a moment before she cleared her throat, pulling something from her purse. “Actually, there’s... this guy I know,” she said, sliding a small, unmarked card across the table. “He might be able to help you. Just, uh, be careful. He’s not exactly a bank.” I stared at the card, the name printed in bold letters. “A loan shark?” I asked my voice light as a whisper. “It’s just an option,” she said. “You don’t have to use it. But... if you’re really out of options...” Lexi answered. Suddenly I felt the buzz of my phone. I pulled it out at once. It was an Unknown Caller. “Excuse me.” I signaled to Lexi before swiping up the phone to answer. “Hi, is this Venus Diaz?” a young female voice asked over the phone. “Yes. Is there a problem?” “Yes actually. Your grandmother had another relapse.” The lady's words lit urgency up in my veins. “I'll be there as soon as I can!” I hung up the call and slid my phone back down my pants. “What is it?” Lexi asked very worried. “Grannie had a relapse, I need to go now. Call you later!!” And with feat urgency I stormed out of the bar. ********* I leaned over on the door to her room. The monitors beeping noise disturbing the silence. Grannie laid peacefully, I was relieved that the doctors were able to stabilize her. I can't afford to loose her, she's all I have. My father died in a car accident when I was twelve. And my mother… I never really knew her. Whenever I asked dad or Grannie they'll always avoid the question. So ever since dad died, it's just been me and Grannie. We had the best eight years a grandma and her granddaughter could have. But two years ago, she fell terribly ill with arthritis. And we've spent all our together time in a hospital. “Venus?” a lady's voice reached my ears. I could tell it was the same one I heard over the phone. I turned over to see a beautiful and young nurse. “Yes that's me. Thank you for the call.” “Not a problem at all. Judging by the time you arrived you must really love your grandma.” The nurse continued. “I also called you here for another reason. Unfortunately, your grandma's situation is getting worse, she can't stay in the ward anymore. She needs surgery and then intense care.” My heart sank in despair hearing her words. I wasn't a medicine scholar, but I was smart enough to know surgery and intense care are very expensive and well above my salary. “I'm sorry to break this to you, but your grandma needs this.” The nurse said before walking away. The nurse was right, this was grannies third relapse in just two weeks, her condition isn't improving. She needs surgery and intense care. But how can I afford it? Just then, I remembered Lexi’s card and pulled it out from my pants. I have it an even more harder look. On the card was his number. “On call won't kill right?