Chapter 3:
As I am riding the subway towards my job, my head is so filled with fucked up thoughts that I think it's about to explode.
Why did I do that? Why did I help that twitchy freak I've never met before in my life? Hell, that's not what I do! I don't even help my friends, much more a random paranoid retard.
But, when I saw him in that dirty alley crying his eyes out, I felt something. It was definitely not guilt, no, that fucker had it coming. I wasn't sorry for him either. I was just...sad. I actually felt some sympathy for him, not in the wrong way like pity though. I don't know why. I mean as I just said I haven't seen the Twitch before in my life, but his eyes, his eyes were so sorrowful, so goddamn big and wet that I just felt the urge to put a stop to that. Put him out of his misery.
I really should not think about the Twitch right now. I mean c'mon today may be the most important day of my whole career and all I can think about is that blond junkie! Fuck me!
I shake my head hoping the gesture will force his pale face out my mind for good. An old lady at the seat across me gives me a glare and sighs, probably thinks I'm some kind of a nutcase. I flip her off and look away at the electronic sign that announces the next stop.
And then it hits me...Fuck! FuckFuckFuck!
I was too busy thinking about the events at the coffee shop that I missed my stop!
Goddamn it! Motherfucker...
I am already at my feet, and I stumble out of the wagon as the sub stops almost two blocks away from the firm. If I am really, really quick I might be just in time.
Goddamn! Now I'll show up with coffee AND sweat all over me! And all because of that retarded-twitchy-fucking-spaz!
Fuck!
''I'm sure Craig will be right with us, Mr. Evans,'' I hear my boss say as I make my way to the meeting room.
As I enter all eyes are on me and I can understand why; not only I am five minutes late but I am sweating and panting like I've just run the marathon.
I take a moment to catch my breath before I mutter some cheap apology ''I am really sorry for being late but I had a little accident on my way here.''
Luckily my bosses leave it at that and don't inquire more about the nature of my "accident".
''Well since Craig is with us now we should go on with our meeting. Mr. Evans, this is Craig Tucker, one of the most prominent and reliable members of our firm.'' Mr. Steith introduces me and as I shake the man's hand, I study his face and his big jade eyes.
Mr. Evans must be at his late forties, he is a lot shorter than me with brown blonde hair and soft green eyes. He looks just like the kind of guy who knows very well that he owns the world, or half of the most profitable business in New York City, as in this case, but still he wants you to believe that there is not a penny in his name.
Well, I'm not fooled by the attitude; I am a little intimidated, mostly because my future in the firm is practically in his hands and also because of my royal fuck up of showing up late and with hot beverage all over me. Why am I thinking of the Twitch again, goddammit?
''Yes, I was looking forward to working with Mr. Tucker here since I've heard such complimentary things about him and his way of doing business.'' Mr. Evan's words snap me out of my thoughts but of course I'm not about to show that I was daydreaming of coffee and twitches and crazy hair and…
What the fuck am I thinking anyway?
''I must admit the same thing myself Mr. Evans. I am quite thrilled at the prospect of collaboration with you, and please call me Craig.''
Mr. Evans smiles, I don't know if it's genuine or not, I guess I'll need some extra time to accomplish a level of perception as far as he is concerned.
''Now...Craig'' Wow talk about a dramatic pause ''I have one rule, well among others really, and it is that I demand to be informed about everything, every little detail, where do you invest, why you invest there, anything.'' His jade eyes flicker as he silently warns me not to fuck up with his money and a feeling of uncertainty rushes through me but only for a moment.
''Are we clear about that?'' he finally asks and I nod ''Crystal.''
''Good, something tells me that we'll get along very well.''
''I sure hope so Mr. Evans.''
I spend the rest of my day going through all the Evans files once again as he fills me in on the details. He leaves around two but comes back at six and insists that he'd take us all out to dinner, my bosses and me I mean.
That's why I am currently at an exotic, Indian restaurant where the attractive, sweet waitresses not only take your order in the most pleasant manner but they are ready to literally sit on your lap if they suspect you are a good tipper.
I am completely unfazed though and all I want is to go home and rest, it has been a long day...
Mr. Steith is sitting at my left as he gropes the well-shaped ass of a girl that looks like a Bollywood star or something! The man is such a horndog for crissake, I bet he gets another girlfriend every week, and he's married with three kids, I may add.
Mr. Paylor, seems completely out of place here, if I didn't know any better I'd thought he was gay or something...hmm maybe he is...That thought makes me chuckle a little to myself but unfortunately Mr. Evans, sitting next to Mr. Paylor, catches up as he turns his eyes on me.
''Enjoying yourself Craig?'' What a stupid question! Of course not!
''Very much Mr. Evans.''
''Now now I thought we are on first name basis, Craig.'' he grins ''Call me Josh ok?'' I nod in agreement and he speaks again ''I think you are a little tired though,'' he got me there..
''Well I think I need a good night's sleep." I admit.
''Sure, sure, after all, tomorrow there is a full day in front of you,'' there is a smug grin on his face as he continues ''You may leave if you want.''
''Thank you Mr. Ev..eh, I mean Josh.'' I correct myself as I stand up from our table and I am ready to take out my wallet but he stops me persuasively ''Dinner is on me boy and I won't hear a thing about it.''
I smile and shake his hand, while I bid my bosses farewell too.
When I emerge from the subway, my car is still in my parking lot; Josh gave us a ride to the restaurant, the cool breeze rushes through my face, as I close my eyes for a moment enjoying its familiarity.
Although it has been an exhausting day I don't really find the idea of returning to my apartment all too appealing.
I don't know why, but sometimes that place suffocates me, and it's fucking enormous for chrissake!
I shake any thoughts of a walk in the dark alleys, cause with my luck today I'd probably end up getting mugged, out of my mind. So I reluctantly make my way back home as I watch the front doors of stores and shops passing by.
But in front of a particular one I can't help but make a quick stop.
The Twitch is still in there although it's getting almost nine and the shop closes around eight, I think.
I can see him clearly as he wipes some tables and arranges the chairs, an insignificant shaking through his whole body and sometimes he twitches a bit too.
He is so...so bizarre you know? With that ridiculously crazy hair and all, and his spastic ways, I still don't believe it's all due to coffee...I didn't notice it before but his hair is so blonde, almost yellow...
And then the unexpected happens, Twitch lifts his head from the spot on the table he's been wiping and slowly his gaze meets mine. He overreacts of course jumping a little in the air and almost knocking down a chair.
Fuck! Now he's gonna think I'm stalking him or something.
Yet after his first startle he proves to be quite brave as he timidly raises his right hand in a small wave.
I frown immediately and I turn my back on him walking away as soon as possible.
That guy ruined my 700$ suit, I ain't gonna wave him goodnight!