Page 33 of Endlessly Raphael
I just want to see Raphael again.
When it’s finally closing time, I have the restaurant nearly clean except for the floors, which I make quick work of. Once that’s done, I head back to the office where the owner is.
“Hey, Omar.”
He looks up from counting money and gives me a nod with a smile. “All done?”
“Yep. Floors are drying.” I blow out a breath. “So, um, you know about my inheritance.”
“Yes.” He sets the stack of cash down and gives me his full attention.
“Well, I’m getting married. Next week, actually.”
His eyes go wide. “Yes? That’s good news.”
“Really good news, except it means I have to give notice here.”
Omar waves his hand in the air. “It’s okay. I knew it wouldn’t be for long. Unfortunately, business is down, so I can manage with Erika and Sean.”
Leaning on the doorframe, I nod. “It makes no sense. The food is good here.”
“Thank you. I think maybe I need to refresh the space a little. Update it.”
“Nah, that can’t be it. No offense, but this isn’t exactly the swankiest part of town. Something changed.”
“If you figure out what it is, let me know. I’m a little worried.”
“Sorry, Omar. You deserve success. You’re a good man.”
He smiles with a half shrug. “There are lots of good men in the world living in hard times. It happens. Go home, Haven. Enjoy your night.”
“You too.”
I remove my apron, balling it up in my hands. Omar struggling bothers me a lot. He’s a good man. He helps the neighborhood a lot and his food is good. Maybe once I get my inheritance, I can help. Would he allow me to make an investment?
Pushing open the back door, I’m hit with the slightly rotten smell from the dumpsters and the stench of old urine. I walk down the dark alleyway to the front, finding Raphael sitting on the hood of his car, already waiting for me.
“Hey.”
He smiles brightly. “All done?”
“Yep.” I wait as Raphael slides off the car and opens the passenger door for me before popping in on the other side.
I’m glad he brought his simple car. I’d hate to stink up the sports car.
“Ugh, I cannot wait to shower.” I twist my neck back and forth. “What a night.”
“Busy?” Raphael asks.
“Not at all.” I lean my head back. “It’s bugging me.”
“What is?” he asks, pulling onto the street.
“Omar, the owner, he’s a good guy and the pizza is really good, but business is dropping. Like, a lot. I can’t figure out why though. It’s been a neighborhood hangout for years. What changed?”
“Hmm. That is interesting.”
“Yeah. I don’t want him to fail, you know? He gave me a job when I really needed one. I just think he’s too proud to accept money.”