Chapter Nineteen: Decisions to Be Made
Ink
It felt good to have clarity with Jaz. We were on the upside of the relationship. Getting to really know one another and discover what we were building for our world.
I had started at the casino originally for the extra money, a change of pace, and to help the Rebel Saints gain entry into the Red Stone Casino, but the shifts were starting to drag more. I was yearning to be at Wheelz, especially since the shooting. The doors were being repaired and it would look like nothing ever happened, but some community damage had been done already.
Word got out on the Holbeck streets and back to the principal of Holbeck High, according to Coyote, and they were making a decision as to whether to keep us on with the community program. I hoped they made the right one. The class was a hit for the young men and the Saints. It boosted the self esteem on both sides.
I was climbing the stairs to clock in at the casino as I thought about quitting.
Marty and the other security were there too.
“Hey fellas. How are we doing tonight?” I asked.
“Pretty good,” Damien replied, flicking through the paper.
Marty motioned to me to sit down. “I wanted to talk to you about a couple of things.”
“Go for it.” I picked up an apple from the fruit bowl and started to munch on it.
“You have done some remarkable things since you’ve been here that even I haven’t been able to do. I want to groom you for a head of security position if you want the spot. Get you there in the next three months. A little more responsibility and heading up training, but nothing I haven’t already seen you do naturally. What do you think?” Marty asked.
I finished eating my apple down to the core and shot it into the trashcan nearby. “I think that I’m better suited to the bar. I belong there. Sorry to let you down, but I’m going to finish up here and concentrate over at Wheelz.” I dropped the bombshell.
Marty sat back, but his eyes showed respect. “That’s just fine. A man who knows what he wants. I can only appreciate that. You know if you have a change of heart in the next couple of weeks, do let me know.”
“I will,” I said.
“Also, don’t rule it out if you want to come back and work every now and then, when you need it.” Marty smiled, letting me know there were no hard feelings about my decision.
“Marty, I don’t care what they say about you, you’re a good man.”
Marty looked confused and quickly asked, “Who’s talking about me?”
“Nobody, Marty, it’s a saying. Forget it.” I chuckled.
“You and your jokes that I don’t get, Ink. I won’t miss those.” He sighed as he picked up the paper and started to shake out the pages.
I headed down to the floor and enjoyed the scenery of all walks of life roaming around the casino that I would no longer be working at. Every time I walked into the casino, I would remember this is where I met Jaz. I would never forget the memories we created.
I went past her as I watched her dealing out the cards for the players and smiling as she called out the bets. I felt damn proud of her. I continued to roam the casino, happy because I knew I was staying over with her, right after we finished our shifts together.
Later in the day, I was at the Wheelz clubhouse and the door was now fresh, shiny and new. It looked even better than the old one. Afternoon light was streaming in through the open doorway, shedding light on the pool tables.
Chalk was on one of the tables, practicing hitting the porcelain balls.
“Hey Chalk, looking good with your trick shots.”
“I got a few I’m trying to work on,” he explained with a grin.
“Cool. Bones here?”
“Yep. He’s upstairs in the office.” Chalk nodded up the stairs.
“Thanks.” I went up and knocked on the door.
Bones seemed to be sifting through large files and pulling out paperwork.