Page 35 of Play Me

“Ah. I was wondering if he was ever going to mention it.”

“I don’t know if the others know. But he let it slip to me a few days ago.”

“Maybe he’s regretting it.” I shrug. “I don’t know why he’s doing it in the first place. It’s crazy, he doesn’t even know the kids.”

Marius swerves sharply, cutting the traffic off and stopping suddenly by the side.

“What the-?” I gasp.

Marius cuts me off, “Don’t question him. That’s just the guy he is, Cadence. There’s no ulterior motive here. You’ll hurt him if you think otherwise. Trust me. He can’t give his money away fast enough. He grew up hard, Cadence. Like, on the streets hard. And now he’s just trying to give back. Half of our staff are people he grew up with, family and friends, and random people he’s met on the street who just needed a second chance. If he sees someone he can help, he’ll help them. No credit, no thanks necessary.”

It takes me a moment to absorb everything he’s said.

After a moment, I nudge him with my elbow and wink playfully, “Did he pay you to say all this?”

Marius guffaws, “Please, he couldn’t afford me. I make just as much as he does and I have more saved since I’m not burdened by a burning need to do good.”

I don’t believe that for a moment, but I don’t say anything, knowing he’s just trying to make a point.

“Thanks for telling me.”

“No problem.” He turns back into the traffic.

“Anything else he didn’t tell you to tell me that I might need to know?” I take the chance to get some inside info.

“Ah, now that stuff is probably gonna cost you, but like I said, you couldn’t afford me.” Marius grins and reaches for the car radio dial.