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“So ten thousand dollars may not be that big a deal,” I say.
“I guess I’m just intimidated.”
I get it. I’d have a hard time asking for that much money of anyone, even if that amount was a drop in the bucket for them. But asking on behalf of a good cause is different.
“I’ll ask for you,” I volunteer.
Felipe’s eyes go wide. “No!”
“Why not?”
“It should come from me.”
“Then ask him.”
“I can’t. I’ll wait till he’s better.”
“How much better?”
“I don’t know.”
“The sooner you can give your brother some good news, the less stress your family will have. I’m sure Darren would be willing to help out in some way.”
I think about the clothes he had insisted on buying for me for our Phuket trip.
“You think so?”
“How can he not?” I return.
Felipe makes a face, but I continue talking. “I mean, if he doesn’t, then he’s an unfeeling miser who doesn’t deserve to have such an awesome bartender working for him.”
“I’m an unfeeling miser?” a voice behind me asks.
It’s Darren. I know it without even turning around.
“I should check on the guy over there,” Felipe says before heading over to a guest at the end of the bar.
Collecting myself, I turn to face Darren.
“It depends,” I tell him.
“On what?” he asks, his tone slightly dark.
“On whether or not you’ll help out a loyal, longtime employee of yours.”
Darren looks over at Felipe. “You mean your buddy there?”
“I mean your devoted bartender. His younger brother got admitted to a prestigious arts college, but they need some financial assistance.”
“How much?”
“Ten thousand. At least.”
Darren cocks his head to one side as he looks at me.
Trying not to be daunted by the cool reception I’m receiving, I say cheerfully, “And you should be excited to help him out.
“You wouldn’t take the clothes I bought you for Phuket, but you’re happy to hand out ten thousand dollars on my behalf?”
“It’s for a worthy cause.”
“What do I get out of it?”
“The joy of knowing you helped out a friend.”
“I want more than that.”
“Like what?”
Darren leans in to me. “Like you either go for sounding or something else comes off your list of hard limits.”
