What Can You Not Buy With Money?

I felt bad for Burgess, I really did. I’m sure no one wanted to see the image of their ex holding hands with the person they believed had been a ‘mistress’ to the person. I knew that even though we weren't an item any longer, I was still in some hot water... or more like boiling oil.

But Burgess had no right to judge, nor did he even have a right to show up in my life again. His appearance was gaunt. He wore a suit as though he had just left work, but due to his deterioration the expensive cloth was baggy on his thinner frame. But he still had that hateful lightning in his eye.

Behind Burgess, Adelmo was waving his hand horizontally by his neck. He was gesturing for me to 'kill' the holding of hands with Walker.

I probably could have done something a bit more mature or have handled the surprise better, but at the spur of the moment I chose to simply ignore him--though I couldn’t help but throw him an angry glare and quickly pull Walker toward the elevators.

Guilt was wrenching my chest as I waited for the elevator doors to open, but sadly a cold shoulder wasn’t enough to throw off Burgess.

I could feel his presence behind me, like a tall shadow creeping behind me. I expected him to throw razor sharp words or spit out a witty insult here or there.

What I wasn’t expecting was his strong hands grabbing my shoulders roughly and violently spinning me around to face him.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Walker demanded, causing a scene to be made.

There was a monster in his eyes I never saw before; something that caused those blue orbs of his to be in a sea of red. His eyes were bloodshot, his skin cold. He was a mess.

“What do you want, Burgess?” I quietly asked, my heart already returning to its accelerated rate. I’d rather have another episode on the Ferris Wheel than deal with Burgess in his tantrum. The way he squeezed my shoulders and pressed me against the wall while stooping over to glare at me caused my insides to evaporate through my pores. He was scaring me.

The young man looked as though he was struggling to find the right words to say. His mouth was slightly open, his breath rapid and heavy. But then he calmed down, quietly whispering, "What I just saw... better not mean anything." He pulled back slightly. "Come on; I'm taking you home."

I threw my arm free and slapped him as hard as I could across the face. It felt good to throw my anger out on something tangible, and I understood why people got into fights. I hated him and his idiocy. I wanted to beat it out of him.

“Look at yourself in the mirror, Burgess,” I was hissing like a snake, my eyes beginning to brim with angry tears. I hated myself and him for them. “You’re falling apart. I’m not a toy you can just have, break, then take back once I’m fixed.”

The elevator pinged, the doors sliding open. I backed into it with Walker, and we stared off at the enemy. Adelmo held a napkin out to his employer, who I noticed began to have a bloody nose. Seeing the crimson seep down his upper lip and down to his chin snapped me back from my enraged stupor, and I realized what I had just done. I just hurt him, this time I really did.

The doors quickly closed, and thankfully neither Burgess nor Adelmo tried to stop us. I slumped against the wall of the box we stood in as we ascended up, feeling drained and exhausted. “I thought I’d never see him again,” I murmured softly. “I thought we were done.”

Walker placed his hand on my shoulder delicately, being the emotional support he always was. “Do you want to go somewhere else?” His voice was careful, just brave enough to prod into my psyche.

“No.” I breathed in carefully. I was done being a downer. It was time to accept reality and get back on with my life. “I think it’s time we head home. I’ve had enough excitement away from San Diego to last a long time. One way or the other, I need to get my life back on track.” Despite the previous fiasco, I felt recharged all of a sudden. “It’s the end April, and I’ve got a lot to do.” Keeping my mind busy with plans, I started ranting to help forget about Burgess. “I’ve got to get a job, and enroll in some classes. And now I’ve got Dog Meat to take care of, and I think it’d be smart to take him home soon. He’s only a puppy after all.”

Walker smiled at me, a look of admiration and respect radiating at me. “You’re a strong girl, you know that?”

The elevator pinged, and we started walking. Feeling humble, I just shrugged and playfully flipped my hair. “I know, I’m so amazing.” My faux arrogance was something that made Walker laugh out loud.

“You are to me.”

We both were forcing ourselves to pretend what happened downstairs never occurred. But my insides were burning and I could see that Walker's eyes held pity. Life sucked again.

>

The beginning of May brought the typical wave of heat in San Diego. People were dressed in shorts as they walked around the streets; kids were frolicking and enjoying their spring break.

I was among the throng of people, looking around desperately for any sign of a ‘Help Wanted’ poster. Finding a job had become harder than I remembered, and in the tragic shape the United States economy was in, not to mention California's bankruptcy, my job hunt was fruitless.

After many hours of being denied the chance to even fill out an application or provide a resume, I dragged my feet back to the condo complex. I felt a warm greeting from Walker would be the perfect chill pill to help me stay high in spirits.

I went to the Neo Sushi Club, where Lawrence was cleaning a few counters and tables.

“Ah, Mary! Walker’s just in the bathroom, he’ll be right out. Have a seat!” Lawrence gestured for me to sit on a bar stool across from him. When I did, he swatted my shoulder and gave me a playful wink. “Ever since you all came back from that trip, Walker’s been flying like he’s on cloud nine. I heard about you two—congrats!”

“What did you hear?” My mind was still warped around the fact that I couldn’t find any place to work. It took me a few blinks until I realized it was about a relationship. “Well—I—that’s…” I was turning red, already feeling embarrassment flush my skin with fire.

“Hey, boss, what’re you telling Mary?” Walker came to the rescue, a towel in his hands as he covered his mouth and nose. My eyes landed on the pale white cloth that was stained by a dark pink that resembled blood.

“Walker, what happened?” I stood up and quickly went to take the towel from him. But he quickly jumped back and put it in his back pocket, away from view.

“Oh, just a damn nick I gave myself this morning. You know, while cutting the meat.” Walker looked away, the lie apparent. Walker and knives were like bread and butter. Unless he intentionally cut himself, there was no way he would have just 'nicked' himself. “Anyways, how’s the job search?”

I blinked then slammed my head against the table dramatically, burying my face in my arms. “I couldn’t apply anywhere. I’m doomed.”

Walker looked at Lawrence then a sly grin grew on his mouth. “Well, why don’t you work here?”

I sat up quickly and a ray of hope flew past me. “Really?”

“Sure, we could use a pretty little waitress around here,” Lawrence elbowed his employee playfully. “And I’m sure Walker’d love to have you around.”

I heard a stomp, and I looked down to see Lawrence flinch and quickly limp away. Walker had stepped on Lawrence’s foot rather harshly.

“Damn, that cracked!” Lawrence quietly howled as he limped into his office. “Anyways, you’ve got my okay on the job. Walker, you take care of it. I’ve got to go and call an ambulance.”

“Pff. Pussy,” Walker called back, his face dark red from being teased. He quickly turned to me and smiled. “So what do you say?” His hand pulled out of his pocket a crumpled piece of paper, and he took out a pen. “Hell, since we don’t have anyone else working here we can let you have half the tips. Lawrence can go to hell, he already gets most of the profits and does none of the work.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “So you’re my new boss?”

“Well,” Walker quickly brushed his hair back and cleared his throat. I noticed he sounded out of breath, as though he was having another asthma attack. “Pretty much.”

“When can I start, sir?” I placed my hand over his hand, running a finger over his skin. I could see he was getting goosebumps from my touch.

“Tomorrow?” Walker’s voice had squeaked just barely, his behavior adorable. He quickly cleared his throat and added, “Morning.”

“That sound peachy.”