Remembering Raimondo (Complete)

The Job

A few people began to gather around the car. Amira runs into view letting out a loud 'Oh My God!' However, what strikes me as odd is that the Raimondo's reaction was calm. He just stares at his car blankly and examines the tire tracks left behind.

Horrified and dumb-folded I stand and glance at the car then at Raimondo then at the car and back at Raimondo. I didn't notice Amira run towards me until she was shaking me asking a million questions.

“Audrie are you okay?” Who was it? Did you see who did it? What's wrong?” She beems.

“Yeah, yeah I'm okay … I … I didn't see the person. I just turned in time to see the car get away.”

Amira gave me a disappointed expression. Suddenly she starts to smile again. “So you saw the car? What kinda car was it?”

“Huh?” Crap I didn't pay attention to the make or model.

“The car?” She repeats.

“Yeah … um no … I don't know,” I finally admit.

“Poor thing you are all shook-”

“Amira!” Raimondo yells cutting her off. She turns to look at him and gives me an “I'm Sorry” look and runs back towards him. I couldn't hear what they were saying to each other but Amira shakes her head and he becomes frustrated at her physical response.

I hurry back to my room with my eyes glued to my feet. Moments later I could hear the police out front. Raimondo makes a report but the police did not seem to ask to talk to me. I quickly search my bag for the card I was given a month ago. On the card was a short note, “whenever you want the job, call me.” I need to work and make money. The faster I save up, the less time I spend in this crazy neighborhood. Who knew, maybe tomorrow someone will send a sledge hammer flying through my apartment window.

I make my way back to the lobby to find a phone that I could use. After circling the area a couple of times, I conclude that there are absolutely no phones in the building! Better for the criminal that the victim can't call the cops!

Note to self: BUY CELLPHONE.

Amira was back where she was in the morning but this time she was speaking with an officer. I wait until she finishes.

“Hey, I was wondering if I can use your phone.” I ask her as the officer left.

“Oh, I wish you could. It doesn't work, I just checked.” She apologizes.

Dammit. This day keeps getting better and better. I nod and turn to leave.

“Here,” someone offers me a phone.

“Thanks, you're a life saver,” I grab the phone before looking at the owner of it as he walks past me.

It was him. Shit, now he's going to think I'm a disrespectful anarchist. I turn with the intentions apologize but see that he was privately talking to Amira.

When I'm done I'll apologize.

I quickly dial the number printed on the card. After four rings a high pitched voice answers the phone.

“Jesse and James Plaza.”

“Yeah, this is Audrie James and I'm calling about a job offer-” I begin.

“We're not hiring anymore, the chef came in this morning,” the woman cut me off.

“No, no Jesse personally gave me an offer. He said to call him as soon as I make up my mind,” I explain.

“Hold please.”

“Yup, no problem,” I assure her. I start to play with my coat zipper.

“Okay Ms. James. He says you may come in,” she answers after an eternal pause.

“I will, thank you!” I half scream ending the line. Yes! This is not going to be so bad after all. As soon as I make enough money I can afford to live in a safer part of the city. I place the phone on the counter in front of Raimondo.

“Thanks,” I don't wait for him to reply and make my way to the restaurant. At the Plaza I wait for about an hour and finally I'm given the job.

“Miss Audrie the place will be cleaned each day after we close, which is 11:30. For the first month your pay will be eight an hour. After I see your work, I'll consider giving you a raise.” Jesse explains my job.

Work was hard for the first couple of months, but odly the days went by quicker than I thought. Maybe it was because I spent most of my time cleaning while thinking about Raimondo. Did I mention- his father was the owner of the building. His mother, on the other hand, was murdered when he was seven by some gangster. Raimondo himself is mixed up with the street's darker parts. I learned this from Amira, but she made me promise not to mention that it came from her. “He's not as innocent as he looks.” She informed me.

Out of curiosity I asked Amira how come she wasn't seeing him. She laughed at my question and said that it was because she was older than him. “He isn't really available. I mean he doesn't have a woman, as far as I know, but he just isn't interested.” She adds.

“He's gay.” I confirmed making Amira laugh again.

“No, he's straight. He was supposed to get married a couple of years ago. But something went wrong.” She explained, but wouldn't tell me what went wrong.