Being with Mike at a fancy restaurant downtown wasn't how I saw my night going. He shows up at my house, says to get dressed in something nice, and says don't ask questions. Now I'm sitting across from him having wine imported from Paris. Wine isn't my thing, but Mike insisted I have a glass with him.
"Very good, yes?" Mike asked.
I stare at the dark crimson wine in the glass. "Not as good as Arbor Mist Exotic."
It was odd being in a restaurant with him that was empty except for his two guards, who stood at the door, and a waiter. I wasn't sure what this was about or why we were even sitting in a nice place, not even having dinner. Just wine. I was on the second glass. Mike stops after his third glass.
"I have something to give you." Mike reached into the pocket of his suit. He placed a check on the table. It's for 80,000.
There's a pull in my stomach as I pick up the check, eyeing it. Elio's money I needed to pay back.
"And you're just giving this to me?" I looked up from the check at him.
Mike's expression was neutral. He shrugs a bit. "Yes."
"And I don't have to pay it back?"
There's always a catch to something. He's a Mafia leader; they just don't give away free money without something in return. He takes a long minute to answer. Bringing his elbow to the table, he rested his chin on the palm of his hand. More wine is poured into my glass by the waiter.
"No."
"You're lying."
"I don't lie. That isn't part of who I am." Mike said. "Plus, I'm feeling generous."
I push the check back to him. "I can't take it."
"I'm being generous and you will not take my gift? Don't hurt my feelings."
Does he even have feelings?
"I just can't help but think there's a catch to me taking the check."
Mike reaches across the table to push my wineglass in front of me. He motions for me to drink with a smile on his face. But after my third glass, I was starting to feel buzzed. I move the glass away from me and Mike frowns.
"This wine costs 600 dollars. Don't be wasteful." He mused. "And the check. Take it. There is no catch here. Like I said, just me being generous."
I drink the wine to please him. Took the check, folded it, and placed it into my pocket. Even though Elio was willing to forgive my debt, I didn't want him to. He was only doing it out of love or what he thought to be love for me.
"...Thanks," I mutter, my lips on the rim of the wineglass.
Mike watched me drink until I was done. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine."
"Waiter, more," Mike said. "Fine, isn't good at all."
"What do you expect me to feel other than fine?"
My glass was topped off and by this point, I was done with the bitter-tasting crimson. Mike's laughter scared me. It's booming. Vibrant. Shakes his whole body.
"Nice," he said at the end of his laughing fit. "I expect you to feel nice. Not fine."
Again Mike reaches across the table, picks up the wineglass, and sits it in front of me. I pushed it away. "I had enough for tonight. I should get going."
As soon as I stood, the restaurant was spinning and I collapsed back into the chair. Shit. Mike's voice was distant. I tried to focus my eyes on him. My vision was going in and out.
