Shoot or lose

7

July 10th - 1995
New Jersey

Angel

The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow across my room as I sleep peacefully. The sound of my annoying flip phone ringing shatters my tranquility. Ughhh.

I groggily reach for it, squinting at the caller ID. The audacity of this man. Harry's name flash's on the screen, instantly rousing me from my slumber. Painful memories of yesterday's events come rushing back.

I answer with a grumble, my voice thick with sleep - A bit early to be calling, no boss?

Good morning to you too, Angel - he replies smoothly, amusement lacing his tone.

I sit up, suddenly wide awake and irritated - It's not a good morning. Have you forgotten the stupid shit you did yesterday?

He chuckles, completely unfazed by my clear rage - Of course not. That's precisely why I'm calling. I won our little bet.

I clench my jaw, trying to keep my anger in check. - There's nothing little about it. You can't just bet on someone's life like that.

Harry's voice turns serious, a rare edge creeping into his words - I know. It was the adrenaline rush I guess. It was foolish of me. But either way you'd never move in with me.

I blink in surprise, momentarily thrown off guard - What?

I like my space - he continues casually, as if discussing the weather - And besides, I have other arrangements.

I scoffed, incredulous - Other arrangements? Like your fiancée?

There is a long pause on the line, and for a moment, I wonder if I have gone too far. Then Harry speaks, his voice guarded - What about her?

I just find it hard to believe you'd bet on me when you have a beautiful woman waiting for you. Do you even live with her?

He hesitates for a moment - No, we have separate places.

I nod to myself, processing this new piece of information - Right. Not weird at all.

Anyway - Harry says, steering the conversation away from his personal life - I wanted to tell you that I've bought you a new place.

Well, this was nowhere near the direction I thought this conversation would take. I swallow hard, the movement of my throat making a loud enough noise for him to notice my astonishment.

What do you mean he bought me an apartment? Is he out of his mind?

I freeze, my mind struggling to catch up with his words. - Shut the fuck up right now, Harry.

Oh...calling me by my first name? Did I upgrade?

I can't and won't accept something like this. I don't want to be rude but this is too much.

I really don't want to be rude at this moment. I have no problem cursing him out in other circumstances, but he is literally offering me a place, which I assume is better than mine, to live.

I know you don't need it, Angel. But consider it a gift from someone who cares about your wellbeing. Your old boss left you something, so why shouldn't I?

I clench my fists on the sheets, torn between gratitude and stubbornness. - Because... because I don't want to owe you anything.