When You Don't See Me. Timothy James Beck

“Is that why you’re here? To ask Blaine for a loan?”

      “Guilty. Do you think he’ll raise hell at me?”

      “Not likely,” Gavin said.

      “Really?” I asked, feeling more hopeful.

      “It would be hard, since he and Daniel flew to L.A. this morning.”

      “Fuck me,” I muttered. “I lost my job. I can cover my rent. It’s my roommate who can’t. I promised to help her.”

      “The snake woman?”

      “No. Kendra. Morgan is the snake woman.”

      Gavin frowned. “You lost your job?”

      “I wouldn’t put out for a client,” I said without elaborating, even though it made Benny the Whiner seem like a jerk.

      “How much do you need?”

      “Kendra’s part of the rent is five hundred.”

      Gavin stared at me a few seconds, then said, “I’ll cover it. On one condition.” I’d known there would be conditions, so I just nodded and hoped it wouldn’t be too bad. “Be careful about who you trust, Nick. People aren’t always what they seem.”

      “You mean like…Who do you mean?”

      Gavin frowned again and said, “Never mind. Hey, I’ve been thinking about piercing my ear. Can you do that for me? Painlessly?”

      I laughed and said, “Yeah, sure. It’ll cost you five benjamins.”

      April 10, 2003

      Dear Nick,

      Gavin told me you came by and pierced his ear. He said you have the hands of a surgeon. Have you considered med school? (That’s a joke, I swear.)

      Daniel and I have had crazy busy schedules lately, which is why I didn’t get your message about being at the Ninth Precinct until a couple of hours after you called. By the time I stormed the justice system on your behalf, you’d already been released with no charges filed. According to Blythe, a couple of cops from Cutter’s took care of whatever the problem was. Glad it all worked out.

      Let me know if you need anything. Hope to see you soon.

      Love,

      Uncle Blaine