"So, is there any reason why we're out here?"
I take a long drag on my cigarette,
"I hate clubs. The only reason i'm here is because Layla wanted to celebrate my promotion."
"Oh, that girl who was pulling you around all night?"
"Yeah, let's head back."
We walk back inside he club and head over to the bar.
"Just two beers please."
"Gotcha."
I hand him his drink and we sit down at the bar.
"So, whadda wanna know, new blood?"
He takes a sip,
"Well for starters, are you and Layla together?"
A smile appears on my face,
"Yeah, why? You wanna do her?"
"Nah man, I was just asking because she just left with some guy."
He points to where she's at. She takes some mans hand and is leading him to the bathrooms.
"What the hell?!"
I jump up and sprint to the bathrooms. I burst in every stall until I get to the last one.
"Ricky?! Wait, I can explain!"
My heart sinks and my emotions fade. She tries to touch me but I back away from her.
I leave the club and hail a cab,
"Ricardo, please! Let me explain!"
I don't know why I stopped walking, but I do.
"Ricky, he put something in my drink! I swear it!"
"You lying bitch! I was at the bar with you when you took those shots!"
I am beyond irate. I see the new guy standing awkwardly and I wave him over.
"New guy, we're leaving."
He hops in the car with me.
"A donde van ustedes dos?"
(Where are you two going?)
"Just take us to the hotel."
***
"Hey uh, Carlos? You know how to load a gun?"
"Psh, yeah ése."
I toss his a gun and open the drawer.
"Bullets are in here. Load up and be ready in five."
***
"GO, GO, GO!!!"
Carlos hits the gas and I roll the window up.
We look at each other and burst out laughing.
"Welcome to the gang new guy."
"Thanks for having me."
We laugh and laugh all the way until we get back into the hotel.
"Did you see that guys face when I shot him?!"
He chuckles,
"Yeah mane, and the way he screamed when he got hit."
We collapse on different beds.
"How about tomorrow I let you meet the rest of the boys?"
"Sound like a plan. Night mane."
"Night Carlos."
***
From then on, Carlos and I became best friends. If there was anything I needed, he was on it. He came from a fucked up family like the rest of us.
The day came when I was finally able to meet the boss in person.
"So you're the one that's been driving my niece crazy huh?"
"Who Layla? I mean this in the nicest way possible, but fuck her."
His face hardens, then he laughs.
"Es verdad. Layla puede ser un poco difícil de vez en cuando, pero-"
(It is true. Layla can be a bit difficult once in a while, but-)
"No, no, no. Me and her are over. She cheated on me the day I got promoted."
He sucks his teeth,
"No sabía sobre esto. Hablaré con ella cuando llegue a casa."
(I didn't know about this. I will talk to her when I get home.)
"There's no need sir. I have no interest in her anymore."
"Hmm, muy bien entonces. La sacarán de la mansión y la obligarán a quedarse con su hermana. Si ella intenta regresar, usted tiene todo el derecho de hacer lo que le parezca."
(Hmm, very good then. They will take her out of the mansion and force her to stay with her sister. If she tries to return, you have every right to do what you think.)
"A-are you serious?"
"Very."
***
"So, she's an assassin?"
"Pretty much, and hopefully she'll be able to kill him from the inside."
"Wait, she's gonna join?"
"Yes, but only until she does her job."
"And you want me to act like you two have been going out for months now?"
I sigh,
"Carlos, i'm picking her up today, this is the last time we can talk about this."
"Ok, and no one else knows about this right?"
I grab my keys and head towards the door,
"Yup. I'll be back in a few days time. Til then, clean out Layla's old room and if she shows up, get rid of her."
"Alright. Be safe out there mane,"
I give him a hug and make my way to the car.
"Shit Ricky, I don't know about this."