Customers were making their way out. Big Jake’s wasn’t too big—just the right size for a small joint. Two rows of tables and booths ran the length of the place. With enough aisle space so people could move comfortably around, the place always felt homey and inviting. I was also a sucker for locally owned establishments.
“Here you go, dear.” I was barely seated at one of the booths by the window when T. J. brought my plate to the table. “I really would like to see you finish all that today.”
“Have some faith, Grasshopper. I got this.”
“Right.” With one last smile, T. J. walked back to his register. Normally, T. J. was either smoking the meat or preparing the plates. Very rarely was he at the register, but they all rotated stations. Guess today was his turn.
My fries were perfect—golden brown and covered in melted cheese. I took three at a time and popped them into my mouth. I was in heaven, and my tummy was finally happy. I took a spoonful of my beans and for a few minutes forgot all the worries of the world. No wonder we were addicted to food in this country—food was connected to so many emotions. As I enjoyed my lunch, I wondered where Shorty had decided to grab lunch today.
“Hi, Isis. Please don’t kill me.” For a moment I thought I was going to choke on a fry. Of all the people to drop in on my table, Angelito was not on my list.
“You have some nerve showing up here. Are you following me? Are your little friends planning to beat me up again?” It was a blessing we were in public, because I wanted to reach over the table and choke Angelito with my fries. Instead I popped a few more into my mouth before I gave him a piece of my mind.
“Isis, those girls are not my friends. I had no idea what happened till this morning when I overheard them talking.”
He looked pretty miserable, but I wasn’t buying it. “So you didn’t set me up? They just happened to be prepared for me to show up. Do you really think I’m stupid? Just tell me if your girl made you do it.” I was pointing at him with a fry. I was trying to keep my voice down so as not to draw attention. I was probably failing, since T. J. looked as if he was ready to leap over the counter and kill Angelito for me. Another deep breath. Why not? Deep breathing was becoming my favorite hobby lately.
“Trust me. She’s not like that. She’s sweet and loving. It’s not her fault her sister is the leader of those nuts.”
Oh, great. So it was a family affair. Even better. I shook my head. “Angelito, there is no way she is not involved if her sister is running things. Wake up. You’re in serious danger. Stay away from them.” I was wasting my time. He wasn’t listening to me. He looked almost high. “Are you on something?”
“Of course not. Abuelita would kill me.” He looked worried when he said her name.
“Speaking of Abuelita, when are you going back to work?”
Angelito was getting nervous and looking over his shoulder a lot. I had a clear view of both doors, since my back was toward the bathrooms.
“I’ll be there tonight. I’m worried about her.” That was ironic. He was worried about his grandmother.
“If you spent more time around her, you would know she’s worried sick about you. Are you avoiding her?”
Angelito wouldn’t answer my question or even meet my eyes.
“Angelito, what’s going on?”
“Isis, I have no idea. I heard those girls talking about Abuelita and using me to get to her. What does that mean? Why would anyone want to hurt my grandma? Everyone loves her.” Angelito looked as if he wanted to cry. He was blaming himself for this. Oh God, what was I supposed to say now?
“Are you sure that’s what you heard? Maybe it was because she stopped them from beating me up the day they blew up the Whale.” Or maybe it was because Abuelita was a badass at whatever it was she did. I knew I didn’t want to make her mad or be on the receiving end of her wrath.
“You think so?” He wanted to believe something.
“Probably. You know they’re crazy, right?”
He was staring at his hands. He had them folded on his lap. I grabbed another fry, hoping he would talk.
“I’m planning to stay with Abuelita at the restaurant and then make sure she’s secure at home. I can’t take any chances. I need to get Lily out of that group.” So mystery girlfriend had a name: Lily. Too bad she wasn’t as sweet as her name.
“Do I even want to know what you have in mind?” I really didn’t want to, but I was afraid it was coming.
“I heard them talking about squatting at the Grim tonight. I’m going to get her out after I’m done with Abuelita. I can’t leave her there.”
“How do you know she wants to leave? Angelito, please don’t do anything stupid.” I shook my head. This whole thing was stupid. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because Abuelita trusts you. Isis, if something happens, please tell her I love her. I’m just trying to do the right thing.” He tried to smile but never made it.
“Oh God, that sounds so morbid. Please don’t get killed, or Abuelita will lose it.” He wasn’t listening to me.
“I’ll be careful. I promise.” I didn’t believe that. “By the way, if you’re trying to hide, you need a less flashy car. Driving the only yellow Camaro in town makes you stand out. I saw you a mile away.” With that, he got out of the booth. He grabbed one of my fries and
