BLACK – POV (Edited)
I didn't sleep last night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw him—remembering how he told me I was a bad person.
Should I go to the café today? Maybe if I apologize, he'll forgive me. What was that feeling? I felt like I was in heaven in his arms. It was the first time I touched a man and felt a vibration through my whole body—and the first time I had an erection without watching porn.
I closed my mind. I didn't want to think anymore. I went through my routine and now I'm in my car, parked at the café. My heart is beating so fast, but I collect all my strength and step out to face my little boy.
I scanned the café, hoping to find him with that smile that had taken my breath last time. But, to my dismay, there was no sign of him—or his smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Black. Your coffee is waiting for you."
"Please, I want to ask about a new boy. Yesterday was his first day."
"Oh, Sunny? He wasn't working yesterday. It was just his demo day. Did he do something to you, sir?"
"No, but I loved his coffee. It was amazing. Will he be here tomorrow?"
"I'm not sure. Do you want me to ask the owner?"
"Yes, please. I don't want to come for nothing like today."
"Oh, okay. I'll get him for you."
Maybe it's a lie that his coffee was amazing—but I don't mind lying for him.
"Hello, Mr. Black. I heard you asked about Sunny. I wasn't going to hire him because my employee said he was rude to you and made you wait a long time for your coffee."
"Mr…what's your name?"
"Angelo, sir."
"Mr. Angelo, if you want to succeed, don't listen to your employees gossiping about coworkers like nosy neighbors—or competitors in the same business. Only if you opened this business as a hobby, otherwise it's a waste of time. If he were rude, would I waste my precious time asking about him? I've already given you plenty of time."
I turned toward the door without another word. He opened it for me.
"We're sorry you didn't have your coffee today. I'll make sure he's here tomorrow."
I didn't answer, but inside I was thrilled. I would see my boy every day. And I was happy on this sunny day to finally know his name.
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SUNNY – POV (Edited)
I woke up at 8:30, showered, and got dressed in my daily clothes. I was waiting for Gloria, hoping she hadn't forgotten me. The café hadn't called, so maybe they didn't hire me. I was sure I'd get the job—especially since the other guy broke so many glasses and had to call another employee for help.
It's okay. I already had enough money for the rent. I could even buy some clothes at the thrift shop.
My phone buzzed. She hadn't forgotten.
"Hello, Gloria. I was worried you'd forget our date."
"How could I forget someone as handsome as you?"
"hhhh, okay. I'm starving. Where shall we meet?"
"Is IHOP okay with you?"
"My favorite."
"Okay, I'll be waiting. Or do you want me to come pick you up?"
"But…I—"
"Okay, I'll be there in five minutes. I'm five blocks away."
"How do you know where I live?"
"Because I live in the same area."
"Okay."
"Shut up. I'm on my way. I'm starving."
Wow. Maybe she likes me—even knowing I'm homeless, she still wants to hang out.
I waited outside the shelter when I saw a pink Mini Cooper. Gloria rolled down the window and opened the door for me.
"I can't believe she's so beautiful."
"Yes, hi to you too, hhhhh. Meet Bella, my baby."
"Oh, Bella! How are you, Pinky? You're so beautiful."
"Let's go to our breakfast date. How are you, little one? Are you happy to be back at the restaurant?"
"Yes! I'm very happy. And it's not just me—Danny would have lost his job if I hadn't taken his shift until he came back."
"Are you working somewhere else?"
"Yesterday was a test day at a fancy café, but they haven't called yet. Maybe I didn't get the job."
"I'm sure they'll call—it's only been one day. Let's go eat before I eat you with all your sweetness."
"Ohh, are you the old lady from Hansel and Gretel?"
"Wow, how did you discover my disguise?"
"Because I'm a vampire. I can smell the witch."
"Oh my God, we'll be best friends. Let's have a Twilight marathon."
"Oh, my cheeseburger—I'll join every night."
"Yeah, me too. I never get enough of seeing Edward."
"Who can, sister? Join the club."
We ordered a lot of food and talked like best friends. I was so happy. Jiji and I only met in the park before—this was the first time we hung out properly.
"Hey, were you lost? I want to ask you something, but please don't take it the wrong way."
"You can ask anything, Lori."
"Wow, we're using nicknames now! Okay, why don't you search for a better place than the shelter? I heard it's not very safe."
"I'm about to rent an apartment with a friend, but I need time to pay two months' rent."
"But why pay for four months? I've never heard of that."
"No, just two months."
"So you'll pay half the amount?"
"No, my friend will pay with me after two months. She said it's too much."
"She's with you at the shelter?"
"No, she's on vacation with her friends. I miss her so much."
"Sunny, are you crazy? It's not okay to let people take advantage of you. Even if she's your friend—why rent an apartment when you could find a room?"
"Jiji said no one rents to homeless people."
"Oh my God. I swear on my aunt's vagina I will kick your friend's ass. And fuck me—you're the virgin gay! If she dares call you homeless again…"
"I'm speechless. Can you teach me how to be so badass like you? Do you think I could find a room to rent?"
"Wait a minute." She grabbed her phone, dialed, and put it on speaker.
"Hello, what do you want? I'm busy."
"Hey, calm yourself before your panties tighten."
"Okay…what do you want, bitch?"
"Your mother—the bitch."
"Thank you, Gloria. You called your aunt a bitch."
"Oh my God, this is the aunt you swore on?"
"Yes. I love my aunt, so I swear on her."
"Oh, I love you too—more than my only son."
"Me too! I love you more than my mom."
"What do you want, bitch?"
"What if we rent the guest room?"
"You know I hate people. I can't kick you out because of my mom. How do you think I'll be okay? No."
I was disappointed. I lost my chance.
"Wait—it's someone you know and like."
"Bitch, I don't like you. And I hope when I return I don't find your garbage in my home."
"Don't get your hopes up. I'm not going anywhere. The person is Sunny."
"But he wants his apartment alone, he told me."
"Because his friend told him no one rents to homeless people."
"The bitch…okay. But I don't want a stranger in my house. No cigarettes, no parties, no sex."
"Okay, I'll make sure to tell him. I love you too."
"I wish you'd vanish like shit down a toilet," he said—and he hung up.
"How does your cousin know me?"
"You didn't know? Danny is my cousin."
"Oh! That was Danny? I can live with you two? Are you sure? I'm not dreaming? I can live in the house—I don't need another month?"
I didn't realize I was crying until Lori hugged me.
"It's okay. Everything will be okay." I took a breath and checked my phone. It vibrated. It was a number I didn't recognize.
"Hello? Yes, it's Sunny. Who's this?"
"Hello, Sunny. It's 'I Need My Dose.' We're calling to tell you that tomorrow will be your first day. Come at 7 and your salary will be doubled."
"Of course! I'll be there on time. Thank you so much."
"Oh my God, Lori. It's the best day of my life. Thank you! I'll give you $50 when I get my salary."
"I'm happy for you, Sunny. But why give me money?"
"That's what friends do when they get good news."
"No, Sunny. Friends celebrate with food or presents—but you can't give your hard-earned money."
"You're so good to me."
"No, I'm not. You're the one with a good heart. You let people use you, but I'll be there for you. I'll take care of you. Maybe I have my reasons—but believe me, they're not bad ones."
I was so happy to care for her, and to know her reasons. For the first time, I felt I could sleep without fear—without worrying that someone would kill me for my money or shoes.