Usually Hoffers Greenfield was the last soul to leave the restaurant; most times he would be the first to leave after he must have balanced the financial records with the account department.
Gratefully, I brazed myself for running down to the restaurant fast enough. And once I saw his black Rolls Royce still elegantly parked at the garage I gave an appreciative nod confirming his presence; the run was worth.
I was in his office now, squatting, gasping and catching my breath after running more than two hundred meters.
“What is it, Brian Patrick? What are you still doing here? I thought you have left for home? What happened?” he hounded me with tons of questions as I shut my eyes still catching my breath.
“Boss…Boss…” my voice broke out and then I sucked back my breath to speak yet further, “Boss my family is in deep mess,” I intoned finally and wiped mu sweating face, “I just returned now to see my father and our property outside and the house locked by our landlord.”
Hoffers raised a furrowed brow. “Why would he do such a thing, uh? Isn’t that crazy and unwise?” he almost raised his voice and I was profoundly joyous in my head that this boss was going to be helpful to me, considering the tone of his voice.
I sniffed and lowered my gaze as those tears trickled expressly, “Our rent is long overdue, boss. He has given us enough grace to sort out our debts. And since I got out of jail making five hundred dollars hasn’t been easy,” I elucidated.
Hoffers’ countenance fell before he dragged a huge frown which I argued was in my favor. I had never seen such thunderous looks on his face before. Hoffers’ grin was so offensive that it left in me these chinless feelings not to ask for his help.
“So why are you here? You should go and fathom how you will get the five hundred dollars and pay your rent,” he chirped and fell back in his swivel chair without any iota of emotion on his face.
I raised my gaze, “Actually boss that is the reason I am here. I am not here just to share my dilemma with you but to seek your help. As you can see the weather is unfavorable. Spring is much and loopy and my father and I can’t stay out in the cold. I may endure it but my father…”
“Brian Patrick!” he interposed my speech and I tightened my lips, go straight to the point. What do you want? Why are you her?”
I noticed his jaw drop. His voice had been unfriendly and I had been gawking at his fingers which kept tapping on the desk impatiently. Obviously I was the one stopping him from returning home.
“Sorry boss,” I apologized, “Your garage,” I intoned and repeated, “Yes, your garage,” I shook my head Empathically and swallowed hard to fight off the discouraging thought hanging over me now.
He groaned and his wobble eyes flinted at me, before he raised a brow, “My garage? What about my garage?”
“Please,” I sounded and went on my knees with my hands molded, “Permit us to pass the night in your garage. Age is no longer on the side of my father. He doesn’t deserve need cold. Left for me, I could bear it and pass the night in the cold but not my father. Please I beg of you…”
“Brian Patrick!” his voice beamed and interrupted me, “Things don t work that way. Do you realize this is Hoffers Food and not some five star hotel? It has never been done and it is not going to start with you. I can’t give out my garage. I have done the much I could do by employing you. Ordinarily I am not supposed to employ an ex convict as my delivery boy but I did so that you can make earns meet and sort out your debts…” he growled and I interrupted him.
“But boss I am not asking you to give it to us as our permanent abode. No.” I shook my head abruptly, “All I am asking is that you allow us pas the night…”
“And who wants to give it to you as your temporary abode in the first place. Brian Patrick! Brian!” he snapped and I could perceive the gloom in his dark eyes, “It is not as easy as you think. This is Hoffers Food , a reputable restaurant and the best in Rio Hondo. Garage is for parking of automobiles and motorcycles. Four of my Lamborghini and Ferraris have occupied it. There is no room for you and your fathers in my garage and, beside you are begging for tonight what about tomorrow’s night? Are you going to pass the night in the kitchen?”
I shook my head in disapproval and pressed my hands in front firmly once I noticed the wrath brooding in his voice. This was certainly a lost course. I thought Chairman Hoffers Greenfield was going to save father and I from the harsh hands of the Spring. But here I was kneeling before a man whose go-to-hell face could scare away a monster.
“Boss,” my bickering voice dashed out, “You have a point but I promise you by tomorrow I will figure it out and vacate your garage. All I am asking for is just shelter for tonight. We need warmth. The spring is not smiling at all. My mother is still at the hospital. I don’t want my father to join her.”
Hoffers Greenfield stood up almost stamping his feet, “Brian Patrick!” he beamed and glanced at his diamond wrist watch, “It is late. I got to return to my family. Some things are expedient but not all things are achievable. You are not getting that help from me. Return to your father; cover him with a duvet or sweater or anything. Hoffers Food’s garage is not some five star hotel for residents who can’t foot a five hundred dollars house rent.
“But…but…” I dare to speak yet further
He interrupted me, “Brian Patrick! Good night!”
I wept and lowered my gaze…