Ch 3 – Guardian Angel

It was around 2.30 in the afternoon.  Shane and a few colleagues were having lunch together, their lunch break was later than most people as usually it was their busiest time of the day.

They were talking about who was going to win the Tennis US Open.  Chase, the skateboard shop owner, was betting on Roger Federer.  Anna, the other assistant, disagreed, she wanted Andy Roddick to win.  Chase said ‘want’ and ‘will’ were two separate matters! Shane was betting on Maria Sharapova to win the female tournament.  They were teasing her that she had the hots for Sharapova.  She just laughed it off and smoked her cigarette.

Chase announced that if Roddick won, he would take everyone out for dinner.  Anna demanded to go to an expensive restaurant.  Chase agreed.

Everyone was chatting away as usual.  A big muscle Latino guy walked into the shop.

“Is Shane here?”  He asked Anna.  She pointed at me.

“Shane, he wants to see you.”   Anna told me.

“So you are Shane.” His eyes narrowed, and eyed her from top to bottom and from bottom to top again. 

“Yes, sir. I am.  How can I help you?  I am the hairdresser here.  Are you here for a haircut?”  She smiled politely, not knowing who or what he wants.

He smiled suddenly and said, “Good to meet you finally.  People call me Ray, Carmen’s brother.” 

‘Fuck, what did he want?’  Shane thought. At least it was not some racers looking for trouble.  She relaxed a little.

“Mr Ray, I have only met your sister twice, we had barely exchange more than 10 sentences.  I respect her a lot and have not taken any advantages of her.  I swear.”  Shane tried to explain herself. 

Ray laughed, “Just call me Ray.  Mr Ray is so formal!  Hearing that from you, I am rest assured now.” 

Shane let out sighed secretly and said, “I have no intention of seeing your sister again, you don’t need to worry.”

Ray’s face darkened, made an angry groan, and stared at Shane.  “Repeat that again?”  Ray said angrily.