Page 77 of Cold Hard Cash

Jimmy woke up to an empty bed and the ring was gone from the bedside table. His head throbbed lightly, but he felt pretty good considering all the events of last night. Grabbing Cold’s pillow, he hugged it tight and inhaled his scent.

Rod. Cold had said he could call him Rod.

It was always two steps forward and one step back with Boss Cold, but Jimmy knew those steps backwards were getting smaller every day. He rolled over to grab his phone, smiling when he saw he had a new message from Cold. There was no card this morning, he noticed. That was odd.

Jimmy wondered if Cold had forgotten about it, though that seemed unlikely, as he flipped through his phone to get to the text message.

You have work today. Be there by noon.

I want you back by midnight. Do not be late.

-RL

Again, not a declaration of undying love, but at least he was going to see Cold tonight. Jimmy turned the camera on, feeling a little flirty. He made sure his robe was wide open, snapping a quick selfie of himself from the waist up, smiling sleepily at the camera.

He sent it to Cold with a quick message:

Can’t wait. ;)

He didn’t expect a response, but waited a few moments all the same, hopefully watching his phone. When he heard a door open, he sat up as heavy footsteps began to approach. Jimmy tensed, frowning at the unfamiliar sound. Definitely not Rowena.

The bedroom doors swung open and in walked Jules Price.

“Wow, uhm, hi,” Jimmy babbled, dropping his phone to his lap.

“Good morning, Twig,” Jules rumbled with a big smile. “Me and you get to spend quality time today, Boss’ orders.”

“Me and you?” Jimmy blinked in surprise.

“Yup,” Jules replied shortly. “Boss has a big meeting tonight, wants me to keep an eye on you.”

“Then who’s keeping an eye on Cold?” Jimmy demanded with a frown.

“Ain’t you a sweet one. Trust me, he can handle himself. ‘Sides, he’s got the rest of the Gentlemen with him. He’ll be just fine.”

“Okay,” Jimmy said, sighing and pulling his robe a little tighter around himself.

“Get up, get dressed,” Jules ordered. “Got shit to do.”

Jimmy frowned, seeing his outfit from last night neatly folded down by the chaise at the foot of the bed. “I’ll need to go home. I need to change clothes, uhm, I have a check to cash...”

“What else?” Jules asked grumpily, looking annoyed. “Gotta get your hair did, too?”

“No! I just, you know, have things to do,” Jimmy pouted.

“Hurry it up. I’ll be waiting.”

Jimmy waited for Jules to leave before quickly getting dressed, then grabbed his phone and scooted downstairs to find him. The giant was in the kitchen, stealing bacon right out of the pan while Jerry yelled and cursed at him in French. Jimmy watched in awe as Jerry fearlessly threatened to bash in Jules’ head with the frying pan.

Jules was not impressed, swiping another piece and barking at Jimmy, “Eat up!”

Grinning, Jimmy quickly accepted a plate from Jerry before Jules could eat it all. He watched them bicker, giggling all the while. Jules was hardly fluent, but apparently he did know how to say some pretty vulgar things in French.

Once Jimmy had finished eating, Jules led him outside, cheerfully calling over his shoulder, “Au revoir, jackass!”

Jerry screamed something in French; it did not sound nice and was likely slandering Jules’ mother.

Jules’ car was parked out front, a slick black El Camino with gray and white flames streaking down the sides. He waved for Jimmy to get in, cranking it up as he mused, “Sorry it ain’t a limo.”