Chapter 2

“When Jason told Mike that a job was available at the Sunset, he jumped at the chance. He knew how much money he could make here. Besides, Keith couldn’t have refused him the job just because he’s straight. But even though he had to know that, he lied to Keith’s face.” Gray washed another glass. “Mike would have pretended to be a Martian if that would have gotten him the job. He knew if he said was gay, he’d get better tips.”

“How do you know all this, if Jason doesn’t?” Bobby’s voice switched to a lower, gruffer register and he tightened his grip on his glass.

“I’ve seen him around town with his girlfriend. When he introduced me, he said her name was Cathy, that was it, no point of reference. I saw them at the mall. I needed to pick something up for Mom. Cathy left us to go to a store when he dragged me aside and told me she was his sister. Why wouldn’t he plain introduce her as his sister? Why would he draw me aside?” Gray put the last glass on the rack with a little more force than necessary.

“Maybe his sister doesn’t know he’s gay.” Bobby’s brows drew together. At this point, his leg was banging against the rungs of the bar stool.

“Do you play tonsil hockey with your sister? I was waiting in line to get into the movies last Monday night when I saw them. My neighbor sat with my mom so I could get away for a few hours. I didn’t want to talk work, so I avoided him and he didn’t see me. I sat on the other side of the theater to the back. They made out throughout the entire show. Somebody has to tell Enzo.” Gray’s fist clenched around the bar towel.

“Why don’t you tell Enzo?” Bobby asked with mistrust.

“You know damn well why.” Gray snapped the bar towel. “Enzo doesn’t know I exist. I like Enzo, a lot, and I’d love it if he noticed me, but even if I can’t have him, I can’t let Mike do him dirty. Mike needs money. He’s going to ask Enzo for a loan. He’s planning on skipping town once he gets the check.” Gray wiped at the bar furiously. “He’s been playing Enzo since day one.”

Bobby leaned over the bar, leg moving up and down like a carnival horse. “And you know this how?”

“No one pays me much attention. I’m average, nondescript, plain faced, medium height—people tend to overlook average. They see handsome, ugly, tall, short, but not average—gray. My name suits me, Grayson Grey. Mike didn’t notice I was there when he was on the phone with Cathy. He told her he’d get the money from Enzo and they’d elope to Las Vegas. He said he’s been setting Enzo up since the bachelor party and she shouldn’t worry. Enzo was chaffing at the bit and would give it to him without a question. From what I could hear, and I admit, I stood there and eavesdropped, she was pissed because he gambled away their savings.” Gray sighed and took Bobby’s empty glass off the bar. “Enzo doesn’t see me either, but I can’t let Mike do that to him.” Gray swiped at his eyes with the bar towel.

“Why are you telling me?” Bobby asked suspiciously.

“As I said, Enzo doesn’t see me. Neither does anyone else. Why would he listen to me? But you can tell Jack and Carlo and they can decide what to do…then, if they tell Enzo and he still lends money to Mike, it’s not on my head. I really like Enzo, but he won’t believe me because he doesn’t even know who I am except when I serve him his beer.” The unshed tears in Gray’s eyes told Bobby that Gray was literally pleading with Bobby to do something.

“Enzo must mean a lot to you if you’re asking me.”

“Enzo is kind. He always has a good word for everyone here, even me.” Gray determinedly wiped the dust off the liquor bottles.

“I thought we got rid of trouble at the club when Billy shot Jay. Shit. I’ll try, but I’m making no guarantees,” Bobby decided.

“All I ask is that you try. I don’t want to see Enzo hurt. He’s beautiful, kind, very smart, but I don’t think he’s streetwise, and Mike’s a bastard. I’d also check the till if I were you. He spends a lot of time in Atlantic City trying to win his money back, playing with money he probably doesn’t have.”

Bobby slapped a five on the bar and strode to the back office to find Keith.