Chapter 21: Reaping the Boss's Benefits

It was another night with tips that made their hands cramp from counting.

Bruce held the small-denomination bills and said, "I plan to buy a new car."

Martin overturned the box and poured out the money inside. The $1 and $2 bills were stacked like a small mountain.

While counting the money, he said, "Shouldn't civilized people buy autographed photos instead?"

"You still owe me a lot of signed photos!" Bruce reminded deliberately and then asked, "How long can this income last?"

Martin tied a stack of counted dollars with a rubber band and said, "Tip income is unstable and depends on customer flow."

Bruce asked, "Can you maintain a high volume of customers for the long term?"

Martin purposely changed the subject, "Hey, buddy, are you treating me like God?"

Bruce said, "God is an old black man, are you sure you want to be God?"

"Forget it, I'd rather suffer in this world." Martin put the three stacks of money into his bag, arranged his gun holster, ready to draw anytime.

Bruce put on his coat, and they headed out for home.

When Martin got in his car, he shouted to Bruce, "Don't forget about tomorrow afternoon's party."

Bruce waved his hand and started his car to leave.

Martin sat in his parked Ford, chewing on a piece of gum while deep in thought.

He had considered Bruce's question. But now with the customer flow picking up, the boss, Vincent, was filled with satisfaction and not as desperate as before. Even if Martin brought it up, there wouldn't be much reward.

He needed to wait; reaping benefits from the boss required a methodical approach.

The next morning, Martin stopped by the Marietta Theater Troupe to make an appearance in front of the director, Jerome, and asked the self-proclaimed acting master for some performance tips, giving Jerome the satisfaction of mentoring a rookie.

Of course, that wasn't the main focus.

"Director, I can handle basic living expenses," Martin wanted Jerome to remember that this bastard still owed him money and had not paid it back. He actively promised, "I'll repay the overdue membership fees as soon as possible."

Jerome had a friend who had borrowed $200 from him over a year ago and never mentioned paying it back. Jerome was very pleased with Martin's attitude and said, "Keep your phone on next week. I've got a new job lined up, also with Gray Company."

Martin said, "You can call me anytime."

As he left, Martin also took an entertainment weekly magazine Jerome had finished reading.

He planned to give it to Bruce later.

Martin went to the supermarket to buy some fresh fruits and vegetables for the afternoon party.

The four Carter siblings came over to help out.

The barbecue grill was set up, cheap beer, whiskey, and rum were placed on the table, Elena made a big bowl of vegetable salad, Lily and Hall smoothed out the backyard soil, and Harris, with one arm in a sling, fiddled with the sound system Martin had rented, preparing to be the DJ.

Martin marked a spot, "This will be the dance floor. Let's dance together later."

Elena said, "I asked around; the neighbors go out to work during the day, so we won't attract the APD."

Since Martin had to go to "The Beast" at night, the party started at 2:30 PM. Monica brought over a dozen young girls from the nearby community, all from poor families.

A few students that Harris had tutored also came.

They were quite a crowd, chattering noisily.

After Harris and Hall went elsewhere, Martin asked, "How did you get the invitations out?"

"Customers," Harris said, "They were happy and will continue to hire me as a tutor, and they'll also refer new students. I charge by the hour and can make decent money."

Martin nodded, "Making money is nothing to be ashamed of."

Bruce, Evan, Blondie, and Hart arrived shortly after. Martin greeted them. Unlike the girls, they each brought gifts, more or less.

Seeing the crowd in the backyard, Evan ignored Martin and rushed in to start dancing wildly.

Before Bruce could speak, he was pulled away by the voluptuous Monica.

Martin turned on the sound system, and as the music blared, everyone raised their glasses of beer, whiskey, and rum.

The alcohol heightened the mood, and the handsome guys and hot girls started dancing energetically.

With so many people and chaotic steps, the ground seemed to shake, making the backyard soil more compact.

Even a simple party could be lively.

After a few drinks, Martin mingled with the crowd and danced for a while before returning behind the grill to serve as the chef.

Having experienced outdoor self-service barbecues before, simple grilling was no problem.

Elena came over to help after having some fun.

The first batch of grilled meat was done, and Harris pulled Hall over to serve some to Harris's students.

With many people and few grills, the grilling speed was slow.

Hart shouted, "Martin, you're too slow. Not enough food!"

Martin pointed to the long table in the yard, "Help yourselves to the beer, there's plenty."

Elena said, "You overestimated your grilling speed, not enough food."

Martin said, "Call Rosario's BBQ and ask them to send some food over as soon as possible."

Elena nodded and made the call.

Bruce broke away from Monica's grip and came over to help grill, "Your grilling is decent. At least it's edible. I thought you'd cook up some poison."

Martin flipped the skewers, "Bruce, to tell you the truth, I am the most versatile man in Atlanta."

"Yeah, king of lies," Bruce mocked as usual, "Not just Atlanta, there are no better liars in the whole state of Georgia."

Martin added some charcoal to the grill, "I specialize in roasting civilized people."

Elena finished her call and said, "How about I try making some cocktails?"

Martin agreed, "Sure, let them be the judges."

With so many people, not using them as guinea pigs would be a waste.

Elena called Monica, and they brought over a variety of base liquors, ice, and ingredients from next door.

Bruce took over the grill temporarily while Martin helped Elena prepare the ingredients. Elena called out a few times and started experimenting with making cocktails, mixing a few common ones.

Perhaps having been "marinated" in alcohol by the Carter couple from a young age, Elena had some talent in it.

Of course, the drinks made by beginners tasted strange.

The people at the party became the test subjects.

But no one cared, as long as it was fun.

During the party, some people bid farewell and left, like Monica dragging Bruce away.

For adult men and women, this was normal.

Around 6 PM, the party ended. Many people were drunk, and the backyard was a mess.

Martin grabbed Elena and said, "I'll take you out for some fun." He pointed to the backyard and said to the two minors and one injured person, "Idiots, clean this up. If I come back and there's still trash here, I'll dig a hole and bury you. Trust me, I can do it!"

*****

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