"Of course," Rachel said. "We'll be here... if and when you're ready."
"And this guy—" Demarco said, nodding toward Jack, "—has given me other things to consider now as well."
Rachel took Demarco's hand in hers. "You're right, Demarco. These are big steps... life-changing. You take all the time you need."
"Thank you."
"But I will warn you... this one here—" she gestured to Jack. "He's mighty persuasive."
17
"She looks at you like a son," Demarco said.
They were walking back to the condo.
"I told you we're close. That's why I wanted you to meet her."
"No ulterior motives?"
Jack looked at him slyly.
"It's noble... I'll give you that," Demarco continued. "I'm just a little set in my ways... and I have a lifestyle to maintain."
"So you said."
"Well, I do."
"But it's temporary. D."
"I've been saving. And, who knows... Maybe Reedwillpromote me one day."
"Pimping?"
"It's a legitimate business, Jack. How many times do I have to tell you?"
"I see it... a little differently," Jack said, agitated.
They continued walking, silent for a while, cutting across Florida Ave. toward California before Demarco broke the silence: "If I did make the change... do you think you could handle me continuing my work with Chandelierduringthe transition? Maybe another year? A compromise?"
Jack winced. "I don't know."
"It's a fair request, Jack. If I'm willing to try this on... there should be a trial period. What if it doesn't work? Then I'm jobless."
"It'll work. I have faith in you."
"That's easy for you to say. You're—"
"You'll have me," Jack said, stopping... turning Demarco to face him. "I'm your backup. Remember?"
"What if we don't work out, Jack? Where does that leave me?"
"That's not gonna happen."
"Anything can happen."
They stood there, staring at each other. The afternoon shadows in the city growing long, creating what Demarco always referred to as pre-twilight... the lengthy period of mid-afternoon shading when the sun was up but hidden by buildings. Few people were on the street. A couple walking behind them went around.
"Yes. Anything can happen, D. But why can't you direct that toward the positive instead of dwelling on the negative?"
