Chapter 6

I was left stunned as I watched Queen walk away and back behind the bar. I wasn’t sure what just happened or what I should do. But I did know I wanted to see Queen again. Maybe I could ask Alex for Queen’s schedule, so I can become his regular customer. “Aren’t you going to ask me for my number?” What did I just hear?

I looked over to Queen in time to see his helmet reforming. “Um…” My face was suddenly on fire and I quickly looked away. What is wrong with me? This never happened before. “Are you sure you want to exchange numbers? There’s no pressure for it. Especially after Alex forced you to come on your day off.” A flash of red crossed his helmet. What did that mean?

I took a deep breath and walked over to the counter where Queen pushed forward the bowl with my watch. Once I had my watch I just looked at it in my hands. Do I really want to relink it now? I looked up at Queen and the red kept pulsing through his helmet. It didn’t help that he had his arms folded and seem to be tapping his foot.

I finally reattached my watch, and instantly my AI assistant came on. “Welcome back Mr Draven. In the time you were gone stocks rose by .01%.” Eventually all the updates became background noise as I stared at Queen. At that, I’m left with the question of what was there to lose.

“Open your tab.” The red lights on Queen’s helmet changed to yellow. Wait! Was the lights something like a stoplight or very color coded? It would be nice to know which each one meant. Eventually Queen did open his tab, and I transferred $200,000 over as a tip.

“What the fuck!” The robotic voice through the helmet was very disappointing, but it was better than quiet. “Why are you giving me this?”

“Thanks for taking time for my birthday. Get your daughter something nice.” I then started to get up. There was no point in holding him any longer.

“Jackass, are you forgetting something?” I just looked at him and his helmet kept flashing red, and at a rapid rate. “Number!”

What is with him? Was he seriously wanting to stay in contact? Or was this a trick or a very dangerous dream? And I was just resigning the only time we’ll meet again was when I came to visit the bar. But, maybe I should just… “Here.” I transferred my personal contact information.

With that, Queen’s helmet was pulsing blues and violet. “Coffee. I pick the place. You better answer when I call.” What is going on? Did he just threaten me? Or was that a… a…

I finally straightened myself up and stared at what I believed was the general area of where Queen’s eyes should be. “Don’t make promises you’re not intending to keep. At that, I’m picking the day and time.” I then started walking towards the door, which I was slightly relieved to hear something of a click. Most likely the door became unlocked. I took one more look at Queen, and attempted to scan him with my eyes. I wasn’t trilled that my scanners weren’t working, but right now I don’t care. “Don’t keep me waiting, your highness.” And with that, I walked out the VIP room.