Namaste New York: A Novel

  ***

  After a short nap, Lucky took a shower and changed into clean clothes. He needed to get to the university and find Dan. An hour later, he found Dan in the cafeteria.

  "Hi," Lucky said, sitting across from him at the table.

  "Oh, hi! My poor Indian friend! Did you eat? Do you want my food?" Dan laughed jovially, acting as though he had forgotten Lucky's last encounter with him. He pushed his plate towards Lucky.

  "I will help you with the assignments," Lucky said in soft voice.

  "What? I can't hear you," Dan said. "Did you say that you want to work for me?"

  Lucky nodded and Dan laughed even more loudly, pounding his fist on the table. He put his feet up only inches from Lucky's face. "What happened to those tiny middle fingers? Are they hiding in your pants today?" Dan mocked.

  Lucky knew this was just the beginning, but he had no choice. "I need money," Lucky said. "Three thousand dollars."

  "Hohoho! I did not say three thousand, little man," Dan said.

  Lucky predicted this tactic, and stood up to leave.

  "Wait, wait, angry young man!" Dan jumped up and grabbed him by the coat. "You want three thousand? You have to do it for all three classes."

  Lucky sighed and sat back down. This new development didn't surprise him either. He knew that Dan would take advantage of his desperation, but Lucky didn't hold any of the cards. "Okay. Three thousand for all three classes."

  Dan smiled and put his feet back on the table, crossing his hands behind his head. "I'm real glad we reached an agreement, Lucky. I think you and I are going to be best forever friends."