Chapter 8 – Rachel's Tip and the Apartment Key
Bruce turned around. The person walking in was Ross.
"Hey, Bruce! Long time no see—didn't expect to run into you here today!"
"Hey, Ross. Yeah, I've been locked away writing. Haven't gotten out much." Bruce turned back to Rachel. "You asked if something good happened—my agent loved my script. She thinks it might sell for real money."
Rachel's face lit up. "Congratulations! That's definitely worth celebrating!"
She headed back to the counter.
Ross ordered coffee, then came over and sat next to Bruce. "So we'll be seeing a Bruce White movie on the big screen soon?"
Bruce laughed. "I hope so! Just... not the one coming out next month. That'll be showing at midnight or going straight to video. I didn't read the contract too carefully—I just hope it's my last adult film."
Ross clapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, whether it's that or a regular movie, I'm happy for you. You're my only friend in the entertainment industry! Plus we're both Lincoln High alumni..."
Bruce raised an eyebrow. "What about Joey? He's in the business and he's your friend."
Ross blinked. "Right—of course Joey! How could I forget Joey? Man, I must be exhausted. My brain's completely fried. Soon as I finish this coffee, I'm going home to crash."
"You okay? Shouldn't you be at the museum right now?"
Ross sighed. "Normally, yeah. But some idiot broke in last night trying to steal the arm off a Neanderthal exhibit. I got called in at dawn to assess the damage. I still don't understand what he wanted with a caveman's arm."
"Did they catch him?"
"Yeah, security grabbed him before he made it out. And that wasn't even the end of my day—after the museum, I took my ex-wife Carol to her prenatal checkup."
"How's she doing?"
"She's fine. Just a routine appointment."
"Her girlfriend Susan didn't go with her?"
Ross shook his head. "She is, but sometimes I feel like Susan doesn't want me involved at all. But I'm the father. I need to fight to be part of this before the baby arrives. I won't let her push me out."
"Good for you, Ross. You're going to be a great dad."
Ross smiled. "Thanks, Bruce. That means a lot. Right now, though, I really need to sleep."
"See you later, man."
Ross pulled out a five-dollar bill and slipped it under his cup, then stood up—only to find Rachel standing right behind him. He jumped.
"Heading out, Ross. Bye!"
Rachel picked up his cup and held the five in front of his face. "Seriously?"
Ross blinked and added a twenty. Rachel took it with a smile. "Thanks, Ross. I really need this—I'm saving for a Thanksgiving trip."
"How much more do you need? I could just cover the rest right now."
Rachel shook her head. "No, no. If I asked, my dad would pay for everything—but only if I moved back home and married Barry. If I do that, I break my promise to support myself. So I'm earning my own money."
Ross frowned. "What's the difference between me covering your trip and the tip I just gave you?"
Rachel waved the twenty happily. "This is money I earned working."
"Fair enough."
After Ross left, Rachel looked at Bruce expectantly. He pulled out a twenty as well. She took it with a grin. "Want a refill?"
"One more. Thanks."
Bruce finished his coffee and headed back to his building. At the mailboxes downstairs, he reached for his keys—then patted every pocket.
Nothing.
He'd left both his mailbox key and apartment key on the same ring inside his apartment.
He thought for a moment, went back to Central Perk, borrowed Monica and Rachel's apartment key from Rachel, and let himself into their place. As he crossed the living room toward the balcony, the phone rang.
Bruce hesitated, unsure whether to answer. The ringing stopped and the machine picked up. It was Monica's mom. Her grandmother was in the hospital—Monica and Ross needed to get there right away.
After the message ended, Bruce stepped onto the balcony and climbed the fire escape up to his own apartment.
Fortunately, his balcony door was unlocked. He grabbed his keys, went back downstairs, and returned Rachel's key at the café.
"Do you have the number for Monica's restaurant? While I was in their place, her mom called. Her grandmother's in the hospital and she wants Monica and Ross there immediately. I thought they should know right away."
Rachel dialed on the café phone. When she hung up, she said, "Monica already got the call at work. She contacted Ross and they're heading to the hospital together."
Bruce sighed. "Looks like Ross won't be getting that nap after all."
He left the café again, went back to the mailboxes, unlocked his slot, and collected his mail.
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