The Beasts of Juarez, R.B. Schow [books to read for self improvement .txt] 📗

but it’s honest and it’s true. The only things that change in life are the window dressings.”

He seemed to think about this for a moment. “Actually, I think you’re right.”

“I know I’m right,” Cira said. “I wish I wasn’t, but I’m pretty sure I am.”

He turned and looked at her, gratefulness in his eyes, but also a hunger for more of her wisdom.

“I’m pining after a man who has money, but it’s not the money I’m after, it’s him. He has a confidence that rivals any other man I’ve ever met, but he likes women of all sorts, doesn’t believe in marriage, having kids, or settling down.”

“What does he do?”

“Whatever he wants, he’s that rich.”

“Does he know you like him?” the kid asked.

“I’ve made it clear.”

“But you’re an attractive woman.”

“Thank you,” she replied, thinking he was sweet, “but sometimes not even looks and sex appeal are enough. That is the great unknown. That thing that defies the ordinary and keeps us in our own lanes, never merging, always wanting.”

“Why are you going to prison?” he asked.

“I’m picking up a friend,” she said.

As the dark highway passed with the night sky black and full of stars she could not see, Cira drifted off in thought. She was thinking about Atlas, wholly unaware that she’d fallen into such a quiet reminiscence that she had just vanished from the conversation. A realization struck her. She sat a little taller in her seat and then she turned and looked at the driver and felt bad for that unannounced lapse in conversation.

“I’m sorry I drifted off there. Our conversation sparked a memory that just wouldn’t let go.”

“That’s okay,” he said.

“In matters of love or the potential for love, I sometimes think it’s the ones who come from nowhere and take you by surprise that really get you. These are also the ones who do a number on you. What’s your name again?”

“Andrew.”

“Andrew, never discount the value of an unusual encounter. This is where life holds its greatest surprises.”

When they entered the prison grounds, the guard told them there were no visitors this early, but Cira said, “Warden Dicampli is expecting me. Is he in yet?”

“He just came through.”

“Perfect. Will you let him know Cira is here to see him? And please tell him, that my boss—his personal friend, Leopold Wentworth—was unable to make the trip but that I will be meeting with him instead.”

“He has an appointment with Leopold Wentworth then?”

“Are you unfamiliar with Mr. Wentworth?”

“Don’t know, don’t care,” he said. “Just being honest, ma’am.”

“First of all, don’t call me ma’am, and second, I assure you that for the money he invests in this godforsaken place, Leopold Wentworth has a standing appointment. All you need to do is let Fabian know that I’m here.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Was I not clear the first time?” she asked rather harshly.

“I’m sorry,” he said, flustered. “Cira, was it?”

“Yes, it’s Cira,” she said.

After a short call that involved the guard turning and looking at her several times, said guard hung up the phone and said, “He will see you now. Are you familiar with the check-in procedures and where to go?”

“I’ve been here before. So yes, I’m aware.”

“Enjoy your day, Miss Cira.”

Turning to Andrew, she said, “The Chinese did it best when they invented sweet and sour. Sometimes you get to be sweet, but most times, in this world, you have to be sour.”

“I like the sweet side of you, Cira,” he said.

When she squared up with Andrew, she pulled a fifty from her purse and handed it to him. “This is for your college fund, but I also wish to give you a piece of advice if you’re open to hearing it.”

“I am,” he said, hanging on her word.

“Be savage in your life. Don’t do anything half-assed. Dream big then put practical plans together and go after those plans with a ferocity unmeasured by anyone you know, anyone you don’t know, and everyone you one day hope to know. They say you can do anything you want in life and that’s simply not true. They say everyone has a soul mate in life but I believe you can have many soul mates. You have to work your ass off, meet the right people, and take measured risks. You have to be smarter than everyone else, more cunning, and above all, you have to know that you can do and have anything you’re tenacious enough to go after. But it takes effort, some good luck, and an iron constitution. When you hit it big, and you will if you operate like this, use your money, wealth, and power to attract a better quality woman, and vet her long enough to make sure she’s not bat shit crazy, which most of them are. If she truly loves you, spoil her relentlessly but own her ass in bed and never do anything to chase her away or make her feel she has the right or the need to visit another man’s bed. If you don’t do these things, you will be just like everyone else. However, if you want the life and you want the girl, then be savage, Andrew. Be flat out freaking savage.”

With that, she drew a deep breath, let it out slowly, and watched him marinate in all of the practical wisdom she could convey in less than a minute.

“The way you said all that,” he said, showing her his arm, “it gave me goosebumps.”

“That’s how you know it’s legit,” she replied.” She opened the door, got out, and then leaned her head back in and said, “Go slay some dragons, Andrew.”

“In my mind, I’m already on it.”

The second she stepped out of the Uber, her cell phone rang. It was Yergha. She picked up and had a brief but charged conversation with