Love Is Never Easy

As soon as Alvin finished speaking, a burst of applause erupted in the Restaurant. Everyone wanted a promotion and a raise. Even the engineers of the soul had to live in the real world, and teaching was still a job—especially teaching in Hell's Kitchen.

No one could be unhappy when their work let them live comfortably and earned them respect.

Alvin looked at the delight on the teachers' faces and smiled at Old Cage. "Looks like they're a little too excited. I always thought I'd been paying them pretty well."

Old Cage gave Alvin a disdainful look. "You think they're this happy because of the money?"

Alvin pointed at Coach Bill, who was clutching a beer bottle and drinking with gusto. "At least he definitely is..."

Alvin ignored Old Cage's nonsense. It wasn't even clear who was taking advantage of whom.

Everyone knew Coach Bill was dating a student's mother, and word was they were about to get married. That wasn't a matter of questionable morals; it was charity work.

A single mother who'd made it to Hell's Kitchen with her child was lucky to find him.

Maybe this would even help Coach Bill escape that terrifying Ex-Wife who made him pay for her waxing.

Bill was too softhearted. Sometimes, a woman from Hell's Kitchen really could give a man some backbone. That was no joke.

Alvin picked up the remote and turned on the TV. Seeing the lively scene at the race, he smiled at the teachers. "It's a day to celebrate, so get those glasses up. Those bastards are having a party, and there's no reason we should have any less fun."

With that, Alvin hopped onto a chair, raised his glass of Whiskey, and called out, "The results will be out in a few days, but I've