When I got back to the truck Jeanine was holding out my phone.

“Someone named Marlon?” she said. “I think he’s pissed.”

“It’s just early,” I responded, grinning in anticipation. I snatched the phone and started talking.

“Brando! Good morning.”

“Ronny! You have my truck?”

The difference between us was that he loved his nickname while I hated mine.

“What do you mean, do I have your truck? What do you think of me? I just got it washed and everything.”

“And the floozy?”

“Okay, that’s just rude.”

He laughed in his characteristically understated way.

“Vacuum and steam-wash the seats today. Out of your pay. And in between, I need you to add a couple cleanings to your route. Capiche?”

“I can’t tell if you’re kidding.”

“I’m your boss, what do you think?”