stranded in paradise, or hell is other rickshaw riders

We are beginning to show serious strain. I woke up this morning cranky. To my left, was a unshaved man, snoring and hogging the sheets. My nose recoiled at the smell of stale smoke, stale beer, and a foot/ass/man smell. It feels like time has stopped, or I am caught in some kind of time fold, or loop. This day is yesterday. Yesterday is tomorrow. I will get out of bed, take my ablutions in the scummy shower, then stumble to the motel lobby to fill up on weak coffee. Eat small breakfast, pile into car and drive to St. Pete. Another day on the cab in a ghost town; maybe make enough money to buy myself dinner. 

Two days ago, at a meeting the bosses told us that they were still working on getting us into the superbowl so we can work. I asked them to tell me in earnest what they thought the chances were that this would come to pass. At the same time they spoke. Chuck (with the smile of a confidence man) : "fifty-fifty!" Casey (hangdog): "slim..." They exchange a embarrassed look, and then exchange stories, each trying to get the tale straight. 

I think we are being strung along, so we don't mutiny. These guys are going to keep us on the hook for as long as they can. Meanwhile, we have the abandoned city of St. Pete to try and work. Truth of the matter is, the bosses got scammed by the man who sold them the pedalcab permits. The bosses, if not to cover their expenses, but their embarrassment, now expect us to pay for the cash they were conned out of. 

Before I left on this trip, every time I told someone about our itinerary they would ask, "Do you have the permits to work?" I would say, "that's what I'm paying the bosses for. We better have the right papers."

I am beginning to wonder what I paid them for at all. Now, I'll admit to doing more fishing this last week than pedaling, but there have been some dedicated hustlers working the city. $50 is the biggest one-night earner thus far, with the nearest competitor coming in with $10. Are we supposed to carve up $60 between the twelve of us (plus one local cabbie that we are taking money from)? This trip may be a loss for the bosses, but for us workers, this will be ruinous. Several of my co-workers will be returning homeless, having counted on making money. All of us will have to work the coldest month of the year back home, and try to make rent; only peanut butter and jelly to eat until Spring. It will take me months to recover. I will spend my time when not on the cab trying to find another job. 

hopefully things turn around soon, otherwise we have a angry car ride home.