Chapter Three

Chapter 3: Meeting Mr. Billionaire

Selena's POV

FOUR YEARS LATER

My eyes were fixed to the different content of words I sprawled yesterday in my notepad and my brain was trying to get meaning from them as I repeatedly read them. After the sixth trial I groaned, irritated and frustrated at my Inability make meaning of them.  The rattling and clanking sound of the big ugly engine of the manufacturing industry beside my apartment could turn a person to a murderer.

I started to feel dizzy and withdrew from my reading table. The sound dispels inspirations before it can even be jotted down or even comprehended. I'm pretty sure the engine produces more 'groans' than its products.

I wish I could move out. But, I'm a poor writer with a lot of debts. I can't afford to move out.

I walked to the balcony and took a quick sweep of the factory like I do almost every day. The sky clothed with suffocating smoke, workers dashing in and out and looking like frightened ants running from humans, managers screaming and ordering them around with loud phones. I understood everyone had it tough. We just have to endure no matter what to continue living.

I checked the time in my old fashioned android phone and it was eleven past ten.

"Work," I whispered to myself.

I dashed to my room and threw open my wardrobe and slowly scanned the clothes, tapping them one by one.

I settled for a blue sky blue t-shirt with the words 'Life sucks' written on it, which I totally agree too that's why I bought it and a black mini jean skirt. Racing to the shoe rack, I did a quick arrangement of the shoes thanks to Lexis's , it always always appeared unappeasable to the eyes and fished out my favorite brown knee length boots. Actually, that was the only knee length boot I had, thanks to Lexi once again.

Smiling at my look in the mirror, I applied lip balm and straightened my short wavy hair with my fingers.

Once I was satisfied with my look, I picked up my Mac Book.

Yes! My Mac Book.

I saved a lot for this laptop rather than getting myself a new apartment.

My laptop is the only thing that brings money back to me. Not a house and definitely not a phone.

I quickly packed a sandwich and took a bottle of cocoa cola from the refrigerator before leaving the house. Locking the door, I looked at my neighbor's door and prayed no one would open it. After like 30 seconds, I ran to the elevator. Being the only one in the elevator, I plugged in my ear piece to my phone and played one of  Shakira's hit songs; Don't give up.

With the beat creeping to every part of my body, I sang loudly with Shakira. When the number on the elevator door hit one, I paused the song and composed myself.

The elevator went ding and I walked really fast to exit the building  waving and sent a kiss to Mrs. Reigns the housing agent stationed at the Lobby.

"Have a nice day!!!!" She screamed as usual because I was always late to work and had no time to stop by for proper greetings. Her lovely voice actually always made my mornings. It reminds me, someone actually wishes me well in Washington apart from my parents and Lexi.

Mrs. Reigns is a cheerful, agile and unexplainable chubby lady in her middle 40's with three naughty teenagers to take care of and a sick husband currently bedridden. I always wonder how she maintains that smile each year.

I hailed a taxi as I got to the walkway and dived in because of the crowd beside me was ready to push me down to get the spot.

"Drive… Drive… Drive…" I said immediately slamming the door shut. Thankfully, the driver coordinated and sped off merging with the traffic.

Monday's were busy as f***. Seriously, is it not just like any other day in the week. The same twenty four hours.

"Griffin's grills please." I said to the driver as I sat straight and looked out the window.

"Monday's and crowds are quite frustrating, aren't they?" The driver said as our eyes met through the rear view mirror. I simply smiled and gave him a light nod before fishing out my earpiece. The best way to get out of an uncomfortable and unnecessary conversation with someone.

I zoned out while thinking of the next person I should interview for my latest blog's article and didn't realize when I arrived.

"I said it'll be ten dollars Miss." The driver turned back.

"Oh. Right. I'm sorry." I opened my bag and searched for my purse, the seconds went by faster than normal. It's now two minutes since I've been searching for the purse.

No! This is humiliating.

I raised my head  from my bag and closed my eyes trying to remember where it was or if I had money anywhere else. I smiled slowly at the driver as I opened my eyes.

It's lying on the kitchen counter. I didn't carry it with my sandwich and this is a different bag.

"Can I scan the QR code instead?" As I said this, I bled inside. I wasn't supposed to touch the money in my bank. The bank is supposed to withdraw my loan payment today. I'm going to get another interest.

"Okay…" He said as he handed me the cards. I opened my bank app and scanned it. Insufficient funds. I choked on my spit as I read it. I coughed really hard till my eyes became teary. The bank has collected the money.

No! No!! No! No!!!!

"Miss, what's wrong?" The driver asked, looking at me through the rear view mirror.

I just placed my phone over my chest and gave him thumbs up with my free hand. I closed my eyes trying to think of a solution when someone knocked on the glass. I looked sideways and saw my nosy neighbor. No. My savior.

I quickly rolled down and gestured for him to come closer.

"I forgot my wallet at home. Lend me ten dollars." I whispered into his ears.  He smiled as he fetched out his wallet. Opening it, he brought out a twenty dollar bill and paid the driver directly. "Keep the change" He said as he opened the door for me.

Not today!

I really thought I wouldn't see his face today but now I'm grateful he's clingier than a baby.

"Thank you." I said as I stepped out of the cab tightly holding my bag over my chest. It became a habit after my bag was stolen once.

"Don't mention it." He smiled widely, handing me a box of cupcakes. I looked at the cupcakes then at him, at the cupcakes again then I gave him the (What the f*** do you mean?) face

"Just a little gesture I hope you accept. Happy birthday!" He pulled my hand away from my chest and dropped the box of cupcakes on it. He gave me a quick kiss on my hand and mouthed Happy birthday before waving me bye and turned around to his own café. That was typical Fred Johnson. He always made things seem like you were in a drama series.

I stayed at the spot trying to understand what was going on and how he found out today was my birthday.

"The tables aren't going to wait themselves." Mrs. Chopper yelled, startling me. The real world would always remain the real world.

I ran in and handed Mrs. Chopper the box of cupcakes.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Chopper. You can have these cupcakes and not deduct from my salary please." I gave her a gentle bow and raced to the locker room to get changed. With the uniform on, I took a paper pad and a biro from the shelf and heaved a heavy sigh before putting on my fake smiles.

I am a university graduate but, I no longer plan on working for some big company. I'm a writer and I'm going to make a big company instead. But now, I have to take on the side job of a part-time waitress. What a dream, right?

****

"What can I get for you?" I said sweetly as I bent my back, coming closer to the old woman seated on table 13.

"I would like a lemonade." The old woman said as she strained her eyes, almost gluing the menu to her face.

"And?" I said tilting my head a bit.

"Just lemonade." She said and slowly placed the menu on the table with her shaking hands.

"Ma'am, the lemonades are free. You have to order something else." I said as slow as possible In case she had something wrong with her hearing.

"I'm waiting for someone. I'll order then." She raised her head and looked at me with a smile. Closing her eyes , she suddenly stood up.

"He is not showing up. Lair" A frown formed on her face as she sighed.  She walked to the door. I just looked at her back surprised.

You don't see that everyday do you? Should I call the police?

I was about to leave her table when I noticed a book on the chair. It had a plain green book cover and it looked really old. I opened the book and it turned out to be a novel. I flipped through it, there was no title or author name .

Today can't just get weirder.

I walked over to Mrs. Chopper and showed her the book.

"Keep it. If she ever comes back, I'll give her your address" She said without removing her eyes from the money she was counting. I shook my head and went to the locker room, placing the book in my bag.

"What are you doing back there? Customers don't wait for themselves." Mrs. Chopper yelled. I haven't been back here for even a minute. I sighed as I picked up my notepad.

I walked to the same table 13.  A man and a woman were seated this time and they looked important. From the looks of the girl, she seemed expensive especially with that limited edition Chanel bag she placed on the table. The man was also wearing a Rolex wristwatch.

What are they looking for in Griffin's grills?

I walked over to the table and smiled at the lady, turning my head the other way to greet the man. I was awed by his looks. My face froze as my eyes met his glittering sky blue eyes. The smile had vanished and my mouth fell open to an O shape. Someone this handsome really existed and was sitting in front of me.

He looked quite familiar. Maybe I saw him in a commercial once. Is he a celebrity? Doesn't stop me from checking him out even more. His body was simply yelling sexy and his aura …Money. 

Lots and lots of money.

He had really dark black hair which was neatly combed. He wore a black tuxedo and I think it's custom made because it fitted him more than perfectly. His sitting posture would already tell you, he's a boss. No! A big boss.

It definitely must be on the television I saw him. I couldn't have ever met a godly looking man like him in real life.

"So, do I get a pass mark?" His sexy voice travelled to my ears and pulled me out of my thoughts.

Yikes! I must have been staring at him for a long time.