Chapter Four

Ava.

"He's not going to let me come back Ashley. He didn't respond to my calls. I'm done" I said over the phone while putting on my sandals.

It was Saturday and after seeing Avery yesterday and spending the rest of the day telling her about the hot but cruel man who had gotten me fired. I finally left for home. 

"Just come back and beg him once more. He might hire you back. You know how he gets when he has bad reviews from guests. It's just for the meantime" Ashley assured me and I buckled my sandals before standing up and looking at the clock. It was already past twelve. I was late.

"Look Ash. I'm not sure but let me call you later today. I have to see someone." I replied.

"Ok, take care" Ashely said before ending the call.

I picked up the only black handbag I had and looked around the rundown shack I called an apartment. It was a small two room apartment. I used one as a sitting room, there was only one sofa that I had sewn together a lot of times. There was an old clock I had gotten from a friend during Valentine's day at school.

I didn't have a carpet or rug, so it was just the bare ugly floor. There was a very short hallway that led to the room. There I had a small bed and a dresser I inherited from my mother. Then there was a small bathroom with a tub that overflowed anytime the drainage got spoiled. I had a small corner I used as a kitchen, there was no sink but I had managed to get a few basins, I used an old stove that took forever to cook a meal.

This was my little ugly but clean corner. I was grateful that at least I had somewhere to lay my head on after work. Now I was jobless and would lose this place soon. 

I picked the key and opened my door carefully, one of the hinges had come off a few days ago, then closed it just as Mrs Helen came out of her apartment.

The landlady was a short woman who wore a lot of makeup. Today she had on a short gown that exposed wrinkled thighs and her cleavages. Her face was caked with enough makeup for ten girls. A black bonnet sat on her fat head, covering her hair. There was a cigarette between her lips and she took it out to speak to me.

"You think I wouldn't hear you leave?" She asked, before smirking at me.

"I wasn't sneaking out. It's not yet month end. There's still a few days left." I said, turning away from her to lock the door before dropping the keys into my bag.

"We fixed the drainage. That's extra thirty dollars for you and everyone else." She spat hatefully before starting to leave back to her apartment.

"But it's not my fault it got eaten by rats. If you would just get the original pipe. We wouldn't have to change it every time." I said back, frowning at her when she laughed. 

"It's not my fault you live here. If you are so unsatisfied, you can go get it yourself and fix it!" She yelled then slammed the door hard, making the walls vibrate a little.

I sighed angrily before walking out of the building and into the streets. The sun hit against my skin and I took out my face cap and wore it before taking out my phone to get the address Jayden had sent to me.

"This place is far from here. It would cost more than twenty dollars to get there" I whined.

After about two hours I finally got to the address. I looked up at the building. It was a tall white building and appeared like a penthouse at the top floor. 

Was Jayden really living in this sort of place?

I quickly took out my phone and dialed his number. He picked up immediately.

"Where are you?" He asked.

"Oh. I'm downstairs. Could you come pick me up?" I asked softly.

"Sure. Hold on" There was a sound of plate chattering before he hung up. 

What was I doing here? Am I even looking good enough? I thought, before looking down at myself. I was wearing a blue fitted down with black sandals. My CV was in my hand and my bag in the other. 

I guess I was ok. 

"Hey Ava" A voice sounded and I turned. 

I wasn't looking ok at all!

Because Jayden looked so much better. He wasn't much different from highschool. There was still this bag boy streak to him, a deadly swagger around him. Jayden was handsome no doubt, with blonde hair that fell past his shoulders, bright blue eyes and a sharp jaw. He had tattoos that ran down both his arms that were exposed because of the sleeveless basketball jersey he wore. He finished it off with a pair of black shorts and white sneakers.

I should have dressed better. I thought before taking a step closer to him.

His eyes twinkled and they ran down from my face to my toes. He always did that even in school.

Jayden came closer and engulfed me in his arms, my head reached his chest and I couldn't waro my hands around him when he suddenly stepped back. 

"Hey Jayden." I muttered, blushing slightly at the attention.

"It's so nice to see you Ava, come on" He grabbed my hand and dragged me into the lobby, he winked at the receptionist before we got into the elevator. 

I stood in front of Jayden through the ride and I could feel his gaze tearing a hole through my back but I said nothing as he led to a door at the last floor. 

"Is the penthouse yours?" I asked in awe and he smirked, opening the door. I gasped in shock at the extravagance of the room. It was just like a hotel, a huge chandelier hung at the center of the room. Glass walls overlooked the city, a huge sofa sat underneath the chandelier. There was a door to the left that maybe led to the rooms. 

I looked around, and Jayden held onto my hand leading me to a seat. I blushed slightly as I sat, putting my bag and my CV on my lap.

"Would you like something to drink?" Jayden asked, dropping his finger rings on the table before turning to me.

"Just water would be fine thank you" I muttered and Jayden nodded before leaving the sitting room.

"Wow." I breathed. I didn't know Jayden was living such a rich life. Back then in school he hardly paid attention in class. He just hung around with the bad guys and tormented teachers. He didn't have any talent, not that I knew of. Well if you count fighting and smoking as one. 

But from the way he lived now, I could only guess he had stopped his bad ways and found something he loved doing. I guess everyone really changed, while I was still the same old me.

I suddenly felt like I didn't belong here. Jayden's place was so beautiful compared to mine. I felt ashamed of myself at where I was now, while everyone was working at big companies and living well. 

"Sorry for taking time. Here" Jayden smiled, dropping a glass of water on the table before taking a seat in front of me. 

"It's fine" I said, gulping down the cold water before looking back at him. His eyes were trained on me and I shivered inwardly at the attention. 

"Why did you reject going to prom with me?" Jayden beamed and I flushed in embarrassment at his boldness. Something flashed in his eyes before he smiled. "I'm just curious" 

Why did I reject Jayden?

Well if he was a nice guy who focused on his work at school, didn't get into fights, prank teachers or hung around smoking pots with other guys, then he would have had a chance. 

While some other girls in school were crushing hard on him I was busy hiding away from him. To me there was nothing hot about being the bad boy in school, coupled with the fact that he appeared so irresponsible with tattoos and leather jackets, he even had a bike. 

I just wasn't into that kind of person. That was why when he asked me out to prom, I said no. 

My ideal guy was someone smart, tall, and cool. I guess funny too. 

Suddenly the man in the hotel flashed in my mind and I shook my head.

No way. He was an arrogant rich man.

He wasn't even my type.

"Because I wasn't your type right? Avery mentioned to me once that you like smart guys who wore glasses and came out as the top in class" Jayden smirked. 

Yes. That was my ideal guy and Jayden was far from it. 

"You were just different. And I'm sure there's someone out there for you. I felt we weren't compatible" I said, picking the glass of water again to distract myself from his burning gaze.

Jayden laughed and I looked up to see something sinister in his eyes. 

"I've changed from the person I was back then Ava. Trust me. I'm even seeking a job for you." He said and I nodded in agreement.

I guess. I mean the old Jayden wouldn't be so helpful. 

I said nothing and Jayden sighed, resting his back against the sofa before speaking again.

"So I found a job for you"

I jerked my head at him in surprise. So soon?

"Really?" 

"Hmm. My friend owns one of the biggest clubs in the city. It's called 'Billionaire's club' . A lot of rich men come there, there's even a casino in it. They need a waitress to resume as soon as possible and I told him I have someone who would be willing to work'' Jayden announced, his eyes not leaving mine.

I couldn't stop the smile that went up my face. I was already a step closer to having another job and I couldn't be more happy. 

"How's the pay?" I asked.

"Four hundred per night" 

"What?" I spat out in shock and Jayden smiled. 

"It's small, but if you work well there might be a raise" 

Oh my God! This was perfect! With that pay I could even get a new apartment and have extra money to spend on myself. I could even get Avery a better room with a TV. 

"Thank you Jayden. I can work as a waitress there" I said gratefully, giving him a huge smile. 

"It's nothing. I said I'll do anything for you Ava. I promise" He suddenly said I flushed red before speaking again.

"So when is the interview?"

"Tomorrow. I would have loved to take you there but I have a meeting tomorrow and can't make it. Take your CV along with you and dress nicely. I'll send you the address. And go on time. He hates lateness" 

I couldn't believe this! In a few hours, I'd be a waitress at a Billionaire's club! 

I couldn't wait for my interview tomorrow!