His Baby Boy

Tired.

My bones were heavy and it felt like I'd been working for more than sixty hours a week. My alarm had been slammed off a couple of minutes ago. It's a bit past six and I had to be at work by nine. 

I let out a loud groan as I pulled my self up and out of bed, scratching idly at my tummy as I did so. It took a couple of minutes to shower and get myself ready for the day. I pulled on dark jeans with rips on it and a grey shirt. 

One thing I'd learnt after living by myself for so long is, you won't feel loneliness creeping in until you wake one one day with a dull ache in your chest. 

I was chased out of home at fifteen after my mother found me kissing Michal, a former friend of mine from school. She had gone berserk, she threw things at me and screamed. I was thrown out of the house with the clothes on my back while Michal stayed behind. Heck, he had even joined my mother to scream at me even though he had been the one to initiate the kiss. I was on my own and moved from one homeless shelter to the other for years, taking up little jobs until I finally got a job at the convenience store.

I grabbed the box of Cheerios and the carton of milk from the fridge. I let my cereal soak in the milk before eating. I didn't have a smartphone or a tv, I couldn't afford to pay rent, light and water bill as well as phone bill. Instead I had a flip Nokia and an old acer laptop that I took to the store. I use the WiFi to download movies and things. 

Once I was done with breakfast, I dump the plates into the sink and made my way back to the bathroom. I grabbed a brush and tried to flatten my hair but it was still going every which way, I let out a huff and grabbed my beanie, sliding it on and folding the tip a bit.  According to the time on the clock, it was fifteen minutes past eight. I grabbed the bag containing laptop and phone and dashed out of th house, locking the door on my way out. 

It took me thirty minutes to get to work from where I lived. I ran all the way to the bus stop and let out a relived breath when I made it. I wasn't late. I sat on the branch, the bag resting on my lap as I waited for the bus. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long.

Once I was on the bus, I leaned my head against the window and watched as the house flew by and things became a blur. It used to frustrate me knowing that some people didn't know that I was suffering in silence someone, existing and not living. It used to frustrate me but then I understood. No one would care because no one knew me, heck, some people don't even know I, Jesse Morris, a twenty five year old with no family or friends or nothing to his name beside his small dingy flat, exist. Nobody besides me know about my pain, the loneliness, the feeling of helplessness I often feel. 

It's just me. 

And I have to take care of myself. 

I've got no one to do it for me. 

When I was at the shelter I used to read books where the guy appeared and sweeps the woman off her feet. He'd buy her things, take care of her, they'd have kids and live happily ever after. 

I used to dream about finding a love like that. I used to dream about finding someone who would take care of me, someone who i would trust and hand over the reigns of control to.  

Once the bus pulls to a stop, I got down from the bus, gripping the strap of his bag tightly. It was a short walk from the bus stop to the store. Once I got there, I went in through the back door which was thankfully open. I found Mr. Dalton, looking through the inventory list he had on his lap.

"Good morning, Mr Darlton." I greeted as I drop my bag in the small locker, he had given me when I first started. 

Mr. Stanley Darlton was an older man with salt and pepper hair and square pecs, he had an husband, two children and one grandchild. He liked to talk about them all the time. 

"Jesse, darling! How are you today?" He asked, as he capped his pen. 

I wanted to tell him how tired I was but the words don't leave my mouth. Instead I smile at him. "A little cold but pretty good." I reply. I grabbed the black waist apron and tied it in, I also took out my name tag and clipped it on. "How is your husband?"

Mr Darlton chuckled. "He's turning fifty eight tomorrow an he keeps pouting everywhere."

I laughed at that. "Give him a little cake and he'll be happy."

"I know but I have plans with whipped cream and what not included." Mr. Dartlon winked and I immediately got the mental picture that I never wanted to have. I stuck out my tongue and pretended to gag.

"Don't be silly. How do you think we stayed married for thirty years?" 

I couldn't take it anymore. I shook my head, trying to get rid of the manual picture of Mr. Darlton giving his husband a lap dance. I have seen Mr. Darlton's husband, Charles, so the image was bright and clear in my head and this was not how I saw my morning going. 

I've worked at the convenience store for four months now, Mr. Darlton has four employees. I, Jimmy, Agatha and Diego. Since I didn't have school or part time work, I got to be at the store from 9-6 in the evening. Mr. Darlton and his husband had been skeptical about it at the beginning because no one wanted to work those insane hours but I had to beg them and tell them a little bit about me to quell their worries. They agreed and instead allowed me to work three times a week.

I loved working at the store, the owners were nice and so were my co workers, even some of the customers were nice too. 

On tuesdays, I spend my mornings with Agatha and in the afternoons, I spend it with Jimmy. And when someone doesn't come in, Diego was called. It's like clock work. 

I stepped behind the counter, from where I was I could see Agatha stacking up the canned food aisle. Agatha was a tiny girl with bright eyes and she was bald, by choice. 

"Jesse!!!!" She cheered when she saw me. I covered my ears and scrunched up my nose in faux irritation but like always she saw through it. 

"Your screeching makes my ears hurt." 

"That's how my people show love." Agatha said as she made her way over. She stopped briefly and switched the sign from closed to open. 

"What people? Your parents are Jewish and you are an atheist." I said as I reach for the packet of mentos Mr. Darlton always kept for me in the drawers. 

"It's barely nine and I already don't like you today." Agatha tuts, her lips pursed. I chuckled at her expression, I wanted to reach out and playfully punch her in the arm but I don't want to cross any lines. It took us two months to talk to each other and another two months to be this ... close. 

Agatha was the closest thing I had to a friend. There were times that I'd want her to hug me and vice versa. 

"Well, that's your business. All I know is, you look splendid today." I told her. Agatha grinned and spun around. She had on a bright yellow gown and black combat boots, her make up was simple and her false lashes moderate. 

"It took me twenty minutes." She snickered. "Unlike other people, I don't have to worry about my hairstyle or color." She stuck out her tongue. 

"This took me an entire hour." I spun around slowly, my hands stretched out. "Don't I look gorgeous?"

Agatha crosses her arms and shakes her head. "All I see is a lazy bum who couldn't bother to brush his hair." 

"Not everyone can look as gorgeous as you." 

"I am even more beautiful than both of you combined." Mr Darlton cuts in. Agatha and I both turn to look at the older man whose left brow was raised slightly as if daring us to protest. "Now, I don't pay you both to run a fashion contest. So get to work, chop chop!" 

The door to the store was pushed open just as Mr. Darlton finished speaking. A group of people walk in, each other heading for different aisles. Agatha goes back to stacking while I ring up a boy with bright pink cheeks, who was holding a box of tampons and a pack of Always. 

The boy doesn't look me in the eye and I try not to laugh, biting down on my bottom lip to keep the sound in. His face was so red. 

The day went by in the blur. People came in and left. 

I successfully connected my laptop to the WiFi and downloaded the entire second season of Star. Agatha has left the store by one and Jimmy had taken her place. Jimmy was an English student at the community college, he was a boy with bright eyes and an even dazzling smile. 

He made me feel jealous. 

Sometimes I'd ask myself why I didn't look that way. Maybe if I was attractive, I'd have like a sugar daddy or something. I had been looking at sites detailing that type of relationship but it wasn't something I wanted. I wanted more than that. 

I wanted someone there for me, someone who would take care of me all day, everyday. Someone I could trust to hand over my entire being to. I didn't even know where to start, it's not like I could type exactly what I was feeling with google and get a result. It was a bit more complex than that. 

Once it was six, I removed the apron and headed to the back room. I folded it neatly and kept it in the locker before packing up my laptop. I swung on the bag and walked back into the store, heading straight for the fridge.

Mr. Darlton always let me take some of the truffles and frozen pizza rolls that were not that close to expiring. He had offered to give me the fresh ones for free but the thought had left a bitter taste in my mouth. I grabbed them and stuffed them into my bag. 

With a quick salute to Jimmy, I walked out of the store and onto the street, or well, sidewalk. The sky was a bit dark and the streetlights were coming on. I stretched my hands above my head and smiled, my head tilted towards the sky. 

The perfect end to a perfect day. 

I hummed as I began to make my walk to the bus stop. I was the only one there by the time I reached, so I decided to wait, opting to stand instead of sitting. I had spent majority of the day sitting. 

I looked down, my feet kicking an invincible stone. I was about to kick it again when I felt something behind poured on me. I let out a gasp and stared at my wet clothes. 

What the hell?

I looked up, a frown etched on my face and found the person, or in this case, the people responsible. There were two boys kneeling on the backseat of a convertible with the top folders down and they were holding huge water guns. I took a step forward, mouth open and ready to scream but stopped when they sprayed me more water.

They sped off and I let out a huff and screamed, kicking at the ground a bit. There was a burning sensation behind my eyes and I sniffed. Oh shit, I can't cry. Please. I can't cry. 

I try to wipe my face with my hands but it doesn't work. I was close to breaking down, ready to just sit on the street and cry when someone placed something warm around my shoulder. I jerked back and opened my eyes. 

The first thing I noticed was the thick black suit jacket draped around me, the second thing I noticed were expensive suede shoes. I gulped and instantly looked up and my breath hitched. 

The man standing beside me was breathtaking. His dark hair was styled up, he had on a white shirt with three of the buttons opened and black slacks, an expensive watch glinting around his wrist and soft brown eyes. He looked like a dream. 

I wasn't sure if I was seeing correctly. 

The man dragged the jacket down a bit and pulled the lapels forward. What was he doing? Where did he come from? Questions were springing around in my head. 

"Are you okay?" The man asked and lord, even his voice is attractive. What even is my life? 

"Are you okay?" The man repeated and I nod. 

"I saw what happened before they drove off. Are you sure you're alright? Do you need a ride? Your clothes are wet." The man asked, staring at me with an intense look in his eyes. His voice reminds me of being curled up in front of a fireplace. Warm and tingly. 

"Bus..." I mentally face palm myself for blurting out the word but I had to push on. "I'm fine. I'm taking the bus home."

The man nodded, he takes a step backwards and was about to turn away when I yelled. "Wait! Your jacket."

The man looked at the jacket and then st me. "Keep it."

He turned around and I just wanted to see his face again, so I yell. "I can't."

He doesn't fully turn around, he just looked to the side and smirks. "You can return tomorrow. My card is in the pocket." He said and walked away, his long legs leading him away from me. 

I dug my hands into the pocket and pulled out a black card and read the words written on them. 

Hal Janvier      CEO

Janvier Inc.

The black jacket was looming over my bed. It's been three days since I got it, a day since the dry cleaners returned it and it had cost a bucket load of money to request the Quick Wash.

I had work today in a few hours. One of the employees had called in sick and Mr. Darlton had asked me to come in. It's seven in the morning and I couldn't get the stranger's face out of my mind. 

His name was Hal.

I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed. How do I return this? Do I just keep it? It's not like the man knew who I was. I could even sell it. 

It looked expensive. 

I had been to scared to check the tag and find out if I've let rain destroy like an expense designer brand. Heart attacks are a thing. 

I shook my head and get up from the bed. There's no use thinking about it. I just need to get ready for work and think about the free food Mr. Darlton has promised me. 

After a quick shower, I pulled on a pair of washed blue jeans and a shortsleeved baby blue shirt, I tried to brush my hair but it kept going whichever way so I donned on my beanie. 

Breakfast consisted of Cocoa Pops and milk. Should I take that to work and drop it off at the Janvier building during my lunch break? Maybe I could hand it to the receptionist and she'd take it up. She wouldn't even let me in, I don't look like someone that belonged there any way.

I had passed the Janvier building one time and got a little intimidated. I saw all the right pencil skirts, neatly pressed socks, their ID cards glinting in the sun, styled hair, shiny shoes and this confidence that they all stemmed to have. 

I dumped my plates in the sink and grabbed my bag, making sure my phone and wallet was in there. I walked to the store, humming the spongebob theme song. The sound had been stuck in my head since I opened my eyes this morning. 

The bus stop was filled with people sitting and standing. I didn't live in the best neighborhood nor did I really know my neighbors, so to be on the safe side and avoid awkward conversations, I stayed a bit to the side and jumped forward when the bus pulled up. 

It was when I was seated that I realized I hadn't taken the jacket. 

I'll take it as a sign from the lord, I told myself with a small smile. The bus wasn't quiet and there was a woman holding a crying baby at the back, people talking and someone's music coming through the tiny speaker of their earphones.  Normally it'd seem like the drive from my stop to work went by in the blink of an eye but today it was dreadfully slow. 

Maybe it's because I was not used to coming out on Thursdays, I wasn't used to the bus being this full. I didn't have music to listen to and the spongebob theme song was still dancing around in my head. I rest my head against the window and began to count the number of white cars I saw. 

I was almost at fifty when I got to my final stop. The walk from the stop to the store was short and filled with me sighing. I wasn't working my normal hours today, just a short 9 to 1 and I'd be back home watching my movie and munching on whatever I can get from the store. I still had that truffle in the fridge. 

Mr. Stanley Darlton wasn't at the store today. Instead I found Charles, Mr. Darlton's husband. Charles was a tall man with salt and pepper hair that was cut low and a neatly trimmed beard. He was what Agatha called a perfect Daddy.  

I remember cringing at those words because The Darltons were like a family to me and you can't imagine your dad as .... ewww. It's such a very disturbing image. 

"Good morning, Mr. Darlton." I said as I drop off my bag and tie on my apron. 

"When my husband told me you still call him Mr. Darlton, I didn't believe it." Charles said with a shaky of his head. 

I felt the heat rush to my cheeks and I look down.

"Repeat after me: Stanley." Charles said, his lips tugged up at the corners. 

"Stanley."

"Good. Say it again." 

I chuckled. "Stanley."

"Good. Now, what's my name?" 

I smiled at the man, my tongue pushing against my teeth. "Charles." 

"Good! See that wasn't so hard. Gimme a hug." Charles said, his arms spread out. I don't hesitate to close the distance between us, I pressed my nose to his shoulder and hugged him tight. Charles was always a touchy feely man, he gave hugs, hand shakes, shoulder pats, hair pats, hair ruffles. In general, I liked it. 

"How have you been?" Charles asked once I took several steps back. 

"Good. Work and movies keeping me busy." I replied honestly.

"Wonderful. Stanley packed a couple of sauces for you and there are sandwiches too." Charles gestured towards the paper bag on the sofa. I gasped and quickly made my way to it and pulled out three packs of sauces and sandwiches wrapped in cling film. My tummy rumbles just by me looking at the good food. 

"No drooling. Get to work, I'll put it in the fridge in the office." Charles said. I pouted a little but he stands his ground. 

Charles gave me a shoulder pat as I walk out of the room and into the store. He had already restocked and the only thing I needed to do was stand behind the counter.

I spent the morning scanning and giving change. Like always, there were rude people who didn't even blink at him and there were nice people who said thank you when he hands them their change. 

Hal and the jacket was pushed to the back of my mind. Thankfully, the radio was on and music was flitting in. I hummed along, occasionally shimmying in my seat to the song. 

Oh she's sweet but a psycho A beautiful psycho The store was empty and I was slowly dying of boredom. I nearly jumped out of my seat when someone dropped a book on the table as well as a box of malteasers. 

"It's just me. You looked like you needed this." Charles said as grabbed a pack of gum from the small hanger beside the counter. 

"Thank you." I told him as I picked up the book. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. The large pink font captured my attention and I turned the book over to read the synopsis. 

"There's also a movie, if you prefer that."

"I think I'll read the book first." I said as I hold the book. "Thank you."

"I'm going to head home now, Stan needs my help with something but I'll be back by twelve thirty." Charles said and I nod. I had nowhere else to be. "Take your time." Charles smiles at me and gives me a little wave before walking out of the store, leaving me in the company of a good book and music. 

I had to drop the book a couple of times to attend to customers but besides that, the book was compelling, witty and incredibly written. I got so carried away by the book that I didn't hear the door swing open nor did I know someone was standing in front of me till the person cleared their throat. 

I immediately snapped the book shut, polite smile already on my face and look up.

"How may I h-"

The words die in my throat once I see the man standing there. 

It was Hal. 

I blinked owlishly at him, my mouth open and closing but no words were coming out. The man had on a white shirt with three buttons undone, grey neatly pressed lacks and shiny shoes, his dark hair styled off his face and brown eyes focused on me. 

"I've been waiting." He said. 

"For what?" I blurted out and winced when i realized what he was talking about. Thankfully the book was still in my hand so I had something to fiddle with.

"You. You said you were going to return my jacket." 

I felt the heat rush to my cheeks and I licked my lips. "I...um... I dry cleaned it and I just got it back yesterday evening. I forgot it on my way to work. I'm sorry." 

Hal doesn't say anything, he just stared at me. I was pretty sure my cheeks were flaming red and I don't know where to look and I didn't even want to look away from him. In a weird way, he made me calm. 

"You didn't have to clean it."

"But I used it." 

"It's just rain." Hal said with a shrug. "What time do you get off work?" He asked and my eyes widened. 

"Why?"

"What time do you get off work?" He repeats, his eyes dark and piercing, his voice deep. It made me shiver and I had the urge to look at his face but that seemed like the wrong thing to do. 

"One o'clock, sir." I said, the title slipping out of me like it was natural. And it was. The man in front of me wasn't just anybody, he was a self made man worth millions and millions. 

"Look at me." He said and I do, raising my head albeit slowly. He takes a good look at me before he blinks. He placed both hands on the counter and smiled at me. "I apologize for being rude. I haven't introduced myself yet and I'm talking to you like you were already mine. My name is Hal Janvier."

Talking to you like you were already mine. Those words echoed in my head. He wanted me to be his? Was he planning on doing what? Asking me out? 

"I know who you are."

"You do?" He asked, his brow furrowed a bit. 

I bit back a smile as I replied. "You own that fancy building. Everyone knows who you are." 

Hal let out a laugh, the sound was so ... sexy. Never in my life have I referred to someone's laugh as sexy. I didn't even know it was a thing but standing here and hearing the sound, I kinda wanted to listen to it for a long time. 

"You are something else, darling." Hal said and I smiled shyly. 

"Do you have plans for lunch?" He asked and I nodded. My plan was to go home with the food Stan had packed for me and munch on it while reading Crazy, Rich, Asians. 

"How about dinner?" He asked and I shook my head. 

"Would you like to have dinner with me, Jesse?" He asked and I just stared at him. He knew my name. He actually knew who I was. And he was asking me out to dinner. Me! 

I opened my mouth about to say yes when doubt hit me. What did he want? He didn't know me so why was he asking me to dinner? He's a rich man who could get anything and anyone, so why me?

He must have seen the doubt filter across my face. 

"I want to know you and I think dinner is a good place to start." He said with a small smile. 

Dinner with Hal would be like a dream come through. After watching all those romantic comedies, I've finally got to live mine out plus free food. 

Who says no to free food?

"I'd love to have dinner with you." 

Hal grinned. "Good. Give me your number so I can call you before then. Does six sound okay?" He asked as he pulls out his phone from his pocket. He hands it to me and I typed in my number.

"Six is fine." I replied while I watched him tap the screen multiple times before locking his phone and pushing it back into his pocket. 

"Text me your address and I'll pick you up." 

My eyes bulged out and I wave my hands. "No! I'll meet you wherever."

"Jesse..." Hal said, a small frown on his face.

"Please." I pleaded. I didn't want him to find out where I lived. What if he saw it and didn't want to take me to dinner any more. I didn't want to be rejected at my doorstep. It would be part of my memories for that flat. I didn't want that. Hal seemed o hesitate before nodding. 

"I will see you at the nearest stop."

"Thank you." I cheered, bouncing a little. Hal smiles and gives me a little wave before walking out of the store, both hands in his pocket. 

Even the back of his head looked attractive. 

Once he was gone, I let out a groan and dropped my face onto the hand I had resting on the table. I had a date and I had nothing to wear.