Anthony continued to contemplate the information that was presented to him. He started to wonder if he was having a hard time wondering how such a statement could come from an innocent looking pretty boy or if it was because of the information that came out of the boy's mouth. He decided that it was more the latter.
"My family thinks I'm dead?"
Anthony asked, hoping that it wasn't true. Jordan nodded slowly. Anthony's heart stopped for a full second.
How much pain have I caused them while I was busy enjoying myself?
Anthony calmed himself down and stood back up.
"Could you take me to my father?"
Anthony asked kindly. Jordan smiled and guided Anthony through the building. They walked through a few hallways before they finally made it to the elevators.
It was a standard elevator with a "few" embellishments. Those "few" embellishments included a golden colored sheen to any metal surface in the elevator. Of course, they didn't use actual gold plating to create such a color. It would've been too pricey. Why pay extra for the same effect? Is what the motto of Anthony's Father happened to be.
Jordan slid a key card and pressed the button for the highest floor that could be accessed from that elevator. Anthony listened to the calming elevator music as the elevator ascended floor by floor. He was glad to have a small break from all of that drama and chaos that life seemed to always find a way to scrounge up.
After a minute or two, the elevator smoothly shifted to a stop. Anthony wouldn't have been able to tell that the elevator had reached its destination if not for the *ding* sound that it let out. Anthony whistled.
That's some pretty nice technology. Especially for the 21st century. They still aren't as good as the ones in the 27th century though.
Anthony thought to himself. He started to recall the first time he had ever ridden an elevator or the future equivalent of one. Back then, he was only 7 years of age. He still remembered the sudden fright he had from the lurch of the elevator, but when he looked out the glass window, his eyes had started to glitter with excitement as he watched as the ground below him grew smaller and smaller. His mother had pointed out the major city landmarks from the window. He could still remember her soft and tender voice. More soothing than a cup of hot milk tea with just the right amount of honey on a cold winter's day.
Anthony woke up from the depths of his thoughts. Jordan had started to shake Anthony, fearful that he might be having a stroke of some sorts. Anthony put his hands on Jordan's arms to stop him and said.
"I'm okay Jordan! I was just remembering something!"
Jordan stopped and let out a long relieved breath that he didn't realize that he had been holding. Jordan scanned Anthony for any signs for health issues. When he didn't find anything, he continued to guide Anthony. They walked up to the secretary. She was buried in her work and called out to Jordan and Anthony.
"What are you here for Jordan? And who have you got with you?"
Jordan continued with his cheery attitude despite the secretary's obvious disrespect towards him.
"Could you tell the CEO that someone wants to see..."
"The big man is busy. Tell your companion to come back in 3 days at 4:00 PM for his next available appointment."
When the Secretary saw that they weren't going to leave, she finally looked up from her paperwork. Her eyes widened in shock.
"You're... you're the eldest son of the CEO! I thought you were... Nevermind. I'll send him a message, he'll call you if he wants to meet. Sit down over there."
The Secretary's tone had taken a 360-degree turn. She was now speaking in a respectful tone and had gestured towards the VIP waiting room. Anthony was slightly annoyed about her previous disrespect towards Jordan, but Jordan dragged Anthony away before he could do anything.
There was TV screen broadcasting a reality TV show, but Anthony didn't seem to find any interest in it. A butler had been sent in by the Secretary and the two were enjoying the high life. This was Anthony's way for thanking Jordan for his services. Besides, he felt bad for Jordan. After about an hour of conversing, he realized that many of the male employees didn't like Jordan for his pretty face. Also since Jordan was a little bit of a clutz, he was disliked by some of the hard-working employees like the CEO's Secretary.
Anthony was sipping a glass of cool OJ, it had one of those new ice cube replacement inventions that didn't water down the drink but kept it cool. Jordan enjoyed a bowl of cookies and cream. He had a gleeful expression on his face like a child would when one also encountered ice cream. Anthony smiled and started to laugh inwardly. Suddenly, he got an idea.
"Hey, Jordan."
Jordan swallowed his mouthful of ice cream and replied. They had already gotten on friendly terms and considered each other as valuable friends.
"Yeah? What is it?"
"Would you like to work for me?"
Anthony tried to act more professional as an experienced owner of a business would. He also smiled trying to reassure Jordan - and himself- of the benefits of starting such a business.
"What type of work?"
Jordan asked eagerly. This would most likely be his only chance to prove himself and get a salary above 50 grand. He wanted others to respect him for his hard work and not just define him as just a boy with a pretty face.
"I'm planning to start a guild. Will you join me?"
Anthony held out his hands. Jordan rubbed his eyes. He could've sworn there was a sparkly effect around Anthony and that Anthony had somehow turned 10x more handsome. Thoughts were racing through Jordan's brain at 1000 miles per hour. A few moments later, Jordan held out his hand and shook hands with Anthony.
"I'll do it."
This is definitely not because I need the money!
Jordan thought to himself.
Crap! I forgot to ask for the salary!
Jordan's face immediately turned grim. How low would it be?
"Oh, yes. About your salary. How does $70,000 sound as a starting salary?"
Anthony said as he put a finger to his lips, waiting expectantly. Tears dripped down from Jordan's eyes.
"Is... is it not enough?"
Anthony said as Jordan collapsed to the ground on his knees. Anthony put his hands on Jordan's shoulders and sat him down in a nearby chair. When Jordan lifted his face up, Anthony found a smile
full of delight on his face.
I made a good bet this time!
Jordan thought to himself. Yes, it might not seem like it, but this pretty boy was a hardcore gambler. He was great at losing all of his money. Of course, he had finally quit gambling after his debt piled up too high. He had turned desperate and had taken this job. He had worked here for many years and had finally brought his salary up to 50 grand. But such a salary compared to his massive debt wouldn't be able to satisfy even his basic needs.