Jake Klien: Rise Of The Young Trillionaire

THE DEANS FAMILY

Jake was excited as he went backstage to hug his friend.

“We did it Max. We actually did it.” he told his friend, filled with joy. He was so happy that they had conquered the show.

His boss, Tony Rogers walked in, beaming with smiles.

“Well done Jake! Your performance was breathtaking. I didn't know you had such vocals in you. You're not only a great employee, but also a great musician. Someday the world will hear your amazing voice.” Tony remarked.

One of the waiters came into the room. “—Sir. I'm sorry for interrupting you but a customer wants to meet you immediately.” he said.

“Tell the fellow that I'd be there immediately.” Tony told him

“Alright sir.” the waiter answered and left.

“Thanks for this opportunity sir. I really can't thank you enough.” Jake thanked his boss.

“It's all good lad. I'm proud of you. I have to go now. A customer is waiting for me.” Tony replied as he walked out of the room to go and meet the customer.

Tony was indeed impressed with Jake's performance. He wondered how someone so talented and hardworking was still working as a waiter and as a pizza delivery guy.

“That boy is exceptional, I wish I could help him,” he thought.

He then approached the customer who had wanted to see him so urgently. It was a woman who seemed to be in her mid forties, she had tanned skin, dark sunglasses and a business-like expression.

“Good evening ma'am.” Tony greeted her, tipping an imaginary hat to her as a sign of respect.

“Good evening, Mr. Rogers.” She greeted him back.

“I was told that you needed to see me urgently. I hope there is no problem ma'am?” Tony asked the lady.

“Not at all Mr. Rogers.” she answered.

“Oh please, call me Tony,” he interrupted.

“—Oh okay, Tony. I wanted to see you regarding the live performance done by your waiter.” she told him.

“Oh yeah? What about it?” he asked her.

“He is an amazing talent, and I see potential in him.” she answered him.

“I see it too Miss…” Tony started.

“—Alex. Alexander Mitchell.” she said, extending her right hand for a handshake. Tony accepted the handshake. “I have a business proposal for the boy. He seems capable of much more than a waiter. I would appreciate it if you could talk to him for me, or at least give him my business card.” she explained to Tony.

“Will do.” Tony said, then collected the business card from her.

“Thank you, Tony.” she said, then winked at him and turned around, disappearing into the night.

“Ain't she something?” he said as he watched her walk to the door and disappear into the night.

He then looked down at her business card. “The lad does deserve a better job anyways.” he said to himself.

***

Jake walked into the familiar scent of pizza and the bustling atmosphere of KwikStop Pizza. His co-workers stared at him as though they had just seen a ghost. He had felt bad for losing his temper and yelling at Maria in that manner the other night and decided to come there that night solely to apologise to her, even though he knew that he was still inevitably going to be fired.

He walked past the staff towards Maria's office. He felt jittery while walking there, a cold chill running down his spine. He maintained his composure, braced himself, and then on getting to her office's door, he knocked.

“Come in, Jake.” she called out from inside.

He was surprised. How did she know it was him? Was she expecting him? He turned the doorknob and entered the office.

“Good evening, Maria.” he greeted.

“Good evening, Jake.” She greeted him back. “How have you been faring?” she asked.

“I have been doing just fine. Sorry to ask, but, how did you know I was the one at the door.” he asked.

“Easy. You're the only one who ever knocks even when my door's unlocked.” she answered.

“Oh! Yeah, that explains it.” he said.

“I heard about what happened to you, so sorry about that. How are you doing now?” she asked him.

“I'm better. So much better now.” he answered.

“Good to know.” she said, smiling.

The office then fell into complete silence.

“I'm sorry for how I behaved the other night ma'am. I should never have yelled at you.” Jake apologised, breaking the silence.

“Hey, whatever happened that day was my fault. I don't know what got into me, and I gave in completely to my feelings okay? You don't need to apologise about anything.” she told him.

“So I'm not fired?” he asked.

“No, not at all. Why would I let go of my star delivery guy? You bring in more business than anyone else.” she assured him.

“Wow, thanks a lot ma'am.” he thanked her.

“You're welcome Jake.” she said, smiling. “You can get your orders from the storage room now. Take care.” she told him.

“Yes ma'am. I'll do that immediately.” he answered.

***

Relieved, Jake got back to delivering pizzas, his mind still processing the unexpected turn of events. He wondered why Maria hadn't fired him.

Later that evening, Jake found himself standing in front of a fancy gate, pizza box in hand. He had to make a delivery to one Mr. Jacob Dean. He stood there contemplating how fortunate that night had turned out to be for him.

Juliet Dean opened the gate to take the pizza delivery for her parents.

“Good evening ma'am.” Jake greeted her.

“Good evening.” she said, then grabbed the pizza box and reached into her purse to tip him.

She got a hold of the money and then looked up to give it to him, and her eyes widened in recognition. He was the Les Royales restaurant waiter who had performed at the Open Mic Night.

“Thank you ma'am.” Jake said, oblivious to her identity and had no memory whatsoever of where he might have seen her before

As Jake walked to where he had parked his bike, Juliet couldn't help but smile, recalling the night Jake's music had lifted her spirits.

Jake, still clueless, mounted his bike and rode away into the night.