Diary of a Poor Billionaire

CHAPTER 7: Friend in Need

-Erick's POV-

William, Irah, and the other girls looked at me at the same time. Even the sales lady who pestered me earlier seemed intrigued.

"What has it got with you if I buy here?" I said and tried to ignore them.

"Do I hear it correctly? You? Buying here in Louis Vuitton? You can't even afford the cheapest bag here," said Ashley Carter mockingly but I just continued on my business.

"Aren't you ashamed of yourself? This place is not something people like you can enter casually," seconded Jenny Kirkwood. On the corner, Irah was just looking at the scene indifferently. "Is that because Irah dumped you that you want to social climb? You're so pathetic."

At the same moment, the sales lady earlier seemed to be agitated as the scene unfold and said, "Okay, I'll be honest with you boy. You're not someone who can afford things here. Go check out the store I mentioned to you earlier."

"What? Who says I can't afford here?" I said irritatedly and shoved my Mastercard to the sales lady. "Here's my card and gift wrap the Petite Malle or whatever it is you showed earlier."

"Can you stop wasting my time here? Get out now, you cheap beggar." The sales lady looked at me impatiently.

"Watch your mouth. I'm here to buy something. Is this how you treat your costumer?"

"Don't ridicule me because I already heard enough. Get out now or I'll call the security."

Ugh! If only I knew this thing would happen, I wouldn't want to go here. Was it really hard to buy just a single bag? They're so unreasonable. They assume things without letting me prove I could buy the bag.

"Look, I don't want any trouble here. I just want to–"

Before I could stop my sentence, Irah suddenly walked towards me and slapped me hard. The slap was so loud that some customers were looking at us curiously.

"You know what, Erick? I didn't regret to dump you 'cause you're a damn poor loser. What would I have become if otherwise? What would you give me if we were still together? Even if you sell yourself, you're still as poor as a dog. So stop your pretense now and stop ruining my day," said Irah furiously.

William, who seemed to enjoy the scene, added, "Just f*ck off dude, you don't belong here."

"So, is that what you've become, Irah? You lust for money? Who are you to tell me what I should do? Believe it or not, when I say I can afford it, I can afford it," I said and emphasized the last phrase.

"Hey, what's going on here?" another figure emerged from behind the group. I looked intently and it was Penelope.

"Oh Penny, what keeps you so long? You know who we saw? That cheap Erick again and he's showing off. He wants to buy a bag that costs 5000 dollars," said Jenny and the other girls nodded disgustingly.

"Well, yes, he can afford that. It's just a petty amount for him," said Penelope casually.

"What?!"

Her words shocked everyone and they looked towards me. I was also confused why Penelope said that. While everyone was confused, Penelope laughed suddenly.

"You guys don't get it, right? Remember what I told you yesterday. That beggar is a gigolo. He gives pleasure to a rich granny in exchange for money. Right, Erick?" she said amusingly. "Didn't you know that we didn't finish our lunch at E. M. because of that sugar mommy?"

"What? Why didn't you tell the waiter that you're acquainted to me? You know very well that it was managed by my father," said Jenny.

"I would have, but I never had the chance because the guards already led us away. And it all thanks to this gigolo here and his sugar mommy."

"You! How dare you say that? Did you know you're making your own grave?" I said fumingly. So, that was what she was thinking. She thought Tina was my sugar mommy. Though she's not aware of it but Penelope was indirectly insulting my father for insulting Tina. And it would be the end of her if Tina knew about it. She was even exaggerating it.

"So, who's lust for money now, huh? Just because you don't have money, you are now serving an old hag? You even threatened Penelope. I thought Penny was just making it up last night. It turned out to be true, " said Irah which irritated me further. She was totally different from the Irah I used to know.

"Okay, girls. Let's stop it. We're here for shopping and I don't want anyone ruining our day. So just ignore him," said William and he's smirking at me contemptuously.

I was confused by William's behavior. He seemed to be enjoying the scene earlier but he wanted the girls to stop? What's he playing at? I decided to ignore it.

The group left and I was with the sales lady again. It took me a while to calm myself. I looked around and saw that other customers were looking at me with disgust and they started gossiping. Even though I couldn't hear them, I knew what they're thinking.

I don't feel like buying anymore and decided to leave. But before I could make another step, the sales lady stopped me.

"What?" I asked, feeling extremely irritated.

"You want to buy this bag, right? Here, I'll gift wrap it for you. Even though you're as disgusting as hell, I still can't lose a customer," she said. Her voice was still as indifferent as ever. "How will you pay? Cash or card?"

"Do you accept PayPal?"

"Yes, now follow me to the cashier. Hurry up and don't come back here. I don't want to see your face again," she said and turned her back on me. I followed her grudgingly.

After I bought the bag, I went out hurriedly and hailed a taxi. I swore I would never go back to that place again.

Kevin was delighted when I entered the room. Two other boys were looking at me expectantly. Even though I didn't knew them, they seemed like they were not looking down at me.

"Erick, my man. Come here, I want to introduce you to your new buddies," said Kevin enthusiastically.

"This is Nathan Hawthorne." Kevin pointed towards the shorter guy with auburn-blond hair.

"And this is Hans Schmidt. He's half-German." He pointed towards the other guy.

"Nice to meet you, bro. My cousin will not regret to see you," said Nathan and chuckled. Hans just nodded at me appreciatively.

Nathan and Hans were opposite. Even though they were both friendly, Nathan was a bit exuberant and childish while Hans was timid in nature and looked mature.

"Nice to meet you too, guys. Anyways, how do you each other?" I said.

"We've known each other since high school and we were inseparable from then on," said Nathan.

"What's that you're holding?" said Kevin curiously and he pointed at the thing on my hand.

"It's my gift for Nathan's cousin. You know, I don't want to attend her birthday empty-handed," I said.

"You shouldn't bother, bro. Hannah is not someone who expects a gift on her birthday. Besides, we are not going to attend a party. It's always her custom to just invite her circle of friends in a simple dinner," said Nathan.

"Is that it? I should have known better. Well, it would be a waste if I throw it, anyway," I said.

"So, what is it, though?" asked Hans.

"You'll know it soon. I don't want to get it out since it has already been gift-wrapped," I replied.

Nothing remarkable happened after that. We just continued our chitchat, then we ate lunch, and then we did everything we could think of during the entire afternoon. It was the best experience I had in my social life ever, where everyone accepted me regardless if I'm poor. I was so lucky to meet them, especially Kevin. It didn't took us long to get acquainted with each other because they treated me well as if I really belonged in their social group.

At this moment, we were on our way to the Barclay's Steakhouse where Hannah celebrated her birthday. According to Kevin, this restaurant was owned and managed by Corbin Barclay, a renowned former sous chef of New York's Masa. It was opened just a month ago in Capitol Hill and it became the newest hot spot in Seattle.

We arrived there fifteen minutes later. The restaurant radiated an elegant aura even from afar; enough to tell that only a few people could afford such a high-end place. Aside from its famous dish menu, it also offered one of the most expensive wine ever sold in any restaurants around the world.

Nathan urged us to get nearer to the group of girls already seated near the left window. One of them noticed us and she approached us even before we could enter. It seemed like she was excited for something.

"Hello Hannah, sorry to keep you waiting," said Nathan as he approached the girl.

"Dear, is he here?" said the girl named Hannah, then scrutinised all three of us.

I was astounded when I realized what she was talking about. Earlier, Kevin told me that Nathan's cousin wanted to meet me. I really have no idea why.

"Hannah, this is the guy you want to meet. His name is Erick. Erick, this is my cousin Hannah," said Nathan while waving towards me.

"Hello Hannah, nice to meet you," I said nervously. That was actually the first time I was introduced to someone.

Hannah had put on a yellow silk dress that perfectly suited her body curves. Her demeanor was speaking of gracefulness and elegance. Even so, I could feel that she was a sincere person the way she approached us–the very same feeling when I met Nathan earlier.

"Oh hi Erick. I am glad to finally meet you. I hope you'll enjoy the night with us," she said warmly and it made me felt elated.

"Thank you. Anyways, I have something for you," I said then gave her the gift I was holding.

"Oh no. You shouldn't bother. I'm thankful enough to have your presence here," she said sheepishly but she eventually accepted my gift.

"Let's go now. It's not a good idea to keep the girls waiting," said Kevin thoughtfully.

"If I know, you just want to see my friends there, duh," said Hannah teasingly.

"Yeah? I wonder who's that one who kept asking me about Erick. She even rushed to go out just to see him and totally forgot we're still here," Kevin teased her back and the latter blushed shyly.

We moved on and entered the restaurant. As expected, there were only a few people inside. We approached the group of three girls and all of them looked pretty on their dress.

But then...

My attention was diverted towards the girl nearest the window who was busy scrolling her phone. I suddenly felt cold and I went stiff for a moment.

No. This can't be. Even though she was still oblivious to her surroundings, I knew things would turn out bad very soon.

How come Hannah was acquainted with my cousin, Shania Pence?

"Shania?" I exclaimed before I could stop myself. Once the word got out from my mouth, everyone was looking at me curiously. Shania was shocked as well when she saw me.

"Erick?! Why are you here?" uttered Shania in disbelief with a hint of disgust and mockery.

"You know him, sister?" Hannah asked her.

Seconds stretched before she replied. This time, her face showed contempt only.

"Oh yes. In fact, he's our neighbor. He's too poor that he did what others told him to do just to earn money. That makes him famous for being an errand boy," said Shania, feeling triumphant. She deliberately concealed that we're cousins.

Even though what she said was true, she said it to defame me in front of Hannah and the others. From her perspective, I was not worthy to be in this place, let alone being with them. The other girls, who looked at me curiously, suddenly felt disgusted. Seeing their reactions, Shania was even more elated. I didn't dare look at Hannah's reaction. She already had a good impression on me and I didn't want to turn her down.

"Shania, please stop it. I am here to pay respect to Hannah's invitation," I said defeatedly.

"Why? You're afraid that your identity will be exposed? Is that why you befriend Nathan because you like sister Hannah? You should look at yourself in the mirror first," she replied with full of contempt.

I just stood there, feeling ashamed and wronged. Shania had already done this to me several times, yet it still felt way too horrible. Would Hannah look down on me as well?

At that moment, Kevin interrupted us and he looked irritated and angry. He said, "Shania, I know you're a good friend of Hannah. But if you keep on insulting Erick, I won't mind making a scene here."

"So, you're still defending him, huh? I heard your cousin already dumped Erick for good because she always felt humiliated every time they're together. I may not have known Irah personally, but I know how she felt every time Erick's around," she retorted and acted as if she had sympathy for Irah.

"Please stop it, can you?" said Hannah, her face looked irritated and wary. "Shania, can you just forget all your grievances towards Erick just for this night? I invited him, so please respect that."

Hannah's words were like an edict, so nobody tried to make another remark in case we might ruin Hannah's birthday. I sat as far away from Shania as possible. Hannah, meanwhile, was looking at me apologetically. Shania, on the other hand, was feeling upset and was looking at me ferociously.

During our meal course, the heavy atmosphere was somehow lessened. Hannah and the boys were trying to engage me in their conversation, for which I regarded with less enthusiasm. I noticed Shania looked smug and annoyed every time she was ignored by Hannah because of me. The other two girls were ignoring me completely.

"Sister Hannah, can I order a wine? I just feel distressed earlier," said Shania suddenly. Hannah, who noticed her tone, agreed reluctantly.

"S...sure. Just enjoy the night whatever means you want," said Hannah and forced a smile. However, the other party just ignored her. "Besides, it's my treat, so you can get whatever you like as long as it's within my budget."

"Waiter," called out Shania and a waiter came, "One bottle of Chatteau Le Pin, please."

I was surprised by Hannah's inferiority. From the looks of it, Shania seemed to be the leader of the group and Hannah was trying to please her. It also looked like Hannah regretted what she said to her earlier.

Moments later, we finished our dinner and Hannah asked the waiter for the bill.

"Madam, your total bill is 24,780 dollars. What payment do you prefer? Cash or card?" said the waiter politely.

However, the waiter's words were like bombs. Once released, everyone was looking at each other nervously.

"Can you say the amount again?" said Hannah, panic-stricken.

"It's 24,780 dollars madam."

"What should we do Nathan? I only have 10,000 dollars with me," I could hear Hannah whispered to Nathan.

The waiter have sensed something was off, so he asked again, "What's wrong, madam?"

"What's wrong? Are you trying to fool us? How can it be this expensive?" This time, Shania couldn't stop herself and reprimanded the waiter. However, the waiter just smiled complacently.

"Fooling you? I think you have forgotten what restaurant you're in. What good does it do to me if I am fooling around?" said the waiter whose voice gradually became ruder every word he uttered.

"As for the meal, I'm sure you have no problem with that, but this lady here ordered a wine that is worth 20,000 dollars," added the waiter and pointed at Shania.

"What?!"

Everyone was bewildered. No one expected that just a bottle of wine was twice as expensive as the whole meal.

Hans, who was silent most of the time, impulsively spoke, "Sir, if I'm not mistaken, Shania ordered Chateau Le Pin which is worth five thousand at least."

"Yeah, why does it cost 20,000 dollars?" Shania nodded fiercely, but when I looked intently at her, I could see cold sweat on her forehead. She must've realized the damaged she caused tonight. The others complained as well.

"Yes, that is indeed Chateau Le Pin. But the Le Pin being served here is not what you think its price is. Sir Corbin specifically asked the famous French winery to make exclusive version of the original Chateau Le Pin for him, which has a way better quality than the latter," the restaurant explained further.

"Guys, do you bring extra money with you? I really have no idea that the wine costs too much," said Hannah apologetically even though it was Shania who ordered it.

The two girls just shook their heads. Shania and Nathan both gave a thousand dollars each. Kevin was able to pull off three thousand from his wallet and Hans transferred two thousand into Hannah's PayPal. The amount accumulated summed up to 17,000 dollars, but we still needed another 8,000 dollars.

"Erick, do you have money in you?" pleaded Hannah. I was about to pull off the remaining balance when Shania interrupted us.

"What kind of joke is this, Hannah? Do you really believe that Erick can help us? Look at him and be more realistic."

I retracted and decided not to show off my money when Shania was around, or Vilma might try to question me where I get the money. Or worse, she might suspect me that I stole some money from her before we parted our ways.

"See, he can't even give you ten dollars."

"Can I get the payment now?" the waiter said impatiently.

"Can I request an IOU? Please, I forgot to bring much money today. I can only afford the meal," said Hannah desperately.

"Sorry madam but IOU is not applicable here. If you can't pay, I'm afraid you'll be detained for the time being until you can pay me," said the waiter indifferently.

When I saw Hannah pleading, I was starting to get worry, especially when the other customers were gossiping about us. So I decided to take an action covertly.

I faced Hans and asked him for his PayPal account. I signalled to him to not say a word about it and transferred 25,000 dollars.

Hans looked at me in disbelief. "Erick? You–"