Making ends meet

Dylan stared at the numbers as they were e-transferred to his landlord. He was only going to be able to spend the last amount of his monthly balance on things that were one-hundred percent necessary. It was difficult to be a novelist. He had written some successful books, but more than half of the profit went to publishers, editors, cover designers and whoever could snatch away the least bit of credit. Each end of the month, when he paid his rent were the only times when Dylan wished he was born into a wealthy household. Otherwise, he practically despised and looked down at the privileged and rich.

“Looks like I’m going to have to get another job,” he said under his breath. He walked down the street, ignoring every convenience store, which was easier said than done. But then, like fate, a gigantic poster met his eyes. 

*Employee Needed!

Requirements: Under 170 cm, high school degree, unemployed.

Call for more details: 613-555-2781*

"That’s oddly specific,” Dylan said. “But I fit all those requirements. I mean, I just published Deeper, so I’m not writing anything right now…”

So, yes, he was indeed employed, just on vacation for the meantime. But he was desperate, and decided he’d may as well call before making his final conclusion. Dylan dialed the number.

“McKenna estates, how may I help you?”

Dylan rolled his eyes. They must have been rich people.

“I wanted to ask about the job offer.”

“Alright. I’ll put you on hold.”

He waited for a half an hour, in the heat, whichc was torture. The hot summer was no joke. 

“Good afternoon, this is McKenna estate’s administration officer. Please visit us at McKenna estates tomorrow at 1 pm. Good day.”

Dylan shrieked on the inside. They put him on hold for thirty minutes just to say that?

Damn rich people, he thought. Just because they have so much time on their hands doesn't mean they can waste mine.

Despite his frustration, Dylan knew having a wealthy employer meant high pay, which perfectly accommodated his situation.

❀ ❀ ❀

The next morning, Dylan dressed himself in his best suit that he bought for that one time he got an interview from a small newspaper company. He dampened his hair with water - as a knockoff for hair gel - and left his apartment with his resume.

Unfortunately, there was no bus with a direct route, so the trip there took much more time than Dylan expected, and his fake hair gel expired. Though when he finally got there, he did not regret it. The huge mansions surrounding him kept him in awe. He may have despised rich people, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want a beautiful house.

A secretary or maid (Dylan had no clue what the difference was) brought him into a great big room. It seemed like a bedroom. An unbelievably large bedroom.

A man and woman were already sitting on the couch. Dylan invited himself to sit down, which made the woman twitch her eyebrow. 

“Welcome,” they greeted.

“Hi,” Dylan replied. The woman twitched her other eyebrow.

“We are Mars McKenna’s parents, otherwise known as the owners of this estate.” the man said. “We wanted to meet the candidates personally, since this job is specifically for our son.”

“Like being a servant?” Dylan was earnestly trying to impress them, but it wasn’t really working. Besides that, he was flustered about working for Mars McKenna. Sicilia would suspect something for sure.

“The word ‘servant’ is a little degrading,” Mrs. McKenna said. “We were thinking more of a friend. We want to hire a friend for Mars. He’s been lonely, and he can’t be hurt once more.”

Once more?

“If you don’t mind if I ask,” Dylan said kindly. Somehow, the word ‘friend’ really changed the whole situation. “Why would you want commoners like me?”

There was a short pause, as the worried parents looked at each other. 

“We want somebody completely different from his past relationships.” Mrs. McKenna coughed into her fist. “Do you happen to be gay?”

Not this again. I guess the rumours must have been true.

“No.” He clenched his jaw and held his breath until they answered, like he always did when he lied, but he wasn’t lying, right?

“Okay good,” they both replied with a sigh. Dylan assumed it must have been some sort of rich person thing to be homophobic. They probably were narrow minded anyway.

The two discussed for a little, in front of Dylan where he could hear everything, which proved they weren’t usually the ones in charge of hiring. Strangely enough, they only talked about his personality, appearance and income and not his actual qualifications on his resume. Were they really only looking for a playmate for Mars?

“You meet all of our standards, can you start tomorrow?”

“Uh- yeah sure. Of course.”

“We’ll pay you monthly, and take care of your hospitality and meals. You will be staying in this room.”

“FOR REAL?” Dylan could not believe his ears. Living in this room would be incredibly amazing. “Pardon me. Thank you, is what I meant to say.”

“We will give you Mars’s weekly schedule and the contract tomorrow morning, so until then, pack whatever you need from home and bring them here,” Mr. McKenna said. “And remember, all you must do is be his best friend for life.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***