The Nobody

Chapter 4: The Job

Xavier's office up top

The duo made their way to the golden framed elevator. Quin kept his gaze on the floor and quietly followed behind and Xavier acted as if Quin did not exist, striding down the lobby. His head straight, face emotionless, and a level of confidence that made Quin jealous. They could both hear the judgmental whispers, directed towards Quin, from Xavier's employees. All were wondering who this homeless person was and why was he following Xavier. Xavier ignored them, but Quin paused in his steps especially when he heard,

"This is not the place for the likes of him," and "People like him belong outside."

Quin wanted the floor to open and swallow him whole. He felt like running and hiding.

"Keep it moving Mr. Beckett," Xavier demanded as he waited impatiently at the elevator.

Quinton picked up his pace and took his place behind Xavier in the elevator. He released a breath of fresh air once the elevator's doors closed. Quin was surprised when he saw the button for the 20th floor had been pressed, meaning they will be in there for a while. He took this time to observe the man in front of him. From behind, Quin did not feel so intimidated. Xavier seemed, dare he say it, nicer, without that stone-cold glare that seemed to have a permanent home on his face.

"Is there a reason you are staring at me so intently Mr. Beckett?" Xavier asked, scaring Quinton out of his stupor.

Finally, Quin noticed that the elevator was designed with gold, reflective glass and that Xavier could see him clearly. Thankfully, when Quin was about to respond, the elevator opened on the 15th floor and some people came in. Originally, they walked in chatting but when they noticed who was in the elevator with them, they quickly bit their tongues. The silence made Quin uncomfortable, especially when he got noticed. He just shrunk back and hugged himself when the glares began to grace their faces. He was trying to make himself as small as possible and was praying that he could finally leave the cramped space. A weight was lifted off his shoulders when the elevator opened once more, on the 19th floor, and everyone, but Xavier and himself, walked out. Once the elevator opened on the next floor, Xavier walked out and towards his office. He moved to the back and started cleaning up the area of his desk. Taking what he needed and putting away what he did not need. Then he proceeded to sit down, fold his hands, and lay his piercing gaze once again on Quinton.

"Down to business. Per our previous conversation, when I referred to you being a great deal of work, I was being honest. Unfortunately, you are no where near ready to play in front of my clients, but like I stated, I did appreciate the emotion with which you played. Tell me, what were you feeling? What did that song mean to you?"

Quin was shaking from all the attention he was getting from this man. He felt anxious and was ready to throw up. Xavier cleared his throat, clearly not happy to have to wait so long for a response.

"I-i-i..." Quinton began but was interrupted by Xavier.

"Forget it, I will not be able to understand you will all that stuttering. Work on it. I need you to be able to hold an adult conversation, since you are at the age of an adult. Back to details of the job and a brief description of what this company accomplishes. I am sure you have heard of me and this company," Due to Quin's confused face, Xavier knew that this was not the case and Quinton had no idea. And what he said next caused Quin to flinch and his eyes to water.

"Sigh, I forgot you live under a rock. Okay listen," he asserted and slammed his hands on the table, effectively scaring Quinton, causing him to lose his footing and fall on his butt.

"My name is Xavier Stone, a well-known actor, model, and owner of Stone's Gatherings Inc. When I am not acting or modeling, I work here. This company organizes events for fellow celebrities and higherups, basically important, influential, and very rich people. We organize major things like award shows, individual birthday parties, weddings, etc. The event that I need you for is the opening of a new art gallery. It will be banquet style and I need you to play as the guests admire the art, converse, and eat. Once the majority of the guest have eaten, you will be dismissed, and the live band will play, so the guests can dance. The event is exactly three months and a half away, so I will give you a month and a half to perfect your piano skills. I might be nice enough to give you two months but I always like things to be organized early to avoid mistakes and I always attend my events, so do not dare to embarrass me. You may be a no body, but I am not and can not afford to have my image tarnished for stupidity. Because I do not think you are capable to do this on your own, I expect you to be here every day, Monday-Friday, from 8:30-1:30pm on that piano over there, I am sure you failed to notice it. Whenever I have time, I will join you at the piano and instruct you but the rest of time, you are on your own. I usually pay my musicians after their performance, but I am willing to pay you every two weeks, making $19 an hour, until the ceremony. Are you still following me?"

The whole time Xavier ranted, Quin just sat on the floor with wide eyes. Xavier could clearly see the fear in his eyes, but he does not care. Quin nodded his head yes when Xavier asked if he was still paying attention and was shocked when Xavier calculated and told him he would be making around 800-900 dollars every two weeks.

"That is it for now, so follow me."

Quinton followed behind Xavier as he once again got into the elevator, this time pressing the garage button.

"S-s-sir. W-where a-are...," Quinton quickly closed his mouth when he was met with Xavier's glare.

"Again, the stuttering has to go. I am assuming that you were asking where we are going. Once again, I mentioned that the work attire is professional. Sigh...I can't believe I am doing this. Since you are not in a good financial standing and tomorrow is payday for all employees, we will be stopping at the bank and I will be giving you a paycheck as if you have worked the past two weeks. From there, we will be going to my tailor and I will purchase a few outfits for you to wear to work. Finally, I can not have you living in the streets and working for me, so I will allow you to temporarily live in one of my vacant studio apartments...for free. I do not expect you to burn the place down, make holes in the wall, or move the furniture since you will not be there for long. I do expect you to keep it clean at least. Tomorrow is Friday, so I am giving you the weekend to prepare; stock up the fridge with food, get every day clothes, and do whatever you think you need the do to survive. Learn to fend for yourself. I know I should not be giving you any handouts since I believe it will not teach you to learn how earn what you want, but I will look passed that for now. I suggest that you save some money, so that when these three months are up, you can have some money to survive on for a bit. Also, depending on how your work performance is, I may allow you to add me as an employer on your resume and might offer a recommendation letter."

Quinton wanted to cry. He could not believe what he was hearing. As they walked to Xavier's car, Quin was caught in his thoughts. A part of him told him not to believe this and get away from this man because there must be a catch;

'Why else would he help a good for nothing like me' Is what he thought.

But another part, the hopeful part, tells him that this is the miracle he has been praying for. That only good will come from this but he must play his cards right. He must make sure to make Xavier proud and prove to both of them that he is a hard worker. With that mentality, Quinton felt like he could do this. He quickened his pace and briefly touched Xavier's elbow, but Xavier flinched his arm away and turned and glared at him. Quin lowered his eyes to the floor and muttered,

"t-t-thank y-you s-sir."

"Do not thank me just yet Mr. Beckett. Now get it."