A Deal With The Billionaire

EPISODE SEVENTEENContent bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Theme: Tons of Rejection

CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

Raven’s hand shook underneath the table as she clasped them together and stared anxiously at the bank manager. She had applied for an urgent loan, hoping that she wouldn’t have to do anything silly to grant her request.

She gazed at the wall clock above the seat where the man sat, the time was past three in the afternoon and she still had no positive news.

This was the third bank Raven was visiting in the span of four hours since she left Tiana at the coffeehouse. With her mind filled with hope, Raven had read through her business plans hurriedly, assured that it would get her the intended loan.

The first two banks had declined saying they couldn’t invest in such patched up business idea and also not with such amount of money. Not letting that deter her, Raven had forged on to this bank that she was currently in now. Her glint of hope was already running thin, judging by the look on the bank manager’s face.

“This isn’t so bad, Miss McKenna.” The bank manager said. He has a tiny nose and hooded eyes hidden behind a pair of nerdy eyeglasses. He cleared his throat. “I believe with professional touch here and there it should form well.” He addressed her politely.

Raven’s eyes lifted at that praise and it fueled her hope higher yet again.

“But…” He paused, making Raven smile flatten a bit. “We can’t give out such large amount at such short notice. It is too much to give out, Miss McKenna.”

“Please I promise to abide by every rule, I would sign an undertaking. But please help me get this loan request approved. Please.” Her voice pleaded with him.

The man shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “Miss McKenna, this is not about me approving the loan request, but it is all about the bank policy. As much as we are risk takers, this huge amount of money to start up a business at such a short notice is considered absurd.”

Taking a deep breath, Raven stared straight at the man making the poor man squirm.

“Fine! I need the money to save my son from the claws of death! And I only have forty eight hours which I have obviously exhausted half an hour with you! Do you even know how many humans I had to plead with just to sit before you?! This is so frustrating!”

Raven huffed and tuned her voice down. “Please…” She closed her eyes. “Please help me.” And this time tears flowed down her cheeks.

Pity flashed in the man’s eyes. “I really wish I could help, Miss McKenna. But I would advise you to make use of health insurance.”

Raven sniffled. She stood up and glared at the man. “At this dying minute. Do you think I haven’t thought about that before coming to you?!” She screamed at him.

“I am sorry.” The man apologized.

Raven let out another huff before exiting the office. The hot air hit her face the moment she stepped out of the bank. She unlocked her car, got in and bursted into tears uncontrollably.

She was interrupted by an alarm beep from her phone. She took the device out of her bag, checked it and smacked her forehead gently against the wheels. It was almost time to start preparing dishes for dinner at the restaurant.

And Raven had taken enough time off from the restaurant but with Tiana’s tail on the line. As good paying and lenient as the Golden Restaurant was, it didn’t take the staff being away for long lightly and she wasn’t going to let her problem make her insensitive to the need of others and it was clearly her job to satisfy the customers.

Cleaning up her face, Raven reached out for her small make up bag at the backseat. She picked the powder case and dabbed the foam on it before lifting it to her face to brighten all the areas.

Soon she remembered that she hasn’t called her mom ever since she left the hospital. Raven hoped that her mother wasn’t worried as she dialed her number.

Eva picked on the third ring. ‘I am so sorry darling, I had to go to the restroom.’

Raven could feel the exhaustion in her mother’s voice and tears pricked in her eyes again. ‘How is Rowan doing?’ Her voice came out as a rasp.

There was a slight pause for a few seconds before Eva broke off the mild silence. ‘He is still the same. How is the search for money going? You know, I do have some savings and we could scrape that with whatever is on ground.’

Not wanting her mother to get worked up and worried by the tons of banks rejection, Raven decided to lie through her teeth.

‘It is going… absolutely fine. I would be heading to the bank tomorrow again so… I should probably get the money soon. The bank manager really liked my business proposal.’

Eva heaved a sigh of relief. ‘That’s a good thing to hear. I can’t wait for this to be done and over with. My poor little baby boy seems to be in so much pains. I feel sorry for Rowan.’

Raven shook her head, forgetting that she wasn’t in front of her mother. ‘Mom, I hope this won’t be a burden to you. But can you stay with Rowan for a few more hours? I have to be at work.’ She requested.

‘That’s fine honey. I know how stressed you must be at the moment but please take it easy. Don’t worry about Rowan and I, we would be fine.’ Eva assured her daughter.

‘Thank you, mom. I love you.’

‘Love you too darling. Take care.’ Eva replied.

The line went off. After doing a little touch of make up on her face, Raven took in a deep breath and kick started the car.

As Raven drove down the road, a rejuvenating spirit arose as she promised herself that she would check into more banks the next day and with a resolving certainty that her attempts would be positive.

*****************************

THE GOLDEN RESTAURANT

Tiana wondered what sort of spirit was working with Raven as she moved swiftly around the kitchen, looking so unbothered like she got everything under control.

Tiana had been beyond shock when her friend had walked into the kitchen clocking in for the evening runs. After leaving the coffeehouse, Tiana had made a quick stop at the hospital address Raven had texted to her. And the sight of Eva McKenna had broke her heart completely.

Eva looked like she had aged a few years since the moment Rowan was rushed into the hospital. Deep down Tiana had prayed that Raven would get the loan and she was also going to do all she can to give her quota.

But seeing Raven work with so much glee made Tiana scared for her mental health. She couldn’t help but wonder if Raven was still in her right state of mind.

“Raven, you know that… you really don’t have to do this.” Tiana said, lifting a bowl of mayonnaise off the table Raven was working at.

Raven wiped the sweat on her forehead with the back of her hand. “Excuse me head chef, what am I supposed to be doing?” She asked.

“You should be staying with your son.” Tiana said with a shrug.

“And have your ass on fire with not so pretty face of Allen.” Raven retorted as she faced her friend.

“Funny. Really funny.” Tiana snorted at the nickname they had given their manager, Mr Allen Brooks.

His face was quite funny and he always had it in a scowl just to look fierce but it only made it look worse. All of the staff decided to name him, “Not so pretty face Allen.” And it had stuck with him since forever.

“Come on, Raven. You know that man got nothing on me. I can deal with his flat ass.” Tiana coaxed.

Raven nodded in agreement. If anyone could confront Allen Brooks then it would be Tiana. She was absolutely scared of no one. Even Raven was always scared when Tiana gets mad. She always looked so wild and uncontrollable.

“Also aren’t you supposed to be looking after Rowan?” Tiana pestered her friend. She was never the type to give up so easily.

“Mom is with him and I already spoke to her on the phone to stay for a few more hours till I am off work.” Raven explained.

“Still you should have gone to them instead of coming to work. Mom and Rowan needs you more.” Tiana countered.

“All the same, Tiana, I know my son would be fine. And before that happens I have to keep the job I love the most and remember we made a pact.”

Tiana rolled her eyes. “Of course. Of course. You would always find something to say just to remind me of how unpatriotic I have been in this profession.” She whined and made a feigned sad face.

“Get your ass back to work, chef Tiana!” Raven ordered.

Faking a gasp. “Did you just raised your voice at your superior and even ordered her around?”

Raven chuckled. “Oops! I am so sorry ma’am.” She did a mock bow. “Please your highness get back to work.”

Tiana raised her shoulders high a bit. “Now that sounds right.” She muttered.

Raven started to clap but was cut off by a gesture from Tiana who laughed lightly.

“Please get back to work.” Raven pleaded.

Tiana sighed before leaning closer to pull Raven in for a hug. “I know it didn’t go well but don’t lose hope. I believe Rowan would be up and bobbly again.” She reassured her friend.

Raven relaxed into the embrace as she craved for it so badly. She blinked back the tears that threatened to spill anytime soon.

“I believe. I believe that too. Thank you so much, Tiana.” Raven murmured into her friend’s ear.