The Rise of the Jackson's Heir

Chapter Five

If Milton had met the doorman in the morning, he would have curled away with fear. But he was fed up with everyone treating him like a scumbag. He asked him again why someone ‘poor’ like him wasn’t supposed to enter.

“Because you don’t have money.” The doorman replied arrogantly.

“And what shows that?” Milton wanted to ask that but instead said, “sir, respectfully. You shouldn’t judge me just because of…”

The doorman interjected, “do you have a reservation table?”

Milton raised his eyebrows, wondering what he meant by reservation. Nobody told him about reservations. Moreso, he has never made one in his entire life.

The doorman mocked, “see. Stop pretending you are a rich young man. You didn’t know about the reservations. I bet on my life you can’t afford any meal here. This is my last warning, leave.”

Milton moved aside when a pair of couples walked by and entered the restaurant.

The doorman didn’t bother to ask them if they had a reservation. If it were not for how different they dressed, Milton would have asked the doorman if he had a vendetta against him.

The hotel was exquisite and only renowned people came here to dine. The couple that have entered was dressed elegantly. The female had a long black dress with a red shawl covering her shoulders while the man wore a perfect dark blue suit.

Milton saw someone from inside taking the shawl and then taking the man’s coat.

He looked at his worn-out shoe. If he had known he would come here, he wouldn’t have thrown the other pair into the river. Milton dressed in a black tee and blue-faded jeans.

The doorman said lowly, “young man. Are you deaf?” He went to grab Milton’s tee.

Milton jumped away, “I am not leaving. I will make a reservation here and now. Trust me, I can afford the food.”

The doorman was getting angrier as the seconds passed, Milton, on the other hand, wasn’t planning on letting go easily. He might as well eat and peel potatoes later if he had to. Enough was enough.

The doorman clicked angrily and informed him the reservation didn’t work like that and someone had to do it a few days earlier. 

Their arguments continued for a few minutes.

A few meters from the door, Natalie saw Milton. She tapped Dickson, “isn’t that Milton Jackson?”

Dickson scoffed, “what is that clown doing here?”

Natalie shook her head. “I am sure he forgot his way.”

“Oh, he did. There is no way he knows this place.”

They approached Milton.

“Milton,” Natalie called.

Milton cursed under his breath, he would realize the voice anywhere even in the middle of a riot. He faced her, his breath hitched when he noticed how close they were standing together.

“Did the wind throw you here? Haven’t you ever heard of someone knowing their lines? Where they should and shouldn’t go? Come on. Milton, do you always have to embarrass yourself? It is pathetic.” Dickson rambled.

Milton answered nothing, he was staring at Natalie.

Natalie waved, “stop gawking at me. No matter how long you stare, I won’t bend and buy you anything. You are a disgrace. Do you think if you manage to sneak in anyone will serve you?” 

“Don’t make us pariahs like you.” Dickson supported Natalie, pulling her closer to him as if they were not close enough.

Milton swallowed. “Are they right?” He wondered. They were dressed well too, like the couple who entered.

“I told him, and he didn’t listen.” The doorman huffed.

“When did you become a brat?” Natalie clicked in annoyance.

“He was saying he can pay for the reservation.” The doorman continued, enjoying he has gotten someone to harass Milton with.

“He is lying. This man here is a thief and a con.” Dickson said, his tone firm.

“Yes. My boyfriend is right. Throw him away.” Natalie finished. 

She tugged on Dickson’s hem. They threw one dirty look at Milton and entered the restaurant. Once again, leaving Milton behind pondering why the doorman didn’t ask them for their reservation.

“Do you treat everyone from their outlooks?”

“Oh. Boy.” The doorman groaned. He grabbed his hand and began pulling him away from the door. Milton forcefully pulled back.

From the restaurant, the customers were beginning to notice what was happening. The manager noticed too. He apologized to the customers and hurriedly left to see what the fuss was all about.

Milton sighed contentedly when the manager asked, “can someone please explain what is happening.”

However, the doorman beat him in answering first, “this man is adamant about leaving, sir. Neither does he have proper attire nor a reservation. He steals things too. This imbecile came here and cheated me to let him enter so he would eat for free.” The doorman rambled on and on.

The manager just like the doorman didn’t give Milton the benefit of the doubt. How could he when he was dressed like a street person?

“Everest, thank you. Next time however bring it to my attention immediately. We do not want to get bad reviews just because of one person.” The manager spoke, his eyes never leaving Milton’s eyes.

The doorman, Everest nodded furiously.

The manager said, “sir, it is an offense to bring chaos into our premise, we…” The manager paused while squinting at something in Milton’s hand. “What are you holding?” He asked, his eyes widening in disbelief.

“My badge.” Milton’s mouth formed an o. He hadn’t realized he was playing with the badge Brianna handed him earlier.

The manager was terrified. He knew the badge as it belonged to a rich family in the city. Milton saw his hands shaking in fear. “Sir, I apologize.” The manager whispered, horror written all over his face.

The events took a turn and the manager started apologizing profusely. Telling Milton he would offer him any food and shouldn’t pay for the subsequent ten visits here.

Milton bobbed his head with his mouth slightly open. The manager grabbed his left arm, “sir, please. Accept my apology.”

Why wasn’t the manager accepting Milton has accepted his apology? 

Milton looked at the badge on his hand, and one question rang through his mind, “what else can this badge do?”