The Texan Billionaire Heir

THE BIG APPLE.

CHAPTER 6: THE BIG APPLE.

"Dude, what those folks did is outrageous. Jeez," Duke said over the phone, speaking with Justin. He had arrived his shared apartment at SJC a day after the altercation he had with his foster family. 

"Tell me about it," Justin retorted, snorting detestably.

"It makes me wonder how you were ever raised by those maniacs."

"Point of correction, I wasn't raised by them, I only lived with them," Justin pointed out.

"That's about right," Duke agreed. "So what are you gonna do now?"

He sighed, and replied, "I don't know man. Well, am thinking I should just take up Professor James' offer. What do think?" 

"Hmm," Duke pondered for a bit. 

"You have big dreams man, and I know you have a shot at pulling it off and getting your footing in the big apple, unlike some of us who've been tied down to run the family business. So I think you should give your dreams and aspirations a shot."

"You really think so?" he asked.

"Mm-hmm. Despite all that you sacrifed for that self centered whore, forgive me for calling her that, I'm still amazed at how you were still able to save that much cash," Duke was impressed.

Justin chuckled softly at that statement.

"So, I still think you should go. Pursue your dreams. It's worth pursuing man, and leave this hell of a place behind you, for good," Duke counseled.

"Wow! I never thought I'd hear you say that so freely," he responded.

"Well, we're in the modern world pal, I can head over to see you anytime in New York, and so can Alex. So yeah," Duke replied.

"Thank you man. I truly am encouraged to ahead with my intentions," he appreciated.

"That's what friends are for," Duke replied smiling. "So when do you plan on leaving?"

"Well, three days from now, I think," he replied.

"Alright buddy. We'll be in touch. I need to go take care of some business," Duke said.

"Alright. We'll catch up later," he replied, ending the call. He sighed as he pondered on what they had discussed and how he'd go about his relocation to New York City.

He was excited about it, but at the same time scared. He didn't know anyone in New York, neither did he know what exactly awaited him over there, but he had a feeling it was going to be alright. 

_________

"Watch where you're going asshole!" 

Justin looked with surprise at the individual that bumped into him, on purpose, and yet cursed at him, while he was exhaustedly heading home from scouring the city of New York, returning from various job interviews.

He could tell that the jerk was clearly a pick pocket, although he dressed up nicely. He knew it was just a disguise tactic, but he was wise enough to not keep anything of value where such an individual could steal from.

He shook his head smiling, and continued to his block where he had rented an apartment in Central West Bronx. He got into the rickety elevator, and headed for the third floor, where his apartment was situated.

The elevator dinged open, and he exited it briskly. He initially found riding the elevator scary, as he feared it could malfunction, getting him stuck in it, or even worse. So he mostly used the stairs. 

Walking to his apartment, he passed some unruly looking fellows, who were obliviously dealing hard drugs. They glared at him, analyzing him from head to toe. He was wise enough not to make direct eye contact so as to avoid any confrontation with them. 

He walked past them without saying a word, minding his business, and quickly entered his room, locking it behind him. He sighed, feeling at ease in the confines of his house. But still he didn't feel too safe living in that area. 

As he took off his cheap suit jacket and removed his tie, his phone buzzed, ringing. Checking who was calling, he saw it was a video call from Alex. Answering it, he saw that Duke was with him.

"Hey New Yorker," Alex greeted.

"Hey guys," he replied smiling.

"Dude, why do you look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders? Even your smile can't obscure it," Alex asked, observing his countenance. 

"Oh man, living in the big apple isn't easy man. Texas is way more friendlier to the average American. That, I can tell you for free," Justin said.

"Damn. So the all American dream isn't easy to come by there huh?" Duke asked.

"Not at all. But that doesn't mean it isn't possible," he replied encouragingly.

"Yo, that's the spirit. I thought two weeks of frustration in the big apple had made you lose touch with what makes you different from us," Alex said.

"And what's that?" he queried.

"Your optimism bruh," Alex replied.

"Not at all man. Not at all," he responded, chuckling softly.

"Well, we have faith in you. You'll be alright," Duke said assertively.

"Thanks guys," he smiled.

"Well, catch you later New Yorker," Alex said, ending the call. Justin smiled, grateful that he had such friends who he could count on.

He took off the rest of his clothes and got some rest, sleeping for over an hour. He had had a hectic day going from one job interview to another. 

Waking up, his belly grumbled. He was hungry. So he decided to go get something to eat at a local restaurant four blocks away from his apartment.

He got dressed, and headed out. He followed the elevator to the ground floor, no longer being afraid of how rickety it was. Although cautious.

Taking a walk right outside his block, he saw a couple of girls dressed seductively. He could tell they were sex workers. 

"Hey handsome. Care if I join you? I'll make it worth your while?" one of the ladies said, giving him a suggestive look, biting her lower lip.

"Thanks, but I'll pass," Justin replied smiling a bit at her, as he walked past her. 

He got to the restaurant and got some spaghetti and meatballs. Although the restaurant wasn't so sophisticated, Justin was impressed at the quality of food they made. They had a variety of foods on their menu.

Justin heartily ate the food he ordered, looking through the window. He saw a car with tinted glasses parked across the street, directly opposite the restaurant. He didn't pay much attention to it. 

Appreciating one of the waitress at the restaurant who he had become acquaintances with, he took his leave as he was done with his meal, returning back to his apartment. 

He decided to stop by a convenience store and get a snack and drink to take back to his apartment. Leaving the store, he noticed the tinted vehicle that was parked opposite the store this time. 

'Is it just coincidence, or am I just being paranoid?' he questioned himself, feeling uneasy. So he began hurrying back to his block.