Brandon was sure no one would recognize him here like all the other branches of his steak houses that he had been to none of the other workers or even the manager had recognized him none of them also treated him right but that's what he expected he didn't expect everyone to share his vision because if they did then he would find it difficult choosing another managing director what all his managers didn't know was that the managing head whom they all reported to had just resigned Brandon was the owner founder and CEO of the organization and he
needed a replacement for the just retired managing director Jonas the director that had just retired was more than just a director he was a good friend of his and was perfect when it came to the vision that he had for the company sometimes it was almost like he and Jonas were the same person hence it grieved Brandon when Jonas dropped the resignation but now he was on a quest to find someone that would at least try to fit the shoes Jonas Left Behind Brandon opened the door and allowed the smell of juicily cooked steak and
spices to fill his nose the aroma of the place filled him with a sense of Pride for it was his recipe that produced such Heavenly scent uh buddy you can't be in here I don't know how he got in the first waitress to spot him immediately voiced much to Brandon's expectation he made a note of wiping the grime from his forehead with his tattered clothes before feigning the most convincing face of plea he didn't need to feain much he was genuinely dog tired and would have killed for a glass of cold water right about now
hence he didn't even bother asking for food he knew his restaurant gave water for free it was part of the policy I'm so sorry Miss I was just wondering if I could get a cup of water I've been walking for a long time and about to pass out now he pleaded with the waitress who would have come to to shoe him if she wasn't occupied with serving a customer I'm sorry sir she hissed we don't offer water to people who aren't customers she regarded him with the most scathing look I uh but miss you could
spare just one glass get lost now or I'll come out with the manager she snarled well that was a colossal failure on her part Brandon thought to himself not punishable by being fired but definitely not worth any sort of promotion either he committed her face to his memory and looked on he would usually have to interact with everyone in the restaurant to form a defined opinion of everyone there for all he knew the manager could be a kind soul instead of leaving he decided to stay and bear the awkward stare of the equally arrogant customers
that regarded him with more spite than a convicted criminal I'm Brandon he smiled and made a note to embarrass himself further since this was just a fake persona none of the embarrassment went past the surface of his skin because when he would get home in the evening he would have a nice hot bath in a tub in his Mansion the waitress looked like she had just had a gutter rag thrown on her give me a second she smiled sweetly at the customer she was attending to and immediately hurried over to the office area of the
restaurant Brandon watched with satisfaction knowing she was probably going to get the manager as he stared he looked over the counter and noticed the other workers all staring at him with the same expression the men looked hostile and on the faces of the women were written nothing but pure disgust that's all right just the manager now he thought to himself as he looked on one of the waitresses passed by him she must have been inside the kitchen because he didn't see her behind the counter what made him keep his eyes on her is the simple
fact that she kept hers on him there was not a shred of disgust on her face not even a surprise she just passed him and went to serve another customer and on her way back she stopped by him hey can I get you anything she asked with a bright but concerned smile her honey colored hair had strands spilling across her face probably roughed by all the work she had had to do from the morning till the midday and her blue eyes were also fatigued but there was still that smile on her face hi I uh
Jesse get back to work now a commanding voice growled from the side snatching Brandon's attention from the face he was so lost in the girl immediately scurried to fulfill her boss's desire leaving Brandon to face the man whose face held anything but good intentions I'm so sorry to bother your fine establishment sir but I was just you know thirsty and if I could hold it the man not past his early 40s through a silencing hand up and his cruel scowl enforced his desire to have the homeless man in front of him shut up look around
you he snarled Brandon took a confused glance around the room do you see anyone looking like you sir I don't deny the fact that I don't belong here I swear it I would not even try to stay I just I'm begging you sir a glass of water he pleaded again I'd leave right after there's no else to go the desperation in Brandon's eyes was now real majorly because he really needed that glass of water he was hoping for the Goodwill of humanity even though they treated him like trash humans are like that most of them
lack basic empathy but if they're persuaded enough they'd budge a lot of that caving was because it took more time and energy to drive the beggar away than to pull out a dollar from their wallets and a lot of them had their lives centered around efficiency that was what Brandon was banking on that it would save the manager more time and energy to just ask a waiter or waitress to get him a glass of water than it would for him to undertake the full process of driving him out how wrong he was when he saw
the Man's eyes flare with disgusted indignation you're going to stay here and then in 30 seconds or after you leave the purse of one of my customers is going to get missing nice try buddy move before I call the cops the man bared Brandon was at this point resigned to fate knowing that kindness had eluded the entire place he was going to leave now but that wouldn't quench his hunger or thirst it had been a long morning to that regard Brandon reached into his pocket and fumbled he fumbled because he had his wallet in there
still in mint condition in case any serious altercations were to happen at least he could reveal his identity to the cops at the last minute he hoped to God that he had less than a $100 bill in there but just for good measure he scrunched up the bill away from the sight of the manager and brought it out it was 100 S being rich could sometimes be an inconvenience this is all I have if I can get like a $10 meal and then the change or a soda or something he stretched the money out to
the manager paying for his food wouldn't be an embarrassment to him now even if he was isolated from the rest of his customers for his looks the manager's face unfolded into more Fury which Brandon didn't think was possible since he had gone through at least three different stages of anger already get your filth out of my restaurant now each word seeped out with so much venom Brandon would have been corroded away if words had the ability to affect the physical composition of the things they were directed to I can't even stand looking at you Henry
make sure this man is on the street where he belongs in 5 minutes if I come out and meet him here you'll have your job to pay He barked and stomped off pausing between each table to offer apologies for the grave disturbance no worries Henry I'll be on my way Brandon smiled sadly at the youngling that was sent to Usher him out you could tell Henry didn't like the task and Brandon wanted to save him the trouble he made his way slowly out of the room noting a few things that he would call later to
inform the manager about it was his Steakhouse after all the ornamental plants looked like they needed replacing a long time ago and some lights were faulty it irked him to think he would have to respond cordially to the man that had just treated him like trash a few moments ago he walked out but not far from the restaurant he really was hungry and even though this was his last trip he still had a long way to go back home he needed food he thought of waiting till a customer tried to enter and persuading them with
money to help get him something and so he waited by the side of the building a little towards the back away from the direct direct line of sight of the manager in case he came investigating hey a small voice called out to him after he had begun dozing against the wall he opened his eyes to see that it was the waitress from inside the one with brown hair that didn't look at him like he was a diseased rat carrying the bonic plague back she nudged towards the back of the steakhouse quickly break isn't long and
I have to split for both of us she had a brown paper bag in her hand that she kept in the side of her that faced away from the windows inside the restaurant in case anyone saw Brandon crawled in desperation after her and they were in the back of the restaurant away from prying eyes she opened the bag without looking at him but that was because she seemed to be in a hurry I got two burgers she smiled proudly one for each of us we'd have to share the Sprite though it's difficult to sneak out
more than one cup she stretched took a big gulp first and then stretched out to him you know I probably shouldn't I'm dirty in having to share with you oh I know she gave him an assuring face I've taken all I need there's tap water inside that I could get full on later thank you Brandon accepted the cup from her and took a large gulp she filled the cup to the brim so her own sit was less than a tithe of the entire thing as rich as he was Brandon would remember this day as the
day he enjoyed a makeshift employee styled Burger it wasn't the usual on the customer menu and was all the things she liked he would go as far as to critique it and note that the Patty wasn't the best probably an older bun than he would normally condone but to him that moment the meal was Heaven the Gratitude shown from more than just his eyes he thanked her with every bite oh please stop already she tried hiding her blush from him but it was futile I wasn't going to let you starve no matter what why he
felt the sudden impulse to ask why she responded to his question with the same words but the meaning was clearly communicated you should have seen your face you were lucky you didn't pass out inside and that shouldn't happen to anyone she had her face set in determination thank you Brandon said again after the last bite of the burger done already yeses now I feel like I should have bought three burgers she chuckled and continued eating hers she paused to offer it to him I could get another one later we have fast breaks and stuff but
Brandon shook his head he was going back home to a Sumptuous dinner he just needed something to get him through the Journey back no no it's fine you've given me more food than I've had in days Miss he lied with a chuckle it's Jesse you're Brandon he shook the hand she extended if you need some tomorrow you can come I'd get Burger for lunch and I could work towards sneaking some food when I close work okay she peered out of the backyard alley they were in I've got to get back to work now tomorrow Brandon
couldn't say no to that pretty smile on her face plus she just extended his social experiment for the rest of the week he was going to have to keep up the ACT you bet he smiled broadly you know for a man on the streets you sure do have nice teeth she commented making Brandon aware that she saw him she was looking at him not just a homeless man Brandon I uh haven't been out long that was impartiality a truth one that could be too easily misconstrued as even if she had a thousand guesses she wouldn't
think that he was the multi-millionaire owner of the very establishment she worked for okay Brandon she waved and finally hurried inside for the first time in what had to be forever his heart fluttered it had been a while since he experienced genuine kindness he didn't even wait for the afternoon the next day by around 11: Brandon was already somewhere around the restaurant he avoided coming too close at first because he feared one of the other loathsome employees would spot him and report him to the manager who would then call the police and end up terminating
his little experiment hence he waited till it was lunchtime he didn't mind the sweltering heat of the East Coast midday as long as there was shade and he was safe from direct contact with the sun he was was good to go the early morning jog he had before making his way here had built up enough Grime to give his dirty homeless look some glimmer and wearing the same clothes as yesterday was spoton after what seemed to be an eternal weight he saw Jesse exit the building with the same brown bag as yesterday and scan for
him he immediately tossed his phone in his pocket but not before putting it on the silent mode if his brand new top-of-the-line smartphone rang during his interaction with her the only way he would have been able to explain it without giving himself away would be lying that he stole it no that wouldn't have been a very good look on his image and at this point he wanted to do a little bit of impressing no matter how limited his options were it didn't take long for Jesse to spot him and he waved to her as soon
as she did a smile lit her face and she quickly beckoned him to come over warily he approached his own restaurant making sure to steer fear of any doors and windows just in case anyone was peering through hey Jesse how's work he greeted her with a grin she returned the smile exhausting how about you sleep well yesterday I mean I had a full stomach so it was much better than the day before Brandon Shrugged a burger in half a cup of Sprite does nothing to fill the stomach she commented almost pitifully you have no idea
Brandon replied feeling proud of himself for playing the part of the homeless man so good maybe it's because he knew what it actually felt like to be hungry well I got lunch she announced and this time she had a cup in her hand with one in the bag Brandon felt a wave of satisfaction that at least she didn't have to split her lunch between the both of them again two Sprites he commented excitedly you don't get them both Jesse laughed one's for me of course he plopped down to the ground where they had made a
makeshift table with two empty crates and a sheet of thick cardboard after the meal which was mostly quiet save for the usual banter of thank yous and don't thank Mees Jesse stood up unannounced and went to where a bigger sheet of cardboard met the wall from it she produced a black plastic bag a curious Brandon turned his gaze to his new friend from his empty cup and his eyes held the question his feigned shyness couldn't ask they clothes she smiled and branded a pair of jeans from the bag and another and another Brandon didn't know
where he got the intuition to act surprised but he did it whoa where'd you get these they're from my father I told him about you and he agreed to give these away she emptied the bag and some shirts also came out they're nice he commented from the perspective of someone homeless these were a steel of course they are Jesse slapped him playfully on the shoulder my dad Daddy has good taste he noted how she touched him and didn't care one bit whether he was dirty or not she was not at all irritated by him just
because you're homeless it doesn't mean you should dress all washed up and dirty she simmered into a serious mode the fact that you're on the streets Now isn't a condemnation you shouldn't resign to fate you can still make it it just needs a little help she winked he held the clothes tight and cherished them more than the Wardrobe he had at home someone hadn't met him yet and wanted him to have these the kindness felt unreal hey when I close today you think you can follow me home and take a shower she placed a hand
on his shoulder touching him again she was not afraid to look him in the eye it gave Brandon a lot of comfort to see that if he was in this state there would be someone that wouldn't find him completely repulsive thank you Jesse I really mean it he almost cried oh it's fine really Jesse Shrugged it was clear on her face that she understood the value of the deed she was doing but she also didn't want to come off as too understanding or too sympathetic she knew that coming off as too overbearing might push people
away when trying to help them and she was desperate to help this man why when other people saw a filthy man that could be a thief and a wretch up to anything but good she saw a man that could be saved he didn't look like he was addicted to any sort of drugs so she felt the burden of helping him lighten considerably he'd be easy to reason with easier to help before he got to that stage the happiness in his eyes made her heart warm and she could only imagine the horror he would have gone
through the days before he met her enough to consider a cheeseburger A fitting meal for the full day it broke her heart ever so slightly but she kept the emotions inside and wanted to maintain the optimism that everything would be fine I she didn't want to make him feel any more hopeless than he already did because that's probably the first step to a life destroyed Beyond recovery the thought that there's no fixing you she didn't want that for Brandon not while there was still time she would have loved to stay and chat some more maybe
get to know him on a deeper level and gain further insights on how to subtly help him but she had work her break was already 5 minutes due and if she didn't get to work soon someone would come looking for her I got to get back to work Brandon will you wait for me here well when would you be getting off Brandon asked with interest in his eyes telling Jesse that he was indeed ready to be saved at 5 I'm on the day shift today and I don't need to work overtime she stood up and
began backing out of the alley seeming reluctant to leave her new friend mostly to her he was like a puppy she didn't want to come out and he had just disappeared only to resurface a few days later dirty and back to square one she wanted progress because the faster she could help him the better his chances would be Brandon knew when the store would close of course he was just really inept with his acting surprising even himself on his intuitive questions however slip UPS did occur yeah Allan better not make you stay long he snorted
remembering his dislike for the manager only when he saw her face did he realize his slip you know the manager she questioned everyone knows Allan around the block he quickly covered his tracks and settled the surprise on Jesse's face real meanie tossed an empty can of Dr Pepper on a guy named Zed once he spat yeah Allan is awful I guess that's what makes him a good boss Jesse Shrugged a good enforcer Brandon insisted he wished he could just fire Alan now but doing away with your manager for no good reason could tracked a lawsuit
for wrongful termination if not handled properly especially from a man like Alan Jesse wasn't in the mood to argue so she just chuckled away into the restaurant where indeed there was glowering Alan wondering where she might have been unbothered she endured the scolds and harsh rebukes a lot easier because her mind was not on the job she had to do her mind was on Brandon and how she was going to make an impact in the life of one man when she clocked off she immediately sprinted to the backyard where she thought Brandon would be but
when she got there she saw no one slight resignation set in until she looked past her original excitement and decided to have a little look around not far from the backyard Brandon leaned against a pole having a conversation with another man the man also looked homeless so she assumed he must be the Zed he was talking about not wanting to be too intrusive she stood back and let them finish the conversation the man Brandon was talking to wasn't Zed he wasn't anyone Brandon really knew for that matter but by virtue of how he was dressed
the man found someone to talk to and Brandon gladly obliged getting to know the man a little more Brandon knew that the elderly man was a man that would need some help he would do that when his full identity would be revealed in the meantime he spotted Jesse waiting for him and immediately ended his conversation with the old man promising to stick around later he didn't want to keep his angel of a helper waiting for long Zed she asked as soon as he got to her nope Reagan Zed hasn't been here for a long time
I doubt he's coming back Brandon fibbed right she fished into her bag and got a can of Dr Pepper out for the road she stretched the can to him with a smile in real life Brandon had resigned from refined sugars and carbonated drinks but for his role he was going to have to make an exception besides he didn't want to make her feel like she wasn't doing enough or that there was anything of her doing that wasn't appreciated the journey to her house was shorter than he felt she should have needed to compensate for less
than a 30-minute walk and they were walking on quite a leisurely Pace as well since Jesse was just that woman knowing how to keep conversations alive slowing time from its fleeting race to a dreamy crawl Jesse's house was humble a semi-detached Bungalow whose mortgage her father had just finished clearing all the rooms in the house were put to good use one was her father's the other was hers and they had one spare for guests like her uncle who stopped by every now and again as he was a travel doctor when Brandon entered the house a
wave of nostalgia filled him it reminded him of his own Little Beginnings even though he was much more humble I'll show you to the shower Jesse guided him by hand again displaying that she wasn't scared of contact from a scrawny man she knows nothing of but his name Dad is probably sleeping by now so we shouldn't make too much noise Brandon's eyes widened your dad is home uh-huh his legs aren't the best anymore so his job in construction you know kind of dipped she told him with a sad gleam in her eyes oh I I'm
sorry Brandon didn't know what to say h she brushed off the dreamy look on her face it's cool just go take a shower I'll be in the kitchen if you need me she said she left him to do his thing and after checking up on her father she dived into the preparation of the dish it was her father's favorite and she hoped Brandon liked it too it didn't take too long for Brandon to shower and that worried Jesse because before he entered the kitchen she could perceive the freshness coming from him however as soon as
he stepped into the kitchen she was reminded that he was homeless not or having trouble with any life-threatening addiction of any sort simply homeless and it showed wow was all she could utter Brandon sure knew how to make a dad golf shirt look good on him she didn't know what homeless men worked out this much or looked this good everything about his homelessness vanished and in its place stood the aura of a demigod he looked down at himself and made minor adjustments and stretches showing off his toned muscles and making butterflies pool at her belly
the trousers seemed a little oversized at the waist but he already had a belt on him so he was able to keep it on his waist all cleaned up she shook the intruding thoughts out of her head and managed to say he smiled and showed off his perfect dentition bringing his clean look to a complete circle thanks to you he replied I'm done with the gravy do you like it with rice or cornbread anything honestly I'll have the gravy itself if I could he chuckled it actually smelled good and the only thing that stopped him
from going close enough to peer into the pan and soak up all the aroma was the respect he had for her and the reservation he was supposed to keep up she laughed cornbread it is you'll love the dinner as they enjoyed each other's silence there was the dull sound of rolling against the wooden floorboard that Jesse knew all too well only Brandon had to turn to check it out hey Dad Jesse called without looking back as she was really invested in the dinner she was making good evening Mr Jesse's dad Brandon stepped back and allowed
The Smiling man to roll into the kitchen he wasn't too elderly so there was still a lot of black on his already balding hair Jesse was a spitting image of her father and the warm accepting smile on his face showed that the fruit doesn't fall too far from the tree there was absolutely no look of animosity on his face whatsoever ah you must be Brandon handsome lad you are he grinned it's me sir I really appreciate the clothes Brandon shyly showed the man his limbs where the clothes rested to which the Man simply smiled I'm
glad at least the clothes are actually being put to good use they finally fit someone better than they do me he laughed cheerily his middle-aged face creasing and wisdom lines spreading over his eyes they're the best things I've worn in a while Brandon replied with good nature that I'm sorry about the things you might have had to go through you know out there it's a cold world and the government is even colder to its people but it's a phase people have passed it you will too Randa nodded as Jesse's father admonished him I can see
the fight in your eyes it's not over heck it's not over for me and I'm in a wheelchair he laughs the room became way less tense as Giggles erupt and the light atmosphere is carried into the dining room where they all have a Happy Meal not once did Jesse's father ask about anything that led to his homelessness which was a relief because Brandon had nothing planned he didn't think he would get this far into the homelessness law and so didn't feel the need to come up with a backstory Jesse's dad Hugh was full of stories
about his own rough beginnings and even though Brandon's reality was a stark opposite of what he made it out to be he actually did learn a thing or two about determination happiness and everything in between he also understood the backbone of the love Jesse harbored in her heart it came from her mother who who had been late since she was 10 and was an excellent role model to her daughter up until cancer thought all that love was too much for one little girl after the dinner Jesse insisted on seeing Brandon off but she already had
a plan for him in that regard so Jesse Brandon forgot his shyness feeling like he slowly didn't need it anymore maybe it was the new clothes tell me about your mother he implored the beautiful girl by his side she swished her brown hair to the side and smiled a little as the memories began flowing back in tiny little details she was beautiful Jesse smiled like you Brandon thought to himself he wished he could say things like that out loud he wished they had that kind of relationship she was kind too I remember she taught me
everything I know and think about people today she always said never to judge people by what they look like on the outside the most beautiful plants have the thorniest insides and in the ugliest of flowers you could get the sweetest nectar she recounted saying it with practiced carefulness in a way that Brandon knew she was quoting her mother she sounds like an angel he sighed I wish I had knowledge of my parents you don't know them Jesse looked concerned Brandon shook his head they died while I was young so I kind of he simply Shrugged
and left the rest to Her Imagination the poor compassionate girl's mind did run wild thinking about all the hell he must have gone through all the way till now no one deserves to lose their parents at that age she shook her head and wrapped a comforting arm around him hey you know you might have blown your shot at my restaurant since you know Alan hates you and stuff but you think you could apply for a job elsewhere I mean it's a good start don't you you think she let the suggestions simmer in his head for
a little while and luckily for her Brandon wasn't someone that needed extra convincing he always accepted her opinions with an open heart and a willingness that gladdened her you're right I mean now that I look like this I could get a job as a janitor or a construction worker then I don't have to be a bother to anyone ever the broad smile on his face sent her to the moon and back with joy yes yes she backed him up you know my house has a guest room you could always come over for a place to
sleep and shower my dad would be more than happy Brandon's eyes widened are you really suggesting that I come live with us yeah it's the least I could do besides we're not paying rent or mortgage so you don't have to feel like you're owing anything okay my god you're an angel I swear it you're an angel he gasped in disbelief was she being so incredibly nice because it was her nature or was she just being intuitive trying to tackle actual problems why are you so kind he was the one holding her now feeling like she
really was an angel and would fly away any second if he let her stray too far from her she simply Shrugged thinking of another generic answer to give in truth Jesse saw no philosophical reason to be kind to people other than it being the right thing to do in reality that was what it was it could be logical it could be empathetic but above all it was just right and that's why she did things for people like offer them her home even though society would dictate otherwise I would have loved to take you up on
that offer Jesse but I have a friend he's not living well but I can stay with him now that you know I'm clean and all you've done so much for me already he took her hands in his and breathed his air of gratitude into them as he kissed the back of her Palms I'll come and see you as soon as I get settled down all right he told her Jesse was naturally skeptical about him staying away from her for a while since she wanted to supervise his progress but it was a suggestion she couldn't say
no to so she agreed be safe for me Brandon and remember that job thing I told you about she told him as she began backing in the direction of her house my friend might have some ideas Brandon nodded I'll see you soon Jesse he waved good night to her good night not goodbye Brandon got home feeling like a homeless man that was just taken care of well that was in fact what he was but getting home he was supposed to shrug off that life he didn't want to he didn't want to forget Jesse so easily
in fact he was sure he had found the right person for the job and left to him he would have just put the entire thing to closure however apart from the respect that he had for Jesse and the Commendation something else was brewing inside of him for the young waitress something he hadn't felt for a long time Brandon wasn't necessarily a lonely man but romantic relationships had always been difficult for him because every now and again the women in his life managed to prove that they were after him for his money now he might have
found it in the person of sweet sweet Jesse Brandon gave it a few days before he went to her again still wearing other of the clothes he gave her they met at their usual spot in the back of the restaurant that's wonderful she smiled excitedly at the pseudo news of Brandon getting a job and wholeheartedly refused a few dollars he tried to give her the things I did for you are not to be paid back or refunded Brandon she sounded a bit offended that he would think of her like that but Brandon anticipated this that
was the setup for the request he made next then let me take you on a date Jesse just to say thank you would you let me thanks to you I'm off the streets I have to thank you in some way he spread his arms in plea the smile that creeped onto her face was gradual but it came she couldn't deny that the once homeless man is now a really handsome man now and she couldn't deny the butterflies his smile made her feel okay mister you're picking the place and time she slapped his shoulders playfully you
bet Brandon concealed his Mischief with a smirk evening came and Jesse was outside in a sundress waiting for her date he wasted not a second more than the allotted 7 p.m. pulling up in a taxi the flowers he had in his hands left the cab before he did and he held out his hands for her to take before slowly pulling her into the car he then offered her the rose bouquet that she questioned its price but he told her not to worry he had picked them from his personal Garden but she didn't need to know
that yet no way she gasped with the hint of a smile playing across her lips when the taxi stopped I thought you know novelty's sake that we came here it was where we met Brandon Shrugged for him this was the final test not for Jesse he had already concluded everything about the angel and if she actually insisted they go somewhere else he would oblige but he would try to convince her to enter he wanted to give Alan and the others a chance to redeem themselves from their undiluted wickedness especially Alan the manager of the place
he needed a reason not to fire the guy and this would have to be it Brandon I mean it's just super weird is all aren't you worried Alan would recognize you she asked concerned are you worried Alan would recognize you Brandon threw the question back to her she rolled her eyes and exhaled Allan doesn't worry me losing my job does and since I'm off work hours he can kiss dirt if he tries anything stupid she declared boldly well then Brandon opened his arm for her to link shall we the both of them walked into the
restaurant ready for what the steakhouse and its staff had in store for them they settled down and the first person to attend to them was the waitress that Brandon Met first when he came in she had a nice smile on her face that immediately vanished as soon as she recognized him Jesse what's this she asked in a blank unimpressed tone what do you mean Lillian aren't you going to take our order Jesse threw back from The Exchange Brandon could tell that the both of them didn't have a nice history that checked out surely a girl
as cruel as Lillian would never validate the empathetic opinions of Jesse well what do you want leftovers she rolled her eyes and scoffed you even came here on a date you should have seen where my boyfriend took me we spent $400 on the food alone she rambled about her exotic life but all that was on Jesse's face was disgust that was the first time Brandon saw an expression on Jesse that didn't reflect kindness it was because she didn't tolerate the vain obtuseness that spewed out of the mouth of her coworker get us the 14 oz
spiced ribey steak medium rare and Greek salad if I could have a Linguini on the side as well I'm a little bit indecisive he glanced at Jesse who had her jaw slightly ajar from how he just recited items from their menu off hand marinara on the Linguini please he winked at Jesse who still looked stunned whatever we'll have to place someone on watch make sure youall don't run off or anything Lillian rolled her eyes it'll come out of your pay any anyways and you'll be fired for theft Jesse did a mean childish imitation of what
the embittered woman's sounded like before sending her off with a scathing order just do your job Lillian she then turned to Brandon with a glow what was that and how are you going to pay for all those relax darling Brandon eased with a Sly smile I had a life before I became homeless this isn't my first time in a restaurant if prices differ by no more than 10 bucks everything should total around a 100 that's still a lot of money she huffed it's too little compared to what you deserve Brandon insisted as they bantered over
the price and responsible spending a cackle sifted into the room and as they turned their heads it was clear who the laughter was from and who it was for don't tell me this girl actually wanted to mock me this badly Jesse Allan sighed as he approached the table what are you now the Revenge attorney for homeless people or are you genuinely dating a homeless drug addict neither Brandon growled where's our food my words still stand sir the manager snarled at Brandon we do not serve criminals and we certainly do not tolerate them sitting on our
chairs you know what Brandon let's just go to another place Jesse stood up and snatched her purse from the table but Brandon remained stoic he had had enough of the bullying and disrespect that was being dished out by a man under his payroll simply because he thought he was better than someone less fortunate than him he was ready to reveal his true identity right there and then and he was about to reach into his pocket and fish out his business card when Jesse's hand pulled him firmly as Allan continued to scathe let's go Brandon it's
never worth it Jesse gave Allan one last deathly look before the pair stormed out of the restaurant Mission failed successfully they didn't let the actions of Allen spoil their night though and it was a solid opportunity for Jesse to insist that they don't spend so much none of those things mattered to Brandon at this point so he let her have his way his verdict was concluded his limit was reached it was time for the CEO to emerge a few days after their date Jesse woke up to the doorbell ringing over and again she was hoping
that the ringer would go away but stood up immediately the thought that it could be Brandon crossed her mind sure enough it was Brandon she took a wide step back she didn't remember giving him a suit and not something this fancy she wouldn't have recognized him if she hadn't spent so much time with him Brandon where did you how did you she stuttered his Beauty struck her dumb she didn't know whether to be impressed or surprised so her body picked the most natural reaction for her I went to the restaurant twice I didn't see you
what happened Brandon let himself into the house the strong scent of overpowering expensive musk flowing with him Jesse didn't understand it neither did her father I see you grew out of those clothes so fast Hugh tried to hide his surprise under jokes I actually have them framed on my wall Hue they belong to a special moment in time when a certain man showed me more kindness than I deserved Brandon smiled and gave a confused Hue a pat on the back he then turned back to Jesse hey are you sick is something wrong no I just
I quit Brandon I couldn't go back to that place again I couldn't look at Allan and not say something stupid I just thought it was better to quit she confessed with her head hung low but then she perked up again I did manage to tell him my mind before I left though that was for certain Brandon smiled this was going to be an even more elaborate Revelation than he thought I'll be on the lookout for more opportunities the 3 days I've been away from work already got me a little bored she chuckled oh if you're
desperate then I know a place they're hiring want to check it out Brandon asked her eyes lit up with hope if she could get hired immediately it would be a blessing in this economy the thought of having to deal with tons of ection gave her Shivers was that where you got your suit she raised her brows and smiled with one side of her face Brandon thought about the irony of that question for a second before replying with an even more mischievous grin yes yes it is let me throw on something more comfortable if you need
to wear a suit who knows what I would have to wear she sprinted into her room leaving Brandon with Hugh he gave Brandon some friendly tips on the work sector that the young man took with good nature despite the fact that by the time he would be back with his daughter the entire narrative would have changed and in a good way as soon as Jesse left the house she walked past the Sleek Mercedes parked in the walkway and just moved past not caring who had it it never mattered in actuality she could call the cops
and insist the vehicle be moved from in front of her property but what good would that do she turned back when Brandon hadn't reached her side was he still saying goodbye to her father no Brandon was beside the beautiful car that she had just passed and it was now open in the driver's seat His Hands Held the door open huh you're going to get in he smiled enjoying the shock on her face Brandon what's I'll explain on the way I promise he told her and that was able to get her to move her limbs towards
the car on the drive he explained everything thing to her most of it that is he didn't tell her about the restaurant being his and the experiment he was conducting Brandon had planned this way too well to Spill the tea so easily he gazed out of the window lost in a memory that was as Vivid as if it had happened just yesterday Brandon was 8 years old he and his grandmother lived in a small quaint House near the local steakhouse the scent of sizzling staks often filled the air teasing ing his senses and making his
mouth water his grandmother Mrs Harper was a kind and loving woman who did her best to provide for him after his parents tragic accident they managed but money was always tight one evening as the rich Savory smell of cooking steak drifted through the open window Brandon's stomach growled he turned to his grandmother who was knitting in her favorite chair grandma do you think we could ever afford to eat at the steakhouse he asked his voice full of Hope Mrs Harper looked up from her knitting her eyes filled with love and sadness maybe one day dear
but for now we need to save every penny we can Brandon nodded understanding the weight of her words but the craving for that delicious steak gwed at him he decided he had to do something about it the next day Brandon gathered all the courage he could muster and walked into the steakhouse the rich Aroma hit him full force making his stomach Rumble even louder he approached the counter where the manager Mr Scott stood Mr Scott was a tall kindl looking man with graying hair and a warm smile hello young man how can I help you
today Mr Scott asked leaning down to meet Brandon's eye level hi sir my name is Brandon he began his voice trembling slightly I was wondering if I could get a stake on credit I promised I'll work to pay it back Mr Scott's smile faded a bit as he looked at the earnest boy in front of him he knew Brandon's story everyone in the neighborhood did he sighed and gestured for Brandon to follow him to a quiet a corner of the restaurant Brandon Mr Scott started gently I know times are tough for you and your grandmother
and I admire your willingness to work for what you want but today I'm afraid I can't give you a stake on credit Brandon's heart sank he had hoped so much that this plan would work but why he asked his voice barely above a whisper Mr Scott placed a comforting hand on Brandon's shoulder because Brandon Sometimes the best way to help someone is by not giving them what they want right away it makes them stronger and more determined if you really want that stake go out find a way to earn some money and come back it'll
taste even better knowing you worked for it tears welled up in Brandon's eyes but he nodded okay sir I understand Mr Scott smiled warmly I believe in you Brandon you'll find a way Brandon smiled at the memory that day had been a turning point for him Mr Scott's words had lit a fire in his heart he had gone out done all jobs around the neighborhood saved every penny and eventually returned to the steakhouse with enough money to buy that coveted steak and it had indeed tasted better than he could have ever imagined when they stopped
in front of the steakhouse Jesse's jaw dropped for what had to be the H hundredth time no she gasped as they came out already caught on to the plot Yep this is mine he smiled proudly and began The Confident Strat into the restaurant Allan was out of his office berating a worker ever so lightly when he stepped in everyone paused what they were doing seeing Jesse with the rich looking man Allan had the best guess especially since he had seen Brandon a couple of times what you dressed your doll in a tux and now you're
here to Playhouse I'm busy take a seat you'll be served if that's what you want he snorted Brandon guessed he finally got tired and decided to give them whatever they wanted this should have happened on the very first day when he came in as a homeless man Alan conut is that right the calling of his full name hit the brakes in Allan's head the voice of authority had his heart pumping faster than a sports car's Pistons Brandon Jericho CEO of Jericho Steakhouse he pulled his business card from his pocket and stretched it out to the
man who was still in disbelief laughed and walked all the way to retrieve the card from his hands the more he read the more in shock he was you were interviewed by Jonas High the managing director he resigned last week about the same time I set out on this social experiment he regarded all the other staff in the area whose eyes were glued open and mouths Frozen shot a social experiment that every of my other branches failed but this Branch failed woefully and this manager Allan looked like he was either about to pass out or
was already out cold just standing you treated staff and customers horribly consistently Brandon Meed out his verdict pack your staff and be out before it gets too busy and everyone has to see your embarrassment a few customers gasped but no one interfered it was Midday so the place wasn't full Jericho was usually packed at lunchtime and through the evenings Allan hung his head low in shame and shuffled along he had no defense he couldn't even must the shamelessness to plead for mercy Lillian you work your last month here and turn in your resignation as well
Brandon commanded same offense as your boss ex boss Lily also uttered not a word how could she what would she have said to Jesse he was an entirely different person now the small voice was replaced by domineering nonchalant she felt chills run down her spine knowing she was on the good side of such power everyone meet your new managing director Brandon took Jesse's hand and lifted it in the air all the customers cheered forcing the staff to a reluctant cheer Jesse herself was stunned Brandon then leaned in to whisper to her and my girlfriend if
she will accept by giving me a simple nod when he stepped back tears filled Jesse's eyes as she nodded enthusiastically of course Brandon she jumped into his arms and held him close now all her help might have felt inconsequential with his Revelation but Brandon knew one thing she helped him into love genuine love Jesse looked around and stretched her hands to someone among the staff a middle-aged woman emerged and welcomed the Embrace of her young friend she's worked here the longest Jesse told Brandon with a smile and she helped me sneak lunch to you the
second time you came the Dr Pepper was also hers I think she can run this place you know saving you the need for an interview good you're the new manager think you can handle it he looked into her name tag Helen yes yes sir the eyes of the janitor lit up it's mundane stuff mostly anything you can't do delegate but if something goes wrong I'll ask you questions got it he extended a fist for her to bump yes sir she bumped his fist almost tearing up at the insane turn of events and Jesse smiled the
the circle was complete Brandon was sure his company and heart were in the safest of hands Jesse walked into her home that day and announced to her father that she was going to continue working for the steakhouse Hugh looked empathetic he knew his daughter was doing her best to keep food on the table for them both Jesse you don't have to do this Hugh said gently I'm ready to starve if needed but I won't allow you to work in such conditions just then Brandon appeared from behind he greeted Hugh warmly and said Mr Kirby you
can go ahead and congratulate your daughter on becoming the new manager at my steakhous Hugh was utterly confused he looked at his daughter searching for answers Jesse smiled and explained dad Brandon isn't just any homeless man he's actually the owner of the Steakhouse Brandon approached Hugh and placed his hands on Hugh's shoulders thank you for raising such a kind daughter Brandon said sincerely from today on you don't have to worry about her I'll be there for her Mr Kirby may I have your blessing to protect your daughter and be her man Hugh turned to Jesse
who had tears of joy in her eyes he looked back at Brandon and asked so you've been the boss all along Brandon Brandon nodded his grin spreading I had to be sure she was the one not just for the job but for me he confessed looking lovingly at Jesse Jesse blushed her eyes sparkling with happiness and relief the room filled with laughter and warm conversation as they discussed plans for the future the evening passed quickly with stories shared and plans made until it was time for Brandon to leave the months flew by and the wedding
day arrived just as suddenly the ceremony was beautiful set in a small Chapel adorned with with flowers and soft music playing in the background Hugh dressed in his best suit took his place in the front row his eyes moist as he watched his daughter walk down the aisle Jesse radiant in her white gown walked confidently towards Brandon who stood waiting with an adoring Smile as they exchanged vows Hugh felt a profound sense of joy and gratitude his little girl was starting a new chapter in her life one filled with love and new responsibilities after the
ceremony as guests mingled and celebrated Hugh approached Brandon clapping him on the shoulder take good care of her he said his voice steady but emotional Brandon nodded clasping Hugh's hand with all my heart he assured as the evening Drew to a close Hugh stood alone for a moment watching the young couple laughing and dancing he wiped a tear from his eye knowing that Jesse was embarking on a wonderful journey in her happiness he found his own peace reminded once again of the power of kindness and the unexpected paths it can lead us down
