Chapter 7 SEVEN HUNDRED POUNDS

with my new friend Ethan, I guess," Angela says apologetically.

"It's all good, apology accepted. I probably would have done the same in your shoes. So, how was your date with Mr. Perfect?" Cynthia asked eagerly.

"It was great! He showed up, and we chatted; girl, it was a blast," Angela replied cheerfully.

"I'm happy to hear that! So, did you two share a kiss?" Cynthia inquired.

"Ah, Cynthia, it's too soon for that! Ethan's a real gentleman, and even if he wanted to kiss me, I wouldn't allow it. I'm not that kind of girl, you know," Angela clarified.

"Haha, relax; I was just teasing," Cynthia chuckled back.

"We actually went on a second date today, and I'm just returning. I thought about you, so I decided to call," Angela explained.

Hearing this, Cynthia rolled her eyes and asked, "Wait, you've already gone out on a second date?"

"Yeah, after our first date, we became closer and ended up talking on the phone, sharing stories. So, we decided to meet up again," Angela clarified.

"Wow, and you're just telling me about the first and second dates over the phone now? Clearly, you've pushed me out of your life for Mr. Perfect!" Cynthia remarked.

"I'm sorry! I know I've messed up; I should have told you about our first date, but as I mentioned, I got carried away. You know how long I've hoped to go out with Ethan," Angela admitted.

"It's alright; at least you've filled me in, and I'm glad you're happy. I wish you all the best," Cynthia commented.

"Thanks, dear," Angela smiled.

"Anytime," Cynthia replied warmly.

"Talk to you tomorrow," Angela said as she ended the call.

Meanwhile, Ethan was on his way home when his phone buzzed; it was his best friend Alfie calling. "Hey, Alfie, I'm driving. I'll call you back when I get home," Ethan said.

"Okay," Alfie replied before hanging up.

"Hmm, I wonder why he's calling me at this hour; I hope everything's okay," Ethan thought to himself.

Unfortunately, upon arriving home, Ethan spotted Alfie sitting in front of his gate.

Ethan quickly stepped out of the car and asked, "Alfie, why are you just sitting out here? Don't you have my spare key to get in?"

"It's a long story, Ethan. I do have your spare keys, but they're not with me," Alfie said with a frown.

At that point, Ethan sensed something was off, so he remained silent until they were inside.

"Take a seat," Ethan offered.

"This isn't the time to sit down," Alfie replied.

"Alfie, what's wrong? I don't like the sound of your voice," Ethan asked quickly.

"Mate, I went to see my sick mom today, and when I got back, my landlord had changed the locks on my apartment," Alfie explained.

"Why would he do that?" Ethan pressed.

"Because I haven't paid my rent for this year, and the extra three months he granted me to pay is up," Alfie responded.

"Hmm, Mate, is that why you're acting like the world is ending? How much are we talking about?" Ethan asked.

"Seven hundred pounds," Alfie replied.

"So, because of seven hundred pounds, your landlord changed the locks?" Ethan questioned.

"Yes," Alfie answered. "Okay, that's not a big deal. Send me your account details, and I'll see what I can do," Ethan instructed.

Without delay, Alfie sent him his account information, and Ethan promptly transferred some money. "I just sent you some funds; let me know when you receive the alert," Ethan said.

"All right, thank you," Alfie responded with relief, realizing he wouldn't be homeless, thanks to Ethan's help.

After about five minutes, Alfie received the notification of the transfer, but he couldn't believe his eyes at the amount he saw.

"What! Ethan, I think you made a mistake with the transaction!" Alfie exclaimed.

"What do you mean?" Ethan asked.

"I'm seeing two thousand pounds instead of seven hundred!" Alfie replied.

"Yes, I'm aware, and it wasn't an error. Use the extra one thousand three hundred pounds for yourself, and send some to your mom as well," Ethan clarified.

"Oh my God, you're incredible, Ethan," Alfie said as he hugged Ethan, tearing up.

"Mate, are you crying?" Ethan asked. "Yeah, it's been ages since someone showed me this kind of kindness. So why wouldn't I cry?" Alfie replied.

"Haha, I understand, mate. But what are best friends for if we can't help each other? You can also stay here tonight if you'd like," Ethan joked.

"Wow, I would love to! Thank you so much, mate, for everything," Alfie expressed his gratitude.

"Don't mention it," Ethan said.

"How was work?" Alfie asked.

"It was fine, and I got promoted today as a senior banker," Ethan shared.

"Wow, another promotion! Congratulations! I bet Steven will be so jealous," Alfie commented.

"Yeah, you're right," Ethan replied.

"Take my advice, mate, and simply disregard him," Alfie suggested.

"Of course, I will," Ethan replied.

"Wait a moment, mate. Are you coming from work at this hour?" Alfie inquired.

"No, I went on a date with someone," Ethan said.

"Oh really, so can I ask who this someone you went on a date with is?" Alfie asked.

"Angela, that's her name," Ethan shared.

"Wow, nice name. So where did you meet her?" Alfie asked curiously.

"We met at work," Ethan replied. "Oh, I see, you're dating a banker too, mate. That's not a good idea because she'll distract you," Alfie commented.

"She's not a banker," Ethan quickly corrected.

"Okay, so she's a customer?" Alfie wondered.

"Neither, and we're not dating yet, we're just getting to know each other first," Ethan explained.

"Ethan, you're really confusing me right now," Alfie said.

"How so?" Ethan asked.

"First you said you met at work, so I thought she was a banker or customer, but she's not. And you're not even dating yet. So straight up, if she's not a banker, who is she?" Alfie pressed.

"Um, well, she's a cleaner at work," Ethan admitted.