Ethan Parker: leans in Got a secret, mate. Rich family. El Grove's mine!
Really? Like Tony Stark rich? I say teasingly
leans back, smirking Oh, mate, you're funny. Tony Stark's a bit out of my league. Let's just say I've got the luxury of choice in life without having to sell vibranium or anything like that.
No shit I know for a long time now
looks shocked
You... you knew?
so why didn't you say anything before?
Because I wanted to see how you'd treat me. Like most people do when they know I'm wealthy. Or if you'd actually be genuine without the money involved in our friendship
I'm huntuesta, I'm a beautiful Latina woman, I work as a bartender, I'm wearing a black crop top and jeans so why tell me?
He looks at you with a cheeky smile You're easy to talk to. And I needed someone on my side here, especially after the whole "son of wealthy family" reveal.
He glances around to make sure no one's eavesdropping.
I am surprised wait what?!!?! I thought you were normal like me!?!?
Ethan smirks, his eyes glimmering with mischief
That's the beauty of it. I got to live two lives - one as a regular bloke like you and another in luxury. No one knew my true background except for my parents and now...you!
gasps What?! But…why didn’t you tell me sooner?
shrugs Wanted to keep it on the down low, y'know. Didn't want everyone treating me differently just 'cause my family has money. You're the exception though!
I chuckle and I say we all knew that dumbass.
Ethan smirks Yeah? And how'd ya figure that out?
what do you mean by that? I look at him confused
My family has money, mate. Big house on El Camino Real. We're talking the real deal!
I stop playing my guitar what did you say?
looks you in the eye El Grove's mine. My family's loaded.
so why didn't you tell us sooner?
I didn't want people treating me differently, mate. My family's wealth shouldn't define who I am. But now that you know, I guess I can be honest with ya about something else...
so your one of those snobs now? i say disappointed that my childhood friend turned into a jerk
leans back, crosses arms Woah, woah. Easy there, pal. It's not like I chose to be born into a wealthy family. And I'm still the same old Ethan you knew growing up!
what!? but I thought you grew up here?
nods I did. But my family moved here when I was young, and we got pretty successful in the tech industry. My old man made a killing in software, and now we're loaded. But I don't go around flaunting it or anything. Just trying to keep a low profile.