Inessa

5

Leonardo

"I truly appreciate your kindness but I can't accept it. It's a very big amount. I do not need anything from Mr Rossi because what I did was out of humanity. Anyone in place would have done the same." Tony stated the exact words she said.

A week has passed after that incident and I was back to my normal life. All thanks to that girl who chose to be kind. But somewhere it was unsettling. I couldn't exactly find the reason why I was thinking about her. I should move on. May be it was because I found out she was the employee of the hotel I bought that day. She was probably jobless and still was not ready accept the money I offered.

Why is it bothering you so much Rossi. Just forget about it.

May be if I meet her personally I will feel at ease.

Yes. I should meet her.

*******

"What are you doing here Mr Rossi?" She said surprisingly. May be she wasn't expecting me.

Of course she wasn't.

"I came to see you."

Great! Just great. How are you messing up so bad? You could have said it better.

"Huh!"

"I mean I got discharged from hospital so I am here to visit you." I quickly handed her the bouquet I got for her on my way.

"Thank you." She looked rather confused but none the less she invited me inside her apartment and offered me a seat. The apartment was neat and clean but it still wasn't looking like a best place to live. Maybe because it was cheap hence had poor infrastructure.

"If you don't mind can I ask you something?"

"Ask."

"Why did you helped me when I am the reason you lost your job. And after everything why did you refused the money?"

"It was an act of kindness. Sure I did lost my job but it was just a job. I could have lost it one way or another. And as I mentioned earlier I did it because that's what humans are supposed to do, I had no intention of accepting the huge amount you are offering." Honestly her reply made me feel dumb. As always I assumed that she was like everyone who wouldn't reject money. But I was wrong. She made me realise that not everyone is same.

"But think about it. You probably need it. You don't have to feel guilty about it. I am offering it as a gift, a token of appreciation."

"My answer is still no. Maybe I am in need but this is not the way I want it. I appreciate your help but no matter what you say I will not accept it. " One thing I realised that she was not going to be convinced. At this point I was sounding desperate. Damn. What was wrong with me?

"How about I offer you job?"

That came out of nowhere Rossi.

I was surprised by my own words. Something was definately wrong with me. She paused for a moment and started thinking about it. Maybe she will accept it or she will reject it. I had no clue.

"Okay."

"Okay? As in you agree?"

"Yes."

"What have you studied?" I was aware that she worked as waitress. Maybe because she didn't got a better job. I was aware how hard it was to find decent paying job.

"I dropped out from high school." She said. I was going to ask why but I noticed her discomfort. Maybe she had reasons. And it was none of my buisness meddle.

"I was looking for housekeeper. If you are willing to work-"

"I accept." She said immediately without letting me finish. I smiled internally.

Reason?

Unknown.

"Great. So I will have the contract ready. You can start working from this Monday. I will provide you with extra key. There are only few things you should know. Your shift will be from 7.30 to 5. No need to make dinner. I will manage. Do not enter in my room except when you are cleaning or when I tell you. Respect my privacy. Sunday will be your day off. I hope you are fine with 10k per month. If not we can discuss it. You can ask if you have any questions."

"I have no issues."

*****

"You actually did that?" Ben, my friend, who just happen to irritate me so much, asked.

"I hired a housekeeper. Is it so hard for you to understand? And how did you found out?" I said. I was in a club, not willingly. It was Ben who forced me. Honestly I have never liked this kind of environment. Loud music and people grinding, some drunk people falling in the middle.

"I heard you earlier on call. Now tell me about it. Why sudden change? You hated everyone's presence. Heck you don't even let me inside your house." He said as he gulped his drink and winked.

"You are right about yourself, can't stand you a minute in my house."

"Hey, you are so mean. And don't ever try to dodge my question."

"Okay fine. I just hired her because she helped me."

"You sure that's the only reason?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean if she was pretty-"

"Shut up idiot. I am just returning the favor."

"But you could have given her job in one of your diner. Hiring her as a housekeeper is a bit too much for a person like you."

"You are being nosy."

"Nah, I just want my best friend to settle down."

"You found the right person. I don't think I will ever find one."

"You sound cliche. Forget it. Tell me is that new girl pretty?"

Is she pretty?

Well I never had this thought before. But now when I was recalling her feature, she was definately beautiful. Little skinny. She probably skip her meals. She has big brown eyes which are captivating. They has so much depth.

"Bro, come out from your lala land."

"Shut up. And aren't you getting late? Your wife will skin you alive if I told her that you came here for drinking."

"Bro are you planning for my funeral?"

"No. So stop being nosy and get your ass from here. I am going back home."

"As you wish. Will see you later."