Janet
As I drove, I thought about what just happened between Toni and I. I couldn't believe it. She loves me that way. Who would've known. Now I understand why she invited me over. Her parents knew me as her friend but she wanted them to accept me as I was on the chance that one day I would be more than her friend. Honestly, I would love to be with Toni but I'm a big basket of problems. I wouldn't want anyone to take on my headache. However, knowing Toni, she would have a solution for all of them in a week. I laughed to myself as I thought about it.Pulling into the parking lot, I got out and gathered up everything that Mrs. Braxton gave me, putting it in my cart. I made sure to put the lock on my steering wheel and glove compartment. Once that was done, I grabbed my backpack and purse before heading inside. When I did, I went to the office and knocked on the door. "Come in." I slowly opened the door and went inside. I positioned my cart by the door. "Hey, Janet."
"Hey, Mr. Hawthorne."
"How can I help you today?" I went into the bag and grabbed the envelope before walking over to his desk.
"I have the money for the payment here for you." I held it out to him and he laughed.
"Janet, why are you not getting this? There's no need for payment."
"But..."
"No buts. Mrs. Braxton is a close friend of mine and I was more than happy to help."
"I just don't want to seem like I'm using you. You need to earn your money too." He walked around to me.
"Sweetie, I own several buildings throughout the state. Giving you one apartment won't hurt me none." He pushed the envelope back towards me.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
"Okay." I put the envelope back. "But if you need anything done around here, let me know. I like to earn my way." He shook his head.
"You're not going to stop until I let you do something are you?"
"Nope." He went and sat at his desk.
"Fine. How about you work as my assistant here?"
"Really?"
"Yeah. And you know this would look really good on your resume. You are majoring in Business, right?"
"Double major in Business and Business Law with a minor in Finance."
"Yep. This will definitely help your resume. When can you do it?"
"I'll have to look at my current job schedule."
"Where do you work now?"
"Sanitary at the nursing home and waitressing."
"Put your notice in at both. I'll pay you more."
"Mr. Hawthorne, this was supposed to be my way of working for the apartment."
"I know, and you will also get paid. How's 20 an hour?" My eyes got big.
"20 an hour!"
"Yep. I'm sure that's more than both of those jobs combined."
"It is."
"Great. So when the two weeks are up, you will work for me after classes until 8 and on the weekends you'll work 10 - 6, unless you really need to study."
"Wow. Okay. That sounds great."
"Good."
"Wait. You do direct deposit. I don't have a bank account anymore."