I hadn't heard from Chris in a few days. Every time I tried to call, it went straight to voicemail and my texts were left unanswered. I was worried. And sad.

He had thrown a lot of hurtful words at me. And I hadn't just forgotten them. But they didn't automatically cancel out the fact that I had feelings for him. That was something I couldn't help so of course I was worried.

To top it all off, I still hadn't found a job. I was loath to dip into my savings because I had so much planned with them. But I couldn't starve either. And food is definitely not as cheap as we would like to think.

It didn't help that all that all I had was a useless undergraduate degree, no work or internship experience and not enough funds for a training. I honestly don't know what went through my mind, picking History to study. I mean, sure, there were people who got great jobs with history degrees. But without internship experience, it was basically impossible for me. And you had to believe me when I say I had tried.

I sighed as I reached my apartment. Month end was fast approaching and the weight of all the bills was coming along with it. I needed a job quickly because living without electricity and water was not my idea of fun.

I slowed down as I saw a familiar car parked in front of my house. It was Mr. Reeves' car. I had seen it about twice but could you forget something that looked that expensive?

As soon as I got closer to the car, one of the doors opened. And just like I suspected, it was Mr. Reeves. I watched him warily as I approached him, asking myself why he was here. It was bad enough that he was one of the reasons why I lost my job, and a main reason why Chris was so pissed off at him.

I looked at him defiantly as he stood in front of me.

"Kayla," he said in that deep voice of his. I hated the fact that it had any effect on me. He was an attractive man, and while I didn't feel like jumping him and ripping off his clothes, I was still a straight female and I could appreciate male beauty when I saw it.

"Mr. Reeves," I replied in the same cool tone he had used. I didn't want him to think that he could make me cower or submit simply because he was rich and attractive.

"Can we talk?" he asked and I frowned.

What exactly were we doing right now?

"We're talking," I pointed out, my frown still fixed on my face.

"I mean more privately. Perhaps you could invite me into your home," Mr. Reeves said. I had the impression that he was vaguely amused by me and it made me frown even harder.

I thought of this man in my apartment, and my brain rejected the intimacy that image sent. I had done the unforgivable by giving him my address. But I wasn't going to be dumb twice. I couldn't just let him in. With my luck, as soon as he got in, Chris was going to burst into my apartment and there would be little I would be able to do to justify my action, as innocent as they were.

Innocent intentions didn't always mean you were going to be exonerated of your crimes.

"I... sir, anything you wish to tell me, you could do so here," I said.

"We would be much better off in a private setting," he countered, his gaze fixed on my face.

It was intimidating and it made me nervous. But I wasn't going to let a man's stare bully me into something I didn't want to do. So I put my foot down.

"It's here or nothing, sir."

I looked away from his face, because I knew he was searching for any weakness he could use to make me see everything his way. But it wouldn't work.

"Fine," he conceded finally.

I fought the urge to smile in triumph. There was some kind of stupid heady feeling that came with winning an argument with him.

"I feel... responsible about the fact that you lost your job," he started gravelly.

Damn right you should, I thought, but stopped myself from saying it.

"I would like to offer you a job Kayla."

I frowned, thinking I hadn't heard correctly. Offer me a job. What in the world...

"Job, Mr. Reeves?" I asked so he could clarify me.

"Yes. With a starting salary of $5,000 per month."

My eyes bulged out. $5,000 a month? That was more than I made at the restaurant, even with tips and all that. That was way more money than I had ever made at once. There had to be some sort of catch.

"What would the job description be?" I asked.

He was probably going to say some really weird shit. Like toe scrubber, or ball licker, or just ask me to be his whore.

"Housekeeper. I'd expect you to clean and cook for me," Mr. Reeves said.

I swallowed. I low-key felt humiliated that he was asking me to be his housekeeper. But was there any difference from this job and the waitressing one? Apart from close proximity with a man I knew could be dangerous for me, not really. Both involved serving people.

"I... can I sleep on this sir?" I asked.

"Of course. Don't forget to call me when you come to a decision," he said in an indulgent tone, almost like he knew that I was going to accept his offer no matter what.

He held out his card to me and smiled, then said, "Have a nice day, Kayla."

I watched as he got into his car and drove off. I looked down at the card, the same card that had gotten me into so much trouble. I sighed and got into my apartment. I didn't want to do much thinking at this point. All I wanted to do was sleep and forget the fact that I was a broke ass bitch.

***

Word count: 1037

hi babies. I'm sorry for this late and short update. Unfortunately, much like Kayla, your author is broke and money doesn't come easy.

I am saving up to get a new phone and computer so I have to work extra 😭💃🏾
But it's fine. As soon as I get those, I will definitely be more consistent with updates.

What did you think of the chapter?

Roman's offer?

Do you think Kayla should accept?

See you guys next time!

Love, Essie 🌺