A  week later, Lulu comes for another visit.  She decides she might as well check up on her brother, Tim to see how he is now.  It has been awhile, since her last visit. She enters the kitchen and sees him busy with the supper.  She thinks it nice that he appears to be doing well.  However, much to her surprise she sees that the woman she saw her last time is still here.

         " Tim, what is the meaning of this?  Why is she here?  Brother, do tell me now!" Lulu  says.

        "  Now, sis, there is no need to be all up tight about it.  She is a guest here."  Tim says as if its obvious as to why the girl remains in his home.

       "What?  You do not mean to tell me you actually let her stay?"   Lulu blurts out.

        "He did, and what is so bad about it anyway?"  Brenda remarks.

     Lulu  remarks sarcasticlly, "Hmm, I  can think of many reasons, but none of them seem lady like enough to mention."  

     "Excuse me, but there is nothing wrong about it. I assure you.  I stay in the guest room and help with around here.  It is the least I can do will  I continue to look for a job."  Brenda says.

     " A job?  You mean to tell me you do not work elsewhere and stay here for no rent?  Why, that simply is not done this day and age."  Lulu scoffs.

      "Look, Lulu you are the one to talk when I believe your husband to be the one who works in your household while you stay at home to tend to the chores and the children."  Tim says.

         "How many children do you have anyway?"  Brenda ask.

         "I believe that is none of your business."  Lulu remarks.

        "Now, see here now, there is no need to talk to Brenda that way."  Tim tells her.

      "Brenda, is that her name?  Well, then, I shall take my leave. " Lulu says.

      "You need not refer to me as her!  I do have a name you know."  Brenda says with sarcasm this time.  She takes offense at the fact that this young lady should be so rude to her when she barely knows her.

        "Hmmfth, I shall take my leave just the same."  Lulu says.  With that she does just as she says she leaves.

         After she left, Tim turns to Breanda and says,  "Hope you are okay with rice and stir fry tonight!" 

        "Sure, that sounds great!  What kind of meat is it though?  I am not much of  a beef person.  Unless its in the form of burgers then I like beef."  Brenda tells him,

      "It just happens I prepare it with chicken."  Tim says.

     "Well, then that will be just fine."  Brenda resplies.

        "Glad to hear it!  I must apologize for my sisters rude behavior!  I have no idea what makes her think she can tell me what to do in my own home!  Goodness, she has a lot of nerve to treat you that way. " Tim says.

       "Yes, well I cannot say I blame her."  Brenda says.

      " Just the same you are a guest in my house, and  a grown lady, so I see no need for her attitude.  She could at least trust me to know what I am doing."  Tim says.

          "I  have no siblings so I have no idea what that is like.  From what I have seen Lulu does not appear to care much about social skills.  Then again, perhaps she does not trust me because I am a grown woman who spends her time in the house of her bachelor brother."  Brenda says.

        "You know I do believe you are right as rain about her.  It seems you know how to put her in her place so to speak." Tim says. 

       "I do hope my lack of a job does not offend you." Brenda says.

      "Not in the least, as I did mention before Lulu stays at home, so why should she care if other women do the same?  It is not like the law requires you to work anyway.  However, if you seek one I would recommend you be my personal secretary.  I could use one to help me organize my desk and paper work."  Tim says.

      "What?  you would really do that for me?"  Brenda says.

      "Yes, so what do you  say?"  Tim ask.

      "In that case, I say yes!  When may I start?"  Brenda replies.

     "You may start as soon as you can.  I say how is tomorrow sound?  I do have to work again that day anyway and it would help you get a better idea on the requirements it would bring."  Tim says.

      "Thank you, I shall get up early tomorrow, so that I may ride with you. Otherwise, I shall have to take my bicycle.  My vehicle was taken away by the bank since I was way behind on my bills and insurance for it. It is not like I could do anything to stop them."  Brenda says.

         "I am sorry to hear that then.  I will be glad to let you ride along with me.  It will be fine as we are co workers from here on out."  Tim says.

        "Yes, indeed. "  Brenda says.

        "The food is ready!" Tim says.

         "Oh, good it smells nice!  " Brenda says.

              The two share yet another meal together, then when they finish it Brenda cleans up the kitchen as usual while  Tim cleans the bathrooms. Then, he puts fresh towels in both along with fresh washcloths, refills the soap pumps, and sees to it there is enough toothpaste in both.

             Now, Brenda is so worn out that she prepares for bed. She might as well make sure she gets enough sleep for tomorrow prior to work that day.   She goes to sleep in the guest room. She might as well as this is her own personal space.  Yet somehow, try as she might she finds it difficult to sleep here.  She stays here for awhile longer and eventually falls asleep anyway.

     to be continued in Chapter 4   His Secretary?