Go talk to him

With a little effort you fight off your curiosity and walk back up the hallway. Your landlord is sitting where you left him, but now there are some papers laying in front of him.

"Feeling better?" he asks with kindly concern. "I know this isn't easy for you Lisa, but you have to take responsibility for your situation. "

"I'm sorry," you begin, but he holds up a hand to stop you.

"I've given the situation a bit of thought while you were composing yourself, and I have an offer to make that might help you out."

He looks at you, obviously awaiting a reaction from you. You feel a swirl of relief inside you, mixed with some apprehension, wondering if he expects some sexual service from you.

"Oh, that's kind of you Mr. Berridge."

"You haven't heard the offer yet Lisa," he says with a smile, spurring your apprehension, wondering what's coming next.

"I understand you work part time as a waitress, is that correct? In a bar?"

"Yes..."

"Excellent. I'm hosting a small gathering here in four days time, the same day, as it happens, as your deadline to pay me. I require a maid to serve my guests drinks and appetizers. Normally I hire from an agency, but I thought since you have similar skills, you might be interested in the job."

You give a little sigh of relief and nod, smiling at him.

"I'll pay three hundred dollars for the evening's work, the money to be deducted from the rent you owe. I will also give you a two week extension to pay the balance. I'm having another gathering next week, and if you're satisfactory this week, I would consider employing you again under similar conditions. Here's an employment contract. Read it and if you agree, sign and date both copies." He pushes the papers across the table to you. You hastily scan the documents, barely reading them, so happy to see a chance of relieving your situation.

"You will note that a uniform will be provided to you. I will have it delivered the day of the event."

You nod happily, signing both copies and pushing them back to him. He signs both and pushes one back to you with a smile.

"Just to be clear, the notice to pay remains in effect until you have fulfilled your part of the contract," he says. "So if you change your mind..."

"I won't," you say hurriedly, giving him a smile. "Thank you so much Mr. Berridge. Thank you!"

"Well, I'm glad we've found a mutually beneficial solution," he says with a smile, rising to his feet. "Now unless there is anything else, I have some matters to take care of."