My Proposal

I just look at her, “It’s not what I want but what you’re going to do, starting in three days.” I pause in vain hoping that Natalie will figure it out for herself. When she showed no signs of understanding, I went on. “Starting Monday morning at eight Am sharp you’ll report to Daimler Parts Division as their new receptionist!”

“Why would I do that since I don’t get out of bed before noon on Mondays? And besides I never applied for a job at the place you work!”

“Well this Monday you will be up and at your new job that I got for you by doing something very uncharacteristic for me, I called the boss and asked if he would hire you if I forgave his lunchtime gambling debt of one thousand dollars to me.”

Natalie started laughing at me. “You idiot, even I know you don’t forgive gambling debts!”

“Oh I can forgive him his debt since I’ll tack it on to what you owe if it’s not paid back to me!”

Screaming at me, “WHY WOULD I PAY HIS DEBT TO YOU?, I DIDN’T LOSE TO YOU!” Then she sucked in a big breath, held it then released it. “Graham, why are you doing this to me, Daddy never would!”

“That’s because in dad’s eyes his little girl did no wrong, she was just a free spirit and to me, I’m going to side with Mom and decide it was time you grew up and learnt responsibility! So here’s the deal, take it or leave, either you work to earn the money you owe or you go back to the judge and tell him that you can’t pay up and take what the court gives you!”

Natalie’s lower jaw just dropped and she started stuttering “But you know that if I can’t pay then the judge will order jail time!”

“Well that’s what happens to someone who doesn’t accept responsibility. The way I see it you have two choices either show up Monday and work for the money or go try to see if Stiles will give you money from your inheritance!”

Natalie actually blanched at that. “You bastard you know that every time I’m around old man Stiles he’s always undressing me with his eyes!’ Natalie was actually shivering at the thought of going to dad’s lawyer to try to get money.

Hugging her arms over her breasts, “Alright Graham, you win, I’ll show up and work there as long as I can stand to!”