The nice guy approach

“Alison,” I murmur softly into her sweet-smelling hair when her sobbing slowly subsides. “Forget about last month’s rent, I don’t need it.” It takes her a minute to understand what I’m saying, but when she does she pulls back so she can see my face.”

“You mean it Mr. P?” Her tear-streaked face breaks into the beautiful smile I’ve been missing these past few days. “You mean you’ll give me more time to find a real job?”

“No, Alison.” I correct her firmly, “I mean you don’t ever have to give me September’s rent.” She bites her lower lip between her teeth and shakes her head slowly sending making her hair move in soft waves across her shoulders.

“Mr. P, I can’t let you do that.” She wipes her cheek with her palm and then lifts her head to meet my gaze. “It’s not right.” Instead of taking the opportunity to get what I really want right then and there, I make the conscious decision to play the long game.

“Of course it’s right, Angel.” I wipe the tears from her other cheek for her with the ball of my thumb. “Haven’t you been watching the news? Do you think you are the only one having trouble making ends meet? All over the nation, landlords are forgiving rents.” I decide not to mention the stories about rent strikes and new rules banning evictions, instead focusing on how much she has to lose if she lost her housing. “I’d hate to be the reason you have to leave Wesleyan and go back to Tennessee.”

“Oh thank-you Mr. Patterson.” I am rewarded with another hug that lasts even longer than the ones I got when I sat through her Cutco sales pitch. The way her young body presses against mine feels like it might be worth $500. “But I swear Mr. P, I will pay you back just as soon as the restaurants start to reopen.” I let go of her and put enough space between us that she doesn’t feel my boner pressing against her belly. She didn’t seem to mind being in my arms and I want to make sure it stays that way.

“That might take a while, if the second wave is as bad as some of the experts are predicting.” I warn, gently resting my hand on her bare leg just above her knee. It is not quite a sexual touch, but it is certainly close enough that I would never have done this with one of my students. Alison stiffens for a second and then places her small hand over mine creating a sandwich of warm soft skin around my calloused hand.

“It won’t be that bad, Mr. P?” She asks in a breathy whisper “will it?”

“I hope not, Honey.” I squeeze her leg gently and then before she can react, pull the offending hand away. “I just think we have to start thinking about what if’s.” She smiles shyly and nods her head in agreement. “Would your parents cosign a loan with you?" Her beautiful eyes cloud briefly, and she lowers her gaze to her lap. From what I've gathered of her family life her father especially was not pleased to see her move away, I'm not surprised when she shakes her head.

“There may be some scholarships you can apply for...” Alison shakes her head again.

“I checked Mr. P, they're all for next year.” I take a deep breath and try to steady my nerves. Honestly, I can't believe I'm going through with this, but this is a once in a lifetime chance, and I have to at least give it a shot.

“There is one other way, but I don't know if I should bring it up...”

“Please, Mr. P,” Alison takes your hand in hers and squeezes it fiercely, “I'll do anything!”

“Well maybe you could help me out right here in the house.” Alison nods eagerly, but before I tell her what I have in mind I remind her of my refrain. “I want you to remember that this is a 'no judgement house,' can you do that?”

“Of course, Mr. P” Her eyes are wide with excitement. “But what can I do? You already cook, clean and do your own laundry way better than I could.” It is true. I have always been a little picky about my home and even before Fran was killed I did almost all the cooking and housework myself.

“There is one thing that I can't do on my own.” I chuckle good-naturedly. She stares at me in confusion when I take her chin in my hand; it’s not until I gently kiss her soft lips that she finally understands what I am suggesting.