Thank you, but no

Laura tried her best to smile as she answered. "I pride myself in being a professional. I've gone to school and got my certifications on my own merit. I don't want to be someone's maid," she answered as she stood.

"Two thousand a week. I know you need the job," Tony offered. "We're rather relaxed around here. Got plenty of work, and, frankly, plenty of applicants. However, your qualifications are stellar."

Laura paused. It would be far more than she'd expected. Her eyes flicked to the picture again, realizing what else might be involved. "Thank you, but no," she reiterated before leaving the office. Tony didn't follow or try another sales pitch.

She left, wondering if selling he dignity would be worth the extra money for a while. Being a young single parent meant she'd had to make sacrifices before. She shook her head as she passed Tina. The young woman was doing up her nails, her legs spread as one foot rested in a little plastic washbasin.

Once she was in her car, she let the anger that had been building within her chest go. "Sleazy asshole!" she shouted and slammed her hand on the steering wheel. Taking a deep breath, she regained her calm and jammed her keys in the ignition. She'd find a job that didn't require her to spread her legs to get or keep.