( Ava's P.O.V)
"I'm so, oh my God, I'm so sorry" I rushed out, grabbing a stack of napkins and practically lunging across the counter. " It was an accident, I didn't see you, are you okay?".
His expression didn't change. "Do I look okay?" I stopped mid wipe, hands freezing mid air. The silence between us was sharp, and drew stares from the people around us like a vacuum.
"I didn't mean...."
"Clearly, just clumsy." He peeled the soaked napkin from his jacket, holding it away like it's a bag of disease.
Humiliation crawled up my neck and bloomed hot access my face. I wanted to disappear. I wanted to melt into the tiles. Burst into tears. But I couldn't afford any of that. So instead, I said. "I can pay for it. Dry cleaning. I mean. I winced at my own words.
He raised an eyebrow. " This suit cost more than your tuition fee"
That's true. He didn't say it rudely, he just started fact.
" I don't want trouble " I said, trying to stand my ground despite the sting in my eyes. " I'll make it right "
Something shifted in his eyes then, not pity, but interest. A tilt of head. A slow scan of my face, like he was trying to solve a puzzle.
" No" he said. "You won't "
I blinked. "What?"
"I don't need your money" he said. Voice cool and clipped. "Be my assistant" he said checking his sleeve, grimacing at the stain.
I can't be your assistant, I am a student and I'm sure you won't pay me because of what happened " I said fairly.
"You'll be paid. Generously"
That made me pause.
" How generously?"
His smirk was subtle, like he already knew the answer will hook me. "Two hundred a day. Cash" my heart skipped a beat. That's what I make in the campus grounds in a week. It would cover Mom's prescription. Or two weeks groceries. Maybe even electricity bill.
But still, this man is practically a walking red flag.
* * * * * *
I sat across him, we are in his office. I signed and decided to speak up. " I....I don't know what I will be doing" I stammered.
" Calenders. Coffee. Emails. Maybe the occasional event. You'll follow instructions, show up on time, and keep quiet ".
I hesitated. This had to be a prank. Or a trap.
" Start work tomorrow, seven sharp or don't. I won't chase you ".
This can't be a bad idea. Mom needs her drug. Rent is due.......
* * * * * *
The small apartment felt colder than usual tonight, and the silence stretched between me and the phone like a thin wire.
I stared at the cracked, my thumb hovering over the call button.
"Mom...." I whispered, swallowing the lump in my throat. It had been days since I'd last talked to her. Finally, I tapped the screen and held the phone to my ear.
"Hello?" Het voice was soft but tired. The sound of television. " How are you?"
"I'm fine Mom, how is your health?" I asked sadly.
"My health is fine, Ava I need my next prescription... I'm waiting for....". "Mom, I have seen another job that pay better than my formal. Our lives will change soon Mom" I assured.