Page 52 of Maceo

“Baby, I worked for this, okay.” She quickly counted the money before folding it and sticking it in her pocket. “It was a pleasure doing business with you.”

“I bet. How is shit around here? Everybody on their job?”

“Yes… well, all except one. Maceo, where did you find this Charity girl? It’s like she’s never cleaned anything a day in her life. All of her clients complain, and I have to send one of the other girls to fix what she fucked up. She comes in here all glammed up and never looks like she broke a sweat by the end of her shift.”

I sighed. “I’m sorry, Kelly. She’s someone I was doing a favor for. It’s a long story.”

“Well, she needs to act like she’s being done a favor and get it together before I have to let her go. She’s making us look bad.”

“I’ll talk to her.”

As if on cue, the door opened, and Charity stuck her head in with a smile. I could see what Kelly meant by she was all glammed up. While she looked good, it didn’t look like she came to work.

“Hey, Maceo,” she said, stepping in.

“Charity.”

She turned to Kelly. “You asked to see me?”

“Yeah. You’ve gotten another complaint. This can’t continue, Charity. I’m giving you grace because it’s only your second week here, but we have a reputation to uphold. I’m putting you with a partner until you can get up to speed.”

“I apologize. I’ve just… my mind has been elsewhere. Maceo can tell you. I’ve just come out of something very traumatic. Sometimes my thoughts take me back there, and I get overwhelmed.”

Kelly gave her a sympathetic smile. “I understand. Just… try to do better, okay?”

She nodded. “Is that all?”

“For now.”

Charity looked at me. “May I speak with you privately for a moment?”

“I’ll give you all some privacy,” Kelly said, getting up from her desk.

She left the office, closing the door. I walked over and opened it back before taking a seat behind the desk. Charity took a seat across from me and crossed her legs.

“How are you?” she asked.

“I’m fine. What do you want, Charity?”

“I just wanted to talk to you. I think your girlfriend got the wrong impression of me.”

“And what impression is that?”

“Oh, come on. As feisty as she is, I’m sure she’s already brought it to your attention.”

“Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Is she right?”

She blushed. “I mean… you’re a very handsome man, Maceo. Sexy, even.” Her eyes perused me flirtatiously. “I can’t lie and say I’m not attracted to you, but I know my limits. Your girlfriend took me asking about you completely out of context. I just wanted to show you some appreciation for all you’ve done for me. I’m not used to such kindness.”

“Really? ’Cause from what I hear, somebody is being very kind and generous to you right now.”

She gave a nervous chuckle. “That’s nothing. Just someone who wants a little of my time. I have needs, as do you. What’s it to you or your girlfriend who’s taking care of them?”

“Trust me, I don’t give a fuck.”

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