Page 16 of For the Lover in You
She huffed. Her stubbornness was thick, and her inability to allow anyone to help her didn't exist. I refused to back down from her. Neither she nor I were walking out of here until we agreed on things.
"Mila, let me help you when I have the means to. Please."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"I nodded. "Yes, I'm sure."
"I don't even remember your name."
I laughed. "Tremaine Houston, but everybody calls me Trey."
"If you're going to be my boss. I prefer Mr. Houston."
"Whatever floats your boat, Mila."
She looked at me and hesitated. "If I let you help me, what do I owe you in return?"
My eyebrow raised. "Owe me? You don't owe me shit."
"Why are you doing this?"
Instead of telling Mila her situation reminded me of mine, I came up with another reason.
"I've known Chasity for a while, and I consider her a good friend. I can see how your situation is also affecting her. If you let me help you, it will relieve the stress from Chasity as well."
Mila sat in silence for a few minutes. From her body language, I could tell she was contemplating my offer.
"Okay, I'll take the job," she agreed. "But I'll still work here part-time just in case you change your mind and fire me."
I chuckled. "I have no intention of firing you. Give me your number and I'll text you the address of the office."
She fired off her cell phone number, and I texted her the address. I could still see she was uneasy, and I understood why she was. We had one encounter, and it wasn't pleasant. Now here I was, helping her.
"How old is your son?"
"KJ's six." A soft smile appeared on her face.
My mind raced as I thought about the best property for her and her son.
"I'll send you a few of my properties that'll be best for both of you. Let me know your choice tomorrow when you come in."
Mila jumped up from the chair this time. "Mr. Houston, please, this is all too much.
The job is one thing, but an apartment is extreme. I'm still trying to get on my feet. I can't afford that right now."
"I didn't ask you to pay me, did I?" I asked her.
She stopped speaking. I could tell my response took her back.
"I-I can't just stay for free."
I shrugged. "Pay me whatever and whenever. Use this as a time to get on your feet."
"Mr. Houston—" she said, but I cut her off.
"The decision is made. That's it, that's all. See you tomorrow," I sternly stated.
She nodded. "See you tomorrow."
