Page 1 of The Widower
CHAPTER 1
“When we believe we’ve reached our limit, hope finds a way to rise again…”
ISABELLE CAMPBELL
I walked nervously toward an employment agency near my house. After stumbling upon that online ad, I needed to see with my own eyes if it was really “all that.”
A few days ago, while browsing job listings online, I came across an opening that seemed too good to be true—the pay was at least five times higher than usual.I filled out my information,and about an hour later, I got a call scheduling an interview for today.
Being a single mother in Miami isn’t easy. Expenses pile up fast, and since I have both my daughter and my mother to support, I often end up feeling overwhelmed.
My dream had always been to study architecture, but since I became a mother so young—and Hanna’s father walked out on us—I faced more than my share of hardships.
That dream had to wait. I’ve always been a dreamer and a fighter, but right now, survival takes priority. My daughter comes first, so I’ve put aside what I want most to focus on giving her the chance to grow up into an independent woman.
I was already in the small office lobby, waiting to be called in. I’d called earlier to get some information, but they told me next to nothing.
I’m unemployed, which is reason enough to reinvent myself and take whatever odd jobs I can find around the city.But after seeing this particular job posting, I couldn’t resist finding out more.
Once my name was called, I walked into the office with quick, determined steps. A gray-haired woman wearing red glasses was sitting behind a desk, reviewing some papers.
When she noticed me, she looked me over from head to toe and gestured for me to sit. I offered a polite smile before taking the seat across from her.
“Isabelle Campbell…” She picked up one of the sheets. “My name’s Helena. I see you’re interested in the position.”
“Yes. Very much.”
Our short phone conversation had been about that, but I hadn’t gotten many details—probably because I hadn’t spoken directly with her.
“Well, the job basically consists of being responsible for a household and whoever lives in it. I know my assistant didn’t explain everything over the phone, so I’m here to clarify your questions.”
“What exactly would I have to do?”
“By accepting the offer, you’d be the housekeeper—so to speak. Or as Colin likes to put it, you’d be the do-it-all. Literally everything, except for cooking his lunch and dinner. And the sooner you start, the better.”
Why does she talk as if the job is already mine?
“Aren’t you going to do an actual interview?You don’t even know me, and—”
“Isabelle Campbell…” she interrupted, picking up the same sheet where she’d read my name seconds earlier. “Twenty-three years old. Single mother. Lives on Collins Avenue, number 6784. Worked at a restaurant called Garby’s for a year, then as a nanny for the Rogers family after the restaurant closed. When they moved out of town, you were unemployed for three months and…”—she looked up from the paper—“…are now sitting right in front of me.”
How does this woman know all that?
“I’m confused. I didn’t give you any personal information, just my first and last name. How can you know so much?”
“Sweetheart, I don’t think you realize what kind of job you’re applying for, so let me help you out.” She fixed me with a sharp, hazel-eyed stare. “For the salary that was offered, the person needs to be trustworthy.”
“You have my personal details, but that doesn’t tell you whether I’m trustworthy,” I argued.
“Wrong again.” A satisfied smile curved her lips. “I called the owner of the diner where you worked—and the Rogers family too. You came highly recommended. I know everything about your life, sweetheart.”
I studied her carefully, intrigued. Part of me felt spied on, yet oddly amused—and surprised.
“Youtalk as if I’ve already been hired.”
“Basically. All you have to do is say yes.” She crossed her arms and smiled.
This is so weird...
