Chapter 1: Introduction
Kyle stumbles out of the kitchen, carrying two more beers from the six pack he brought over to my tiny apartment. I notice he is wearing a simple pair of jeans and a hoodie.
He brings the cold bottles over to where I am sitting on the couch, and where, before us on the coffee table, there lay already half a dozen empty ones that we've already been through.
Kyle rejoins me on the couch, cracks open the two beers, and leans back onto the couch cushion again.
"So... Tell me, how's it going, really?" he asks, suddenly a little more serious, as he look into my eyes. His green ones are full of concern. "I know you make that joke over and over about being broke. But come on. Are things okay, or not?" Kyle insists, passing me one of the fresh beers.
I awkwardly rub my hands on my tight yoga pants not really wanting to answer. "Oh, no, you know me, Kyle. I'm just always kidding around," I say, forcing a smile and accepting the drink. I take a sip. He does too.
His eyes look on the cluttered surroundings of my apartment: bills cover the faded coffee table. I notice his gaze lingers on my chest for a moment as well. I can't really blame him though - I am very well blessed in the chest department and was used to people checking my boobs out. Plus I am so comfortable around Kyle I didn't even think about the fact that I was just wearing a thin tank top that I had used as an undershirt today. So not only was there plenty of cleavage showing but I was pretty sure he could see the faint outlines of my nipples.
He takes another swig of his beer, then sets it down, I can tell he doesn't believe me.
I preemptively get defensive, taking another sip of my own beer. "Well, Kyle, not all of us can afford to live in a penthouse downtown," I retort, gesturing vaguely towards the window, which overlooks the grimy alley behind my building.
Kyle figured I'd reply defensively once he showed that he was serious. It's always how I operate, first humorously then defensively.
"I know that, Lilly," Kyle sighs exasperatedly, rolling his eyes. "That's not my point. My point is... Well, I'm in a pretty good position now. Maybe I could help you out? I know you don't like to accept charity but... just a few thousand, to help you get stabilized a bit? I want to help. How far in the red are you?"
Kyle's voice pulls me away from my thoughts. I hesitate for a moment, then give in. I really appreciate his offer, as much as it stings to admit I'm drowning.
"Okay," I say, setting my beer down on the table even though it's still half full. "I hate to admit this, but I'm in pretty deep. I'm late on the rent, student loans and all kinds of other bills, and my ex maxed out my credit card before I kicked him out ... and I don't have the money to catch up, period. I just... I don't know what to do." I explain my situation to Kyle, looking down at my lap as I do, feeling my vulnerability spike.
He looks at me with concern, taking a long pause to think.
"Hey, what about this?" Kyle says, perking up a little. "I know you won't just accept the cash, so... Why don't you earn it instead? So instead of giving it to you in a lump sum, I could pay you to... I dunno, clean my house, say, twice a week? How does that sound?" Kyle asks with a warm and optimistic smile, bringing my gaze back up to meet his.
"I... I could do that", I hesitantly let out, surprised at the proposition. "But I am so far behind I am not sure housecleaning will be enough. But it is start and I really could use the extra cash," I think out loud. "Okay, Kyle, I guess I agree on the housecleaning for now," I reply, biting my lower lip in concern and uncertainty.
"Okay, perfect!" Kyle says happily, smiling now and feeling like he is really going to help me. And most of all, that he got me to agree to it.
He drains the rest of my beer and stands up. "I need to head home. So, shall we say... Tuesdays and Thursdays? I'll leave the key under the mat for you in case you come by when I'm still at work." Kyle says.
"Tuesdays and Thursdays it is then," I nod, trying to ignore the pit in my stomach. Housecleaning was an honest job, it wouldn't relieve me of my entire financial burden, but it was a start.
I take another big swig of my beer. Anxiety causing me to drink faster.