Just when I thought my life was perfect everything fell apart.
My name is Jane. I am 25, blond and a widow. I had left school with no qualifications and moved into a dead end job in a clothes shop. I had been there for nearly 2 years when Paul had walked through the door. He was not Mr universe but had a wicked sense of humour. He wanted to buy a birthday for his mother. One thing led to another, we dated and much to his Mothers disapproval we married on my 22nd Birthday.
I was an only child, my parents had both died whist I was a teenager leaving nothing but some fond memories of family life and ยฃ2,000 in the bank. Paulโs mother did not feel a shop girl was good enough for her son and refused to have anything to do with our wedding. Paul was still establishing himself as a trainee Accountant which meant he worked long hours for little money. We rented a flat and apart from my inheritance had no savings. It was logical we used my ยฃ2,000 to pay for a modest wedding and even more modest honeymoon weekend.
We had no money but we were happy. After much discussion we had agreed I should give up work and go back to college to improve my future job prospects and myself. I attended a college, which catered for both teenage and mature students for 6 months when disaster struck. Paul was knocked down one evening by a hit and run driver and died before I could get to the hospital. His funeral was a sad affair. I had no living relatives and no close friends. A few of Pauls work colleagues turned up, as did Paulโs parents. His mother made it clear she felt I had taken her son from her and not to bother making contact with them again.
What was I to do, little money in the bank, the rent due and the flat lease due to come up for renewal in a few weeks, no friends or family that I could turn to and no qualifications apart for shop work which held no appeal.
Next day my Landlord stopped me as I was leaving my flat. He said he was sorry to learn of my bereavement but he had sold the block for redevelopment and would not be renewing my lease. If I could find new accommodation in the next 7 days he offered to let me of the outstanding rent โ fat chance I thought. So I went to college, more to keep occupied rather than feeling in the mood for learning. As I entered I saw a group of Nigerian lads who had regularly eyed me up over the last few months but knowing I was a married woman had kept their distance. James, one of the Lads left the group and came over to me. Sorry to here about your misfortune he said, how are you managing? Not very well I replied, no money no prospects and shortly nowhere to live I guess life is not looking very good at present. He thought for a moment and then said, my brother Raul is looking for an assistant at the moment, college ends for the summer next week and he might take you on if I give him the word. He would also probably let you stay with him. It would give you nearly 3 months to see if you could make the grade and impress Raul and also put some money in the bank. If it does not work out you can either return to college for the autumn term or move on to another job. It would also give you time to sort out your life.
For the first time in two weeks my spirits soared. You do that for me, but why, you hardly know me. Paul smiled I never said there was not a price. Raul will want to see what he is buying. My recommendation to him will be to take you out for a hot date; it will be up to you give a good impression. To put it bluntly he will expect a slut not a convent girl. I canโt promise my brother will take you on but I have a feeling you will be OK. I gasped, but I only yesterday cremated my husband, how can I think about another man at this time. I know he replied but life goes on and sentiment does not pay the bills. Make your mind up, my class starts in a few minutes, I will be back here at Midday, think about it. If your answer is yes then I want you here waiting and asking me for a date with Raul and to stay the night with him. If youโre not here then fine and I not trouble you again. With that he was gone.