Tom had been offered a partnership in a large Law Firm. He had a First Class Honours degree and was headhunted for the position. He had been flattered when he had been approached and had negotiated an excellent salary. He would start in his new position a week on Monday and had found a reasonable bed and breakfast but they could not offer him an evening meal. He lived with his widowed mother so required accommodation from Sunday night until Friday morning. It was an hour and a half drive between where his mother lived and his new job. He was saving up to get the deposit to put down on for the purchase of his own apartment.
When he had visited the Bed and Breakfast, he had afterwards gone to an Internet Cafe and had prepared an advertisement along with a picture of him in a very smart business suit. He then took the paper and took it to the best Supermarket in the area. His advertisement read, "Young Graduate is looking to rent a room from Sunday night until Friday morning for a minimum period of six months. If an evening meal and breakfast could be provided. High speed Internet access is also required. The applicant is a non smoker and is prepared to help out around the house."
He gave his email and mobile number along with his name. That had been two days ago and had not a single reply. On Friday evening he received an email which read, "Dear Tom, I have just read your notice at the Supermarket, I share a house with my younger sister who has also read your notice. We live in a villa close to the Supermarket. My sister and I both love to cook and can provide you with the meals that you require. We are both happy to note that you are a non-smoker as we both are. We are also happy to note that you are a member of Four Hills Golf Club. My sister and I were both members there but have not played there for over twenty-five years. Perhaps the best way to proceed is if you could visit us over the weekend. If you could advise of a suitable time then we will be here for you. Kind regards, Bunty Currie."
He replied, "Dear Ms Currie, tomorrow afternoon at two would be good for me. If this is unsuitable for you then please advise of a time that suits you. I am playing golf in the morning but can be with you any time after two on Saturday. I was three times the Junior Champion at Four Hills and four times Men's Champion but have not played in it for three years due to pressures of work. Kind regards, Tom."
Bunty replied, "Dear Tom, two would be perfect for both me and Jill, my sister. Please call us by these names. We are now in the back nine of our lives but are both still young at heart. May I ask what your profession is? Kind regards, Bunty."
Tom replied, "Dear Bunty, that is so kind of you both. I am a lawyer and have been offered a partnership in Currie and Hay. I start with them a week on Monday. I am trying to get my accommodation arranged prior to then. I look forward to meeting you and Jill tomorrow. Kind regards, Tom."
Bunty replied, "Dear Tom, it's a small world. My grandfather was one of the founders of the firm. Jill and I are both lawyers but we no longer practice. We still own the freehold to the offices but only receive the rental, we no longer have any interest in the management of the firm. It is an excellent firm. You have been made a partner? May I ask how old you are? Kind regards, Bunty."
Tom answered, "Dear Bunty, I will be twenty-seven a week on Wednesday, I am starting to near the end of my front nine but enjoying every minute of it. I look forward to meeting you both tomorrow. Kind regards, Tom."
Tow surprised when he got a reply to his last email, it read, "Dear Tom, you must enjoy every minute of your life, Jill and I missed out on a lot in our life's. Our mother died thirty years ago, just after I had graduated, Jill graduated two years later. We both then looked after our father. He died three years ago. Neither of us married which if we both had our life to live again, I believe we should have married. Are you married or dating anyone? If you don't want to discuss your private life then I will understand. Kind regards, Bunty."
Tom thought for a couple of minutes then replied, "Dear Bunty, that was honourable what you and Jill did for your father. I still live with my mother, my father died five years ago and it is tough for mum. She is a doctor and has her own clinic which keeps her busy. I like to spend time with her at the weekend as it's the only time that we are both free. A couple of years ago she tried online dating but that was a disaster for her. I am not married and at the moment not seeing anyone. I had an affair with a married woman for over five years. Her husband retired six months ago and now it is impossible for her to see me. Her husband was a Tanker Captain and spent a lot of time at sea. She taught me a lot and I miss not seeing her. Maybe something will turn up for me soon. Kind regards, Tom."