Chapter 4

Anna POV

I have your profile pulled up right now. Tell me a little bit about yourself." He said officially. 

"Uhh, well...I'm sorry, I wasn't anticipating this." I chuckle uncomfortably. This is pretty basically an interview. 

"Okay, I understand. I simply want to go over certain things with several of the females before selecting one. Let me start by telling you a little bit about what's going on right now. My kid, Ethan, is twenty-three and extremely successful. But, lately, he broke up with his girlfriend of two years after discovering that she cheated on him. His mother and I are scared he has poor self-worth, and I'm afraid it may interfere with his professional life. I want to set him up on some dates and see where it leads him. As far as money goes, you will be paid every two weeks and it will continue for as long as your connection is alive. Payments will cease when there is a mutual split, or whenever you feel the need to pull out." He explained. 

Well, this makes sense as to why he is single. Kind of. He is simply hurt. I understand it. I'm sure he isn't aware that his father has published a post, practically paying ladies to be in a relationship with him. 

"How much will the payment be?" I ask gently. 

"I was thinking about $700 every two weeks. But, it is only if I see dates occurring, and know you aren't simply going on a couple of dates and never talking to him. It ought to be a connection. Talk to him, date him, persuade him this is all true. After a time, if the two of you split up, then that's alright. I need him to get back to his former self again. Just persuade him that this is true. If you are interested, that is." 

I practically fell out of my seat at the price. "I'm interested," I say quickly. "Uhh, about me," I mumble. I have no idea what I should and should not tell him.

"Don't worry. All of this remains between us." He assures me.

"Okay, well...I'm now in school as a business major. I am twenty years old, and I work in a restaurant in town. I live at home with my father and my younger sister, Phoebe. My sister is my whole universe. She is just four, and I'm largely responsible for her. I want to remain in school if possible, but it's incredibly hard right now owing to my father being jobless. I'm searching for more money so I can care for Phoebe and pay for all of the books throughout this semester." I say, trying to seem as confident as I possibly can be.

"Is your mother around?" Anna asks. My heart hurts at the thought of my mother.

"She went away two years ago. She had cancer." I said gently.

"I'm extremely sorry to hear that, Anna. As for everything else, I simply want to say that I wholeheartedly support your decision to continue in school. I realise that with kids, it may be challenging. Very challenging. I respect you for taking on both tasks. If everything works out moving ahead, I would like to support you with your school supplies. Those darn school books cost an arm and a leg. So, we will come in an accord as far as the money goes. As for the agreement with my son, I would like you two to meet." He informs me. Tears begin to form and I don't even bother to suppress them.

"Thank you so much." I weep gently.

"I will be throwing a cookout soon and would like for you to come. This way, I can introduce the two of you. Then, we can take it from there. I'll send you an email with further details. How does it sound?" He asks. 

"That sounds amazing. Thank you very much!" I say one again. I feel like I just was offered a job I had been waiting on for so long. This is something I never believed would happen. All the stress of a job and money won't be a worry anymore. I can maintain my employment, put it towards my monthly bills, and use the cash from Dane to fall back on if required. This is wonderful. 

I think Sara was correct. This webpage is going to assist me after all.When I go to work the following day, Sara is at the door to welcome me as usual. As much as I don't want to work today, I know that I have to.

"Good morning, Love." I grin, welcoming Sara the same way I usually do. 

"Morning. Are you ready to work for the next eight hours?" She laughs cynically. 

"Ecstatic." I grin broadly. Sarcastically, of course. 

With today being a Monday, the probability of the diner being crowded is low to none. On this particular day, Sara and I will more than likely only serve approximately five individuals the whole day. The weather is great, so everyone is either out of town for whatever reason or enjoying a BBQ at home. The weather has been beautiful, however. So, I don't blame them. I would have a cookout too if given the chance.

Just like the one Dane experiencing tonight.

I don't want to be worried for tonight, but I am freaking the heck out. This person who I'm going to be dating will transform my life. Not emotionally, of course. I simply need the money. I need this more than anything right now. I wish I could be at home right now getting preparations, but of course, I will be at work an hour before the barbecue.