The Maid and the Mister

The Maid

Tuesday:

I am trying to read his face as I stand in front of him. He hasn't said anything to me since he let me in. I don't know what to say or do. His stare is serious and somewhat angry.
"Okay, you're hired," he says. His eyes leave my face and look down at his smartphone. "You can start tomorrow morning. I assume that the job agency gave you all the details and my requirements," he begins to walk towards the exit.
"Yes," I sigh. I finally have a job!
"Okay, settle in your room," he leaves.
Whoa. Wait, I am staying? I quickly go to the kitchen and set my bag on the table. I look for the folder Mr. Robert gave me with the information. I don't recall anything about me staying here. I finally find the paper and reread everything.

Client: Greyson Smith Wayne
Job: House Maid
Responsibilities: clean, cook, laundry, errands, other.
Can opt-in for a room to stay in; resulting in higher pay
Schedule: Monday-Sunday 6am to 8pm
Has 3 days off month and can have unpaid vacation time if requested with a month advancement

Whoa. How did I miss that? Oh wait, I didn't read it all. I was so excited that the job agency got me a possible job that I just ran over here. I even forgot his name.
I sigh and place the paper down. I really don't have a choice. I am basically homeless. I need any chance I can get to save money as well.
I get my things to go to my room but I realize I forgot to ask him where I will be staying. This place isn't big but I see many doors.
Darn it! What to do Magdalene? I open the first door in the hallway and it is a closet. It has cleaning supplies. The second door is a simple bathroom. I go to my left and open the door and it is a blank room with only a bed setup. So I guess this is my room. I look at the door in the middle of the hall. It has to be his room. I wonder how it looks like. Well, I guess I will find out when I clean it tomorrow. I close my room door and sit on the bed. It is a small room but I like it. I never had a room to myself. I get my flip-phone out and dial Mrs. Haley. She runs a women shelter and has helped me throughout my life. She is the only mother figure I know of.
"I think someone got a job!" She giggles.
"Yes! And I even got a place to stay!"
"Already? Did your boss gave you a bonus?"
"No, he actually just offered me to stay in his apartment. I'm actually in my room right now,"
There's a long silence. Um...hello?
"Oh sweetie, but is that okay? I mean, you don't know him well, besides it is just a cleaning job, you can still stay at the shelter," she sounds worried.
Now that I think about it, should I really stay? What if Mrs. Haley had a reason to worry? Greyson doesn't seem like a bad man. But his stare is cold.
"Magdalene, are you alright?"
I shake my head, "yes I am. Greyson seems like a nice man. I think I will be okay if I stay. Besides, you need the space to help a woman who is actually in danger or needs help. You already done a lot for me,"
"And you know that everyone here loves you and wishes you the best,"
I smile. "Thank you,"
"Okay, well if you need anything don't hesitate to call me. I trust you are making a good decision sweetie,"
"Thank you and see you soon," I hang up. I look around the empty room. "How can I decorate?" I ask out loud.
...
Next Day: Wednesday
...
I studied the information the job agency gave me. I woke up at 530am to get his breakfast ready. He loves waffles and a good black coffee.
As I am finishing, I hear footsteps coming my way.
I turn and see Greyson siting on the small dinner table across the room.
"Morning Greyson," I lightly smile. "I am almost done,"
He looks at me. "First, it is Mr. Smith. Second, I stated that I want breakfast at exactly 630am," he looks down at his watch, "It is 635am."
I feel embarrassed. I didn't think he wouldn't want me to say his name or be rude about the time. I just get the food and coffee and serve him.
"Did you understand what I said?" His voice raises a bit. He places his hand on my wrist as I lay the plate on the table. His touch makes me flinch and my heart stops. It is so cold.
I stare at him. His face is like yesterday. "Yes,"
He places his hand back on the table. "Yes what?" He isn't looking at me anymore.
I stand straight. "Yes Mr. Smith," I walk back to the kitchen.
Oh
My
Gosh!!!!!!!!
No, I can't do this! This man is mean. I wonder why the job agency told me I will be good at this. I didn't trade my dad for this. This is not good!
The sound of silverware clicking makes me jump. I turn to Grey-Mr. Smith.
"Please know that I don't like repeating myself, I was calling you,"
I walk back to him. "Yes?" I am trying so much not to cry or yell at him.
"I need syrup and get my mail from the slot,"
I nod and give him his syrup and mail.
He doesn't bother me anymore and leaves without a word.
What is this man's deal? Can I survive this for six months? Wait, I didn't sign any contract. I can quit!
No.
No. I can't quit. I need a job. I want to become a better Magdalene. I deserve a life where I am happy and healthy. I have been through worse with dad. This is nothing and I can do it. I know I can.
My day goes on well since I don't have Mr. Sour in the apartment. I do my duties as he stated in the paperwork. My second duty is to clean his room. I open the door and a very strong cologne smell hits my senses. It smells great. I turn on the lights, even if I can see well with the sunlight coming through a big window on the right. His bed has simple light brown covers and pillows. I notice his clothes on the floor from yesterday and on the other side his pajamas. The room is simple with one the essentials and nothing else. As I am cleaning, I notice there is no photographs or posters of anything. I check his closet for any mess but it is impressively organize. It is quite huge! It is the same size as my room! He has mostly office suits but I spot casual clothing too.
"Magdalene get to work!" I tell myself. I don't want him to think I am wasting my time on being nosy.

By the time I know it, it is 6pm. Man, I need to shower! Mr. Smith should be here by seven so I still have time. I quickly head to the small bathroom and shower.
The water feels good on my skin. I feel like I worked more than I have at the shelter, but I know that it is just mentally drained. I kept worrying about this job. I don't know why he is like that. Why can he speak to me like a human being?
Did he speak to all his maids like this?
"You have a minute to get out! Why are you showering during work hours?" His voice freezes my back and makes my breathing off. Oh shit! What? I turn off the water and put a towel around me. I get my watch and it is 7:02pm! Darn it! I am screwed! Why didn't I keep track of time?
I get my things and head out but something hits me. Oh shit!! No! I am looking at a red tie.
"Magdalene? What are you doing?" Mr. Smith's voice sounds lower than usual.
I am too afraid to look up or move! Why doesn't he move?!
"Remember I don't like repeating myself,"
I gasping for air! I was trying to mentally prepare myself to stay and now I am going to get fired!
He finally moves aside but doesn't move further. I turn my head towards him. His eyes stare back at mine this time. "Get dressed. Come back to the kitchen where you belong and cook me dinner. I will let this slide as long as you can tell me this is last time I see you like this and use your time to do what you want,"
Where I belong? What does he mean by that?
I suddenly feels his eyes look at me from head to toe. I feel embarrassed. There is nothing to see though. I am not a model nor I am attractive. It is still embarrassing for anyone to stare at me like this.
"Okay. I guess you can tell me that after dinner," Mr. Smith leaves towards the living room area. I quickly go to my room. I can't help but to cry. Oh gosh! I am crying while putting my clothes on and brushing my hair!  That was so gruesome! I can't look at him anymore! Is this really worth it?
I don't know how I am doing it but I am soon cooking this man a steak. I put on my last outfit I have. A simple black dress with my black shoes on. My hair is still wet and in a pony tail.
I am trying to just think positive. I know I am going to get paid well. At least well enough to buy more clothes and a better phone. I can also buy myself a bicycle. I know that my cooking is awesome too. Maybe he can forget everything with my food.
I call dinner and he sits. I serve him and ask what he would like to drink.
"Red wine,"
"Um, where is your wine?"
"The last cabinet, and be careful. The wine I have costs more than anything you owe,"
I nod. Well, I don't have anything buddy.
I get him his wine. I guess everything was good since he didn't bother me. He gets up and tells me that I am dismissed after I clean up. I start to do as he says and get his plate. I start to rinse the dishes and place them in the dishwasher.
Suddenly, I feel he is behind me.
"Can you tell me you understand your job now?"
I gulp and turn around. He is standing a foot away from me. His stare is now curious about my answer. However, he still sounds and looks cold.
"I am not going to lie. Dinner was great. However, I am not convince you are fitted for the job. I need to know you want this so we can finalize tomorrow your contract,"
Man, he sounds like a lawyer.
"Yes, I-I understand that I need to do my personal things on my own time,"
"Do you want to stay then?"
I nod.
He sighs. "Magdalene, I want a clear answer,"
"Yes I want to stay," I look up at him. I see his lips move a bit to the side like a smirk. "Okay then tomorrow we can go to the job agency to finalize the contract and you can get paid your bonus. I feel you need it," he looks down at my shoes. He doesn't say anything else and goes to his room. Was he trying to be nice? I groan loudly. Would I be selling my soul for this paycheck?