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I sat on the couch waiting to hear the tell tale creak of the stairs signaling my landlords inevitable visit. Toying with the locket my mother had given me four years ago on my sixteenth birthday; I stared at the two suitcases on the floor, hoping I wouldn't need them. I shouldn't have to; after all I was a big believer in my namesake and had been doing all the right things. I was a full time student; worked four mornings a week at the diner, didn't party like many of my girlfriends, and was proud to be referred to as a prude rather than a slut by the asshole frat boys at school.

My grades were good; I was responsible, reliable and had my own place. Well now it was my own place, which was the problem. Up until two weeks ago, I had shared the cute little two-bedroom apartment with my former best friend Jen. Former because she had dropped the bomb on me she was moving out to go live with her boyfriend. Not so bad, if she hadn't meant that night, and worse, stiffed me her half of the rent due the next day.

Because wait staff received tips, state law only required we be paid two fifty an hour. Billy, the owner of Kim's Kitchen, was a sport and paid us an extra dollar an hour so between hourly and tips I had been able to pay my half of the five hundred dollar a month rent. I had given Hal my half on the first and told him the story, but he was unsympathetic and started on about how easy he could get somebody else to take the apartment seeing it was only two blocks from the university.

I had to all but beg him to give me a little time and he said he would give me a week to get the other half or get a roommate. I'd put an ad on every bulletin board at school, but had no takers and I'd had to buy books for the semester with the last of my savings. The money accessible money I had left from mom's life insurance had been used to fix the transmission in my car only to have the motor blow a month later. Per mom's will, her attorney would use the rest of the money only to pay my tuition each year.

I had tried to get some of it to get a cheap used car and he seemed to sincerely feel bad for me, but said his hands were tied. It would be a waste of time to ask for help with the rent. My stomach twisted at the sound of the steps creaking from beyond my front door. I held my breath then released it when the footsteps passed my room and headed down the hallway. I had no idea what to tell Hal and truth was he could have the place rented before my bed grew cold.

Hal had a deal with the school that students received a discount from him and the school paid the rest, which was covered in my tuition. This allowed him to charge close to a thousand dollars a month for what really was only worth what we paid. But the lease stated in order to get that discounted rate the rent could not be more than three days late. If this had happened early in the semester I could have found a roomie easily, but this far in everyone was settled in.

I looked down at the locket I'd been fondling and felt that all too familiar burning sensation in my eyes, I glanced over at the cheap end table I had bought at a yard sale and looked at the picture of mom and I taken at my high school graduation.

Mom hadn't come from the best of stock as she'd put it and I was the first in her family to finish high school. The fact I'd graduated with honors and was now in college was a source of great pride for her and she would tell anyone who would stand still long enough about it. Mom had quit school, but when I was barely a year old earned her GED and through a state program to help young mother's received a bachelor of science in hospitality, which had led to her running a local Marriott.

Mom was making good money, but tended to spend it, mostly on spoiling me and going on cruises. She had some money put away, but not much. After all she probably figured she had plenty of time to do that. She certainly hadn't planned on being diagnosed with stage four liver cancer at the age of thirty five. She had passed away six months later, mercifully quick according to the doctors who said she suffered much less that way.

I'd sat and cried by her side and told her many times she was too young, but mom's response had been because of her past many people had though she would never make it past eighteen so for her the last eighteen years had been a bonus. She had made me promise to graduate and continue to do the right things because good things came to people who did them. That's why she had named me...

"Carmen!"

The voice from the other side of the door startled me and was followed by a loud knock. Dropping the charm back against the old baggy Nickelback t-shirt I was wearing, I called out "Coming!"

I took a deep breath and crossed the room on trembling legs. I paused in front of the door and flipping my long brown hair back out of my face, squeezed my locket for luck and opened the door.

"Hey were you sleeping?" Hal asked without so much as a hello, "I knocked twice."

"Oh," I gave him a nervous laugh while stepping back to let him into the living room, "Guess I was just kind of zoning on the couch."

"Zoning or boning?" he leered at me.

Saying Hal was a pervert was like saying the sun was warm. He blatantly stared at every girl in the building and was always making lewd remarks. Most of the time it was under his breath, but he had been pretty forward with me in our last conversation and was already starting in, probably because he knew I was in a bind and wouldn't say anything. As if to enforce my point he had turned around to look at me and was staring at my legs. I was wearing a pair of loose jogging shorts, which combined with my mussed hair and unflattering t-shirt, left me feeling far from sexy, but he was all but licking his lips.

"I told you before, I don't have a boyfriend." I told him as I walked past him.

I could feel his eyes on me and knew they were glued to my ass. What he was seeing I had no idea. I was on the thin side, but had run track throughout high school. I knew my legs and ass were my best feature body wise, which was good compensation for the fact I didn't have a whole lot on top. But I doubted the shorts were showing anything.

"Oh? Cute little thing like you? Why not?"

"I need to work and study, no time for that right now." Sitting down, I pointed at the old armchair across from the couch, "Would you like to sit?"

"I own the place k**, I don't need your permission." He smirked, "So you play a lot of sticky finger?"

"What's that mean?" I widened my big brown eyes, feigning ignorance.

"Oh come on!" he waved his hand at me, "You know."

I shook my head and shrugged and he rolled his eyes. He didn't sit, but instead walked over to the couch until he was only an arm's length from me. Hal was a big guy, around six feet, with broad shoulders and what at one point, was probably a decent set of arms. But his gut hung past his belt and his arms appeared to have as much flab as muscle. His face was always red and he was sporting a pretty decent whiskey bloom as my mother had always referred to the tell tale sign of a serious drinker.

I could smell beer on his breath now and his eyes seemed brighter than usual. That explained his more forward behavior and I did the best I could to try not to look nervous. I wasn't worried he would hurt me, but I doubted I would get any leeway in his current state.

"Well maybe you kill a lot of batteries instead; I forget you girls watch as much smut as guys these days."

"I don't watch..."

"Whatever, your goody two shoes bullshit doesn't fool me. The nicest girls are always the biggest sluts." He paused, waiting for me to bite, but I let it go. He frowned, then with the grin returning shrugged, "Anyway Carmen."

"Karma." I corrected him.

"What?" he asked, while wiping at his watery blue eyes.

"My name isn't Carmen, its Karma."

"Like Sutra."

"Like what comes around goes around." I said with an edge in my voice.

"Ohh, feisty! I like that!" he laughed and I sighed, realizing I should just say as little as possible.

"Well let's see if you're a feisty girl who has the rent."

"I..." As always my hand found my locket, trying to draw strength from it, "I'm sorry Hal, but I don't."

"I gave you an extra week k**." He spread his arms, "You work don't you?"

"Yes, but I had to pay off my books and I have to eat and do laundry and..."

"Maybe you should get another job." The leer was back, "stead of serving coffee you should be showing some of that cute little body of yours and making some real money."

"I'm not like that. But I promise I can have half again on the first and I'm looking for a roommate and..."

"The first? k**, you think you're going to live here for half?"

"I promise I'll catch up!' My voice cracked and I wanted to kick myself for showing I was nervous.

"You can't pay current never mind catch up and I can have my full rent in no time, I have a waiting list for this place."

"But the students are all set until next semester."

"I don't have to rent to students; I can get full boat from people who work at the school too."

"Please give me some more time Hal, I'll figure something out!"

He sighed as if I was getting to him and lowered his voice, "Look Carmen, you seem like a good k**, but..."

"Karma." I said automatically.

"What's with that weird name anyway?"

"It meant something to my mother."

"Speaking of your mother, why not get the money from her?"

"Because she passed away a year ago."

"Shit don't I feel like a fucking asshole?" he looked like he genuinely felt bad and as bad as it was, I tried to push that advantage.

"My mom named me Karma, because she always believed good things come to people who do good things."

"Do a good deed and get one in return you mean?" he asked, rubbing one of his two chins.

"Exactly." I gave him a big smile and deliberately widened my already large expressive eyes, "So if you were to be a good guy and give me a break then maybe something good will happen to you!"

"I like that idea" He returned the smile, flashing his nicotine stained teeth.

Releasing the locket, I felt my stomach unclench itself, "Good, so I can stay?"

"Sure." He said cheerily, "But seeing you need the good deed from me, you should be the one doing one, right?"

"Um, well...." My stomach immediately began to tighten again.

"And I think you know what you could do for me." Stepping up to the couch so his crotch was directly in front of me he placed his hand on his zipper.

"I don't do those things." I said, shaking my head.

"You don't suck cock? Give me a break k**, I don't buy you're a twenty year old virgin."

"I'm not, but I...I don't just do that stuff."

"Stuff? Grow up honey, it's called a blow job."

My cheeks became warm and he laughed as I blushed. "Man you are a good girl aren't you?"

"I am and that's why I won't do it."

"But it's a good deed to get one remember?"

"It's disgusting." I pointed at the door, "Get out."

"Get out? k** you don't own the place, I do, and you're late enough for me to kick you out."

"It's blackmail." I crossed my arms and gave my hair a toss.

"Whatever," he unzipped his fly. "Listen Karma, you take care of me, I'll take care of you."

"This how you get your kicks?" I asked, staring him in the eye.

"Not usually; the other girls pay their rent, besides they're slutty and I like slutty, but getting a little prude like you to suck my cock would be a lot more fun."

"I won't..."

"Would it be so bad?" he waved at the apartment, "This is a nice place k**, and you could stay here and all it would take is you getting on your knees and being a bad little girl for a few minutes. Come on, you know you've sucked cock before."

I didn't reply and had to force myself not to grab the locket again. I kept my hands folded in my lap and found myself staring at his crotch. Appalled at what was going on, I turned my head and was now staring at the suitcases. I had nowhere to go. My friends either lived in the dorm or apartments like this where it was against the rules to have other people move in. Where would I end up?

"That's right." Hal said softly as if reading my thoughts, "You'll be on the street and let me tell you, what I'll ask you to do will be nothing compared to what you'll end up doing when the pimps find you."

I looked back at his crotch and to my dismay, began to think about it. I didn't have a lot of experience. My first time wasn't until a month after my eighteenth birthday and I had been dating Roger for over a year before we did it. I'd been with two guys since, both of which I'd dated a few months.

But I'd gotten no complaints from any of them and had to admit I enjoyed oral sex, but I had liked them and they had been good to me. Hal was an old fat asshole who would probably go around telling his friends all about how he got sucked off by the little whore who couldn't pay her rent.

I swallowed hard and told myself I could do it, he'd probably go off in two minutes. It would buy me time to find a roommate and...

"Tell you what, honey," Hal leaned over and I flinched as he brushed my long hair away from my neck so he could speak in my ear. "I'll make a deal with you. You take care of me once a week and you can stay here by yourself and just pay me half for as long as you want."

"I..." I turned my head to look at him,

"I mean it; think about it, not only staying, but the whole place is yours. All you have to do is play around with me on Friday nights and we have a deal, how's that sound?"

I released a startled yelp when he grabbed my wrist and pulling my arm up, placed my hand on his crotch. I could feel he was hard through his baggy jeans and noticed he wasn't small.

"Easy, Karma," he let my hand go, "I'm not going to hurt you, I just want to have fun with you." He tried what he probably considered a sexy smile, "It can be fun, trust me those k**s you've been with don't know what to do with a hot little thing like you."

I forced myself to keep my hand on his dick and reaching out with the other, grabbed the snap of his jeans.

"That's a good girl" he told me. "I knew you were a smart k**."

My hands were trembling and I tried to work myself up to pull his pants down and get this over with. I began to tug on his jeans and turning my head away I sought out the suitcases as an inspiration to do what I had to. Instead, my eyes found the picture of mom. I recalled her telling me of her troubled past and some of the terrible things she had done to get by. Removing my hands I shook my head.

"k**, this is your last chance." He said in a tone that told me he wasn't k**ding.

"You know." I fought to keep my voice steady. "Like I said what comes around goes around and if you make me do this then something bad might...."

"Karma, the only thing that should be cumming around is my cock all over your pretty face, now we both know you need this, so stop pretending you're not going to do it."

I looked up into his eyes and taking a deep breath braced myself for what was to come and began to slide off the couch.

*****

"Excuse me, Miss?"

I jumped at the sound of the voice in front of me, and then released a sound somewhere between a squeal and a scream at the feeling of someone grabbing my shoulder. Before my eyes were completely open I was bringing up the small can of pepper spray I'd fallen asleep with in my hand.

"Whoa!" The man, who to my chagrin was a police officer, raised his hands, "Easy Miss, I didn't mean to startle you."

"I...I'm sorry sir." I exclaimed, putting the spray down next to me on the bench I'd chosen as my bed last night.

"That's okay." He said, "I shouldn't have touched you, but you know you're not supposed to be sleeping here, right?"

"I know." I gave a small shrug, "But I got thrown out of my apartment last night and I really don't have anywhere to go."

"Last night?"

"Yes, I...I couldn't pay my rent." And had decided not to offer services for it I added to myself.

Hal had stared in disbelief when I'd stood up from the couch and grabbing my suitcases took them into the bedroom and began throwing my clothes and other small belongings into them. He watched me pack, probably hoping I would change my mind and when I dragged the suitcases past him and tossed my keys at him he declared, "You'll be back you little slut and you better be crawling because it'll save you the time to get on your knees for me."

I'd resisted the urge to tell him to go fuck himself. I was raised better than that. Well, okay, my throat was so tight I was afraid I would cry and wouldn't give him that satisfaction. I'd lugged the suitcases down the road and past the university, heading for the diner, figuring that wherever I stopped for the night I wanted to be close to work. When I could no longer keep the cases off the ground I spotted the benches in front of the Hilton and sat down planning on just catching my breath.

But by then it had been after eleven and the street was quiet and I'd decided to close my eyes and see if I could sleep. After all benches and I were about to become good friends.

"What's your name, miss?"

"Karma, sir."

"Well Karma, you certainly don't look like the usual type I find on the benches, but I still have to tell you to leave. The manager of the hotel saw you and called it in." he shrugged, "They're pretty snooty around here."

"Sorry." I said meekly and slipping the spray into the pocket of the jeans I'd slipped on over my shorts grabbed the handles of the suitcases. "I...I won't do it again."

"You really have nowhere to go? No family or friends?"

"No family and my friends can't let me stay, they all live on campus."

"Well I wouldn't suggest sleeping on benches. You'll get arrested in the decent parts of town and that would be a good thing compared to what might happen if you sleep in the park or other parts of town."

"I...I don't know where to go!" I fought to keep from sobbing, how the hell was this happening to me?

"There's a woman's shelter over on Elmwood Avenue. They might be able to find you a place." He watched as I nodded dumbly still wondering if this wasn't just a bad dream, then asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

"No." My stomach reaffirmed that response with an ominous grumble and it hit me I had been too nervous to eat dinner last night and had not thought to grab any food from the cupboard.

"Well Crossroads is only a few blocks that way," he pointed across the street. "They serve a hot breakfast and dinner."

"A soup kitchen." I said softly my eyes filling up. "I can't eat there."

"You don't look like you've ever had to, but it's a meal."

"I just...can't."

"Your choice Karma," he shrugged, "But let me tell you something, humble pie is a lot more filling than chewing on your pride."

His words stung and his face had changed from one of sympathy to a slight smirk. Probably thinking I felt I was better than my circumstances. I nodded and standing, grabbed the suitcases.

"Thank you for your help." I told him, "I..."

I stopped and my eyes widened as his words echoed in my head; humble pie, pie...

"Shit!" I exclaimed, digging my phone out of my pocket and looking at the time.

"What's the matter?"

"Oh no!"

It was eight fifteen and I was supposed to be in work for seven. Since my car shit the bed, I'd been busing and was late almost every day and Billy kept threatening to fire me. Even if a bus drove by me right now it would have to go downtown first and I would get there well after nine.

"What is it?" The officer repeated.

"I overslept and I'm late for work!"

"You work?" he raised his eyebrows skeptically.

"Yes!" I snapped, "I know what you probably think of me, but I'm not like the rest of the people with no place to go, I go to school too!"I fought back another frustrated sob, "I'm going to get fired!"

"Where do you work?"

"Kim's Diner and its ...."

"I'll give you a ride, how's that?"

"You will?" I asked, surprised.

"Sure," he nodded, "I know everyone thinks cops are around just to write tickets and act like jerks, but we are here to help when we can and at least I can help you, most people in your place I can't."

"Thank you officer!" I had to resist the urge to hug him, "This means so much!"

"Well," he gave me a wink, "I figured with a name like yours it can't hurt to be nice to you,"

It was eight thirty five when I got dropped off by the officer who'd told me his name was Rob and also let me know that Crossroads had beds, but they were first come first serve and they may be full. That thought caused another feeling of the surreal; a homeless shelter? Nevertheless, I thanked him and after I got my bags out of the back seat, started to walk towards the entrance to the diner. I stopped when it dawned on me how it would look; coming in with the suitcases.

Ducking into the alley alongside the diner I walked around to the back and was relieved to see the back door was open to let some air in. I entered quickly and saw my luck had held out. Billy was busy in front of the huge grill and while his back was to me, I moved as quickly as I could across the room until I had reached the storage room. I slipped inside and closing the door fumbled around in the dark until I found the string attached to the lone bulb that lit the room.

Placing my grey suitcase on a box I opened it and removed the less wrinkled of my three black Kim's Diner t-shirts and stuck my name tag to it. I stripped last night's clothes off and pulled on my black jeans. I tugged the shirt over my head and frowned as I caught a whiff of something funky. I rolled my eyes when I discovered it was under my arms that smelled funky.

Grabbing my deodorant the thought of where the hell was I going to shower tried to creep into my head. Talk about taking the little things for granted. With that in mind I took a minute to plug my lap top and phone into the outlet behind one of the long unused racks and closed the lid of the suitcase over them. Picking up a couple of empty boxes that I swore had been there since I started two years ago, I placed them on top of the case and shoved the other behind the rack.

I let my hair out of its pony tail and trying not to think about the fact I hadn't washed it since the night before last, I peeked out of the room. Billy was now at the tall counter and yelling at Maria that the eggs had been there so long they were turning into chickens. Exiting the room, I closed the door and walked quickly up behind Billy as if I had just come in.

"Morning!" I declared with false cheer.

Billy turned around and seeing me began to clap, "Way to go k**, you actually made it!"

"I'm sorry! I missed the first bus and..."

"Karma for the last two months you've been late more than you're on time." He pointed out while wiping his greasy hands off on an apron that looked as if it hadn't seen a washing machine in this decade.

"I know, I promise it won't..." I stopped when he made a farting sound with his lips.

"Man if I had a buck for every time you said that, look, I like you, the other girls like you and the customers like you," he grinned, "Especially one in particular."

"Oh, stop that!" I waved my hand, "I could be his daughter."

"If I could I'd be all over a girl my daughter's age," he sighed, "But I suppose only way that would happen is if I paid for it."

"Well," I started to walk past him, "Let me get out there and..."

I stopped when Billy put his hand up.

"Seriously Karma, it's not fair to Maria and Pat. I start you at seven because from seven to nine is our busiest time. We were so jammed today I had to go out and pour some coffee. Now I think we both know, no one wants to see my ugly ass out there."

"I'll be on time." I said, "You have my word."

"Until tomorrow." He shook his head, "I'm thinking of cutting one of your weekday shifts, Maria could use more hours and..."

"No please don't!" I couldn't lose any hours, my only hope of getting a place was to try to bank my pay and somehow live on as little as possible. "I really need the money!"

"Then you should be on time! Christ, you're over an hour late."

"I'll do better! I...I'm living closer now."

"You moved?" he narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm over near...the Hilton!"

"But you were even later today," he pointed out.

"Different route, this bus runs later and..."

He was staring down at me and had crossed his arms over his chest. His body language was trying to tell me he was still mad, but his eyes didn't seem as angry.

"Please Billy?" I pushed my lip out into a pout, "Please give me another chance?"

"Don't do that!" he snapped.

"Do what?" I made my already big brown eyes even wider.

"You know, that's not fair!"

"I don't know what you mean, but I'm awfully sorry Billy, please, please?" I was now using a little girl voice and with a disgusted grunt he threw his thumb over his shoulder,

"Get your ass out there and you better be on time tomorrow!"

"Thank you!" I stood up on my toes and gave him a peck on his unshaved cheek before heading past him,

"Well at least I can tell people a girl half my age kissed me today," he muttered.

"And for free," I added then quickly scooted through the swinging door and out into the diner.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in." Pat said from behind the cash register as I walked up to the counter.

"Yeah, I know, I'm late."

"And you do look like the cat dragged you in," she grinned at me, "You're a mess honey, was he worth it?"

"I was alone last night." I told her while grabbing menus to take over to a couple who were just sitting down.

"Please, over an hour late, no makeup, hair's a mess." She laughed, "It's been a long time, but I remember those nights."

"Um, sure." I shrugged, "You're right I stayed out all night. He gave me a ride in," I winked "and dropped me off!"

Pat laughed and gave me a smack on my ass when I walked by her and started over to the couple.

"Too late sweetie," Maria, smirked cutting in front of me and heading over to the table that was in my section.

"Number twelve is mine," I said just loud enough for her to hear.

She turned around so quickly I almost bumped into her and stuck her finger in my chest, "Not when you're an hour late sweetie. Your ass should have been fired, but I guess Billy likes looking at your cute little ass."

"No, it's because I..."

"I had to cover your section for the last hour and I'm taking this one too. I can't get any more hours cause of you so I may as well get some extra tips seeing you can't tell time."

She turned away and I noticed the people at a couple of tables near us were staring at me. I gave them a forced smile as if nothing were wrong and headed back to the counter.

"What's wrong with her?" I asked Pat.

"She is." She laughed, "You know Maria, not happy less she's not happy."

I looked around and seeing the diner was a slower than usual for this time of day. rolled my eyes. I needed my tips now more than ever. Well I hadn't been k**ding I would be closer to work from now on, the shelter was only a few blocks away if I could bring myself to go there. Grabbing a towel from under the counter I gave it a squirt of Windex and started wiping the already clean countertop for something to do.

"Besides," Pat continued, "You were really late today and the place was swamped just before eight."

"Looks dead now." I glumly surveyed the mostly empty diner.

"It was a bunch of people all heading off on a tour or something. But you know why I really think Maria is mad?"

"Why's that?"

"Well," Pat began with a big grin, "It's just before nine and I think Maria thought she would get a chance to serve your best regular."

"Joe?" I was confused, "Why is that a big deal?"

"Karma, are you really that naïve?" she paused then with a laugh placed her hand on my arm, "Never mind, I forget you really are oblivious."

"Thanks," placing the rag under the counter I started checking the salt and pepper shakers along the counter.

Apparently with nothing else to do at the moment Pat followed me.

"Don't take it the wrong way; I think its part of what makes you so sweet. So do you want to know?"

"You're going to tell me anyway."

"Of course I am, when you get to be on the wrong side of sixty like me all you have is gossip."

"So cluck away then," I told her while opening a couple of jars of sugar to refill them.

"Honey, Joe's about five years older than Maria, he's good looking, he's a nice guy, he makes damn good money and ever since his wife past two years ago Maria's been trying to line him up in her sights."

"Oh." I nodded while pulling the bag of sugar out from under the counter and trying to pour it into the jar without spilling any. "So why be rude to me?"

"Joe asks for you specifically and that pisses her off because you have no interest and she does."

"So what am I supposed to do, let her take care of him?"

"No, he's been coming here since the place opened, hell Billy's daughter Kim used to wait on him and his wife everyday and she moved to Florida had to be almost twelve years ago. He's Billy's best customer, rumor has it he even helped him get the loan he needed a few years back to stay open, who Joe wants, Joe gets."

"That must suck, coming here alone and missing his wife every day." I rolled my eyes looking at the sugar all over the counter. "Don't know if I could do it."

"You're seeing it wrong, he had good memories with her here and its how he keeps them alive." She sighed, "Remember you're talking to someone who lost their husband five years ago."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to sound like a jerk."

"You're not and I'm sure you have things that make you smile and think of your mom." Pat put her arm around my shoulders and said softly, "She's proud of you Karma, school, work and you're the sweetest girl I know."

"I'm sure she would be proud of these days," I muttered slipping out from under her arm.

"As long as you do the right thing she will."

That caused me to pause. Pat was right, Mom would be more proud of me sleeping on a bench than blowing some pervert in trade for rent.

"Thanks Pat."

"For what?"

"For what you said, I needed that."

"Okay, glad I could help." She stopped as Maria bustled past us, giving us her best, "Must be nice to stand there and do nothing look" when she'd past, Pat continued, "But you never let me finish. Maria is mad at you because you're young, you're pretty, all the customers like you; especially the guys and" she winked, "Especially Joe."

"You too?" I waved my hand at her, "Billy made that same crack, Joe just likes to chat with me, he doesn't want to you know, do anything with me."

"Don't be so sure, Karma. He's single now, in his late forties, money, he's the perfect sugar daddy type."

"Joe's not like that." I snapped, "He's a good man, not some pig."

Pat smiled causing her brown eyes to all but disappear in the wrinkles that action caused.

"Hmm, maybe it's not just Joe that has some feelings."

"Not true." I told her, making sure I said it calmly, "I like him as a friend. He came to my mom's wake and funeral and sent flowers too. He's just a nice guy, why doesn't anyone ever think someone can just be nice?"

"Because we've been around longer than you, but like I said, stuff like that is what makes you so adorable." She shook her head, "And I was only k**ding earlier, I know you weren't out screwing or on some bender, you were probably up all night studying."

"I might have been with a guy." I gave my head a shake," I am cute you know."

"Nope, you have no boyfriend and would never just hop in bed with someone you just met. Am I right?"

"Right." I shrugged, "What can I say, I'm a prude."

"Nah, just a nice girl." Pat laughed again, "So I guess you prove your own point you make me believe you're that nice."

"Lead by example I guess."

"And just so you know, if Joe was interested it doesn't mean he's not nice. It means he's a nice guy who is into a nice girl."

"Joe's way too old for..."

"Watch it honey, I got fifteen years on Joe."

"Okay, sorry."

We both looked up at the bells jingling, signaling the door opening and Joe walked in.

"Nine o'clock on the dot." Pat said, "For over ten years you can set your clock by him." she nudged me with her elbow, "You could learn from that you know."

She released an exaggerated sigh, "I wouldn't mind being Joe's second wife that's for sure, but I'm thinking he's looking to go younger these days."

I ignored her remark and watched Joe make his way through the diner. Despite the heat he was wearing a suit as he did every day. This one was basic black accompanied by a tie of the same color. The shirt however was a stunning shade of teal that seemed flashy for a guy in his late forties, but he pulled it off. Aside from the shirt everything about Joe was old fashioned and professional.

His shoes were always polished, his salt and pepper hair, which these days was leaning more towards salt, was brushed back with nary a hair out of place. He was always freshly shaved and his tie impeccably knotted even though he didn't go in until after ten these days. Something told me the tie was knotted well before he left his house and stayed that way until he got home.

"Hey Joe," Maria called out, "Got an empty table for you right here," she followed that comment with a big smile as she leaned over and wiped the already clean table off.

That move caused her more than ample chest to almost fall out of the low cut black shirt she was wearing.

"Guess she's trying to interest him in today's special." Pat chuckled.

"Hey Pat, how about some more coffee?" A voice called from the other end of the counter.

"Well gotta run, just watch the look on Maria's face when she gets blown off cause he don't want to be blown off."

Pat turned around and grabbing a pot of coffee headed down the other end.

"Jeez Karma, I think you scared away the business." Billy said, leaning his forearms on the window he placed orders on. Maybe you're bad Karma today."

"You've said that a hundred times, since I've worked here," I said without looking at him.

"Well do something good for once and I'll change it, how's that?"

I resisted replying to him. It wasn't about not giving him the satisfaction, but I knew he did it as part of his grouch persona he worked hard to keep up. He started to say something and I said, "Yes sir, sorry sir, don't beat me sir."

That got a few laughs from the regulars at the counter, but I was watching Joe saying something to Maria. She was leaning with one hand on the table, thrusting her hip up while pushing her chest out. Joe flashed the big easy smile that was always either on his face or looking as if it were about to be. He said something to her and gestured towards the counter.

Maria looked over at me and if looks could kill my ass would be six feet under. But when she looked back at him, she gave him a smile and nodded okay. Joe approached the counter and as he sat down, I walked over to begin our morning ritual.

"Must be nine," I said, "You wouldn't be here a minute before or after. So," I gave a mock sigh, "Whatever will it be today?"

"Hmm," Joe made a show of perusing the menu as if he were going to order something different. "Well now the special looks good; prime rib hash what do you think?"

"Nope, that's how Billy gets rid of the prime rib he doesn't sell for dinner the night before."

"Oh." He nodded, "Good looking out as you k**s say. Well I guess that means I'll go with..." he closed the menu and laughed, "The sunrise special."

"Wow, you haven't had that since yesterday," turning I yelled, "Billy, Joe just ordered."

"Sunrise special coming up!" Billy shouted back.

"And to drink?" I raised my eyebrows.

"I think I'll have a cup of me, how's that?"

"Not funny today, or yesterday or a year ago." I told him, "You need new material or at least one other joke."

"Keep it up the joke will be your tip young lady." He said, his blue eyes twinkling, "So how's things?"

"Same as yesterday." I lied while pouring his coffee.

"You sure? You look tired." I'd barely finished filling his cup when he lifted it and took two swallows of the hot coffee as if it were cold water.

"Studying." Boy this lying thing was getting pretty easy.

"You sure," he lowered the cup and his eyes probed mine, "You look nervous and since when don't you have one of those things in your hair? I forgot what you call them."

"A scrunchi and I was in a hurry."

He'd raised his cup again and placing it back on the counter tapped it.

"Jeez Joe I've never seen anyone drink so much coffee so fast." I told him, refilling the cup.

"Guess I'm appropriately named," he grinned, "Now how about you tell me what's wrong?"

"Nothing at all." I said as my fingers found my locket and started rubbing it.

"Then why you rubbing your locket?"

"Huh?"

"You grab that whenever you seem nervous. In the world of poker it's called a tell, so fess up."

"Nothing really," I let the locket go, but my laugh sounded phony.

"School okay?"

"School's great." At least that was not a lie unless I totally tanked my finals in two weeks My GPA would be close to four.

"Orders up Karma." Billy hit the bell behind me, "Hey Joe, how's tricks?"

"I'm neither a magician nor a pimp, so I wouldn't know." Joe laughed at his own joke.

"Not a comedian either," Billy told him, "Good thing you don't have to be funny to count money."

"Or a chef to run a diner." Joe countered.

"Ouch," Billy laughed, "Good thing I already spit in your eggs."

"In this place I heard that's called seasoning!" one of the regulars called from down the counter.

"Funny," Billy muttered, "But you guys all keep coming back."

"We come for the ambiance," someone yelled.

"I come for the company," Joe winked at me, "And the view."

"I thought you came here cause you have OCD and can't change." I told him, but smiling nonetheless at the compliment.

"Views better over here." Maria said from the table behind Joe.

"Yeah, but everyone's seen it." Billy quipped causing half the diner to explode into laughter.

To avoid anymore jealousy on her part, I didn't look over to see the expression on her face. Instead I turned around and going to the window went to grab Joe's food. I knocked over a bottle of ketchup someone had left on the counter in front of it and bent over to grab it. Fortunately the lid was still on, but when I was picking it up, I looked into the metal fridge under the counter. In its reflection I could see Joe staring directly at my ass.

Or he seemed to be, I really didn't think he had any interest in me. For the hell of it, I stayed bent over pretending to fumble with something and moved my ass back and forth slightly. I saw him grin and felt myself start to flush; he really was checking me out. Apparently so was someone else "Hey Karma, pick something else up, that was the best show I've had in awhile."

"Knock it off, she's a good k**." Pat came to my defense.

"Yeah, they all are."

Ignoring the remarks, I grabbed Joe's food and when I placed it in front of him; I saw he had killed another cup of coffee. I didn't need to be asked and pouring him a third cup remarked, "Damn, Joe you must be up all night."

"Honey, its been a long time since I've been up all night."

"You mean you can sleep with all the coffee you..." I stopped and felt the blush returning, "Oh, um I get it."

"I don't." Joe smiled, "That's why it's been awhile."

I gave him an awkward nod and his smile widened, "I love it when you blush, you truly are a breath of fresh air."

"Thanks, I guess." I looked around and seeing no new customers coming in leaned against the counter, after now business was a trickle until lunch and I had to leave at one for class, today would be a lousy day for tips.

"So you never told me what's wrong?" Joe reminded me while spreading strawberry jam on his toast.

"I did, I said nothing."

"School's good?"

"You asked that already."

"Is it," he lowered his voice, "Your mom, you missing her?"

"Every day." I said softly, "But most days its good stuff and I'm okay."

"I know that feeling well." He frowned, an expression that seemed out of place on him. "All too well." He shook his head as if trying to dispel the upsetting thoughts entering his mind then continued, "Boy trouble."

"No, the only all nighters I have are from studying."

"Nice try, but I don't blush. Difference is I'm old and used up, you're way too cute to be spending every night alone." My face started to heat up again and he laughed, "You are way too easy."

"Nope, I'm a prude remember?"

"I prefer to think of you as a good girl, they're rare these days. So what's the problem? Billy treating you okay?"

"As okay as he treats anyone," I shrugged. "He rides me for being late, but I can't blame him."

"Well that will change now that you moved." Pat said walking behind me.

"How did you know I moved?"

"Heard you with Billy," she shrugged, "Remember all I have is gossip."

"You moved?" Joe asked, "When?"

"Um, yesterday, that's why I look kind of crappy."

"Then why didn't you say that?"

"I don't know."

"Where did you move to?" he picked up his cup and I resisted grabbing my locket while watching him chug the coffee.

"Closer."

"Closer where?"

"Near the Hilton."

"Are you getting something off the rent through the school like the other place?"

"No, not really."

Then why the move?" his eyes narrowed, "Everything okay?"

"I, well I had a problem with the landlord and decided to leave." At least that was pretty much the truth.

"Is it settled, you need any help?"

"I'm fine, Joe really."

"Okay, well just make sure if you need a little help you ask okay?"

"Okay."

I poured his fourth cup of coffee and wondered if Joe would lend me a month's rent and if he did would Hal take it? No, even if he did, I couldn't pay it back and would be right back at square one next month.

"So is your new place nice?" Joe asked, already bringing the mug to his lips.

"Yeah," I gave him what I hoped was a convincing smile; "It's a lot bigger than my old place and has a great view of the park."

*****

I looked up from my laptop and checked to see how much time was left on the dryer. I saw it was a half hour and leaning back in the chair thought about how much I used to hate the Laundromat. I'd always thought it was a long boring ordeal, but since I'd had nowhere to live I had come to appreciate it as a place I could stay for a couple of hours and not be bothered. I'd started doing laundry more often so I knew I had somewhere to go for a little while.

It had been three weeks since I'd decided not to whore myself to Hal and things hadn't been easy. Because I had a job I knew I wasn't as bad off as the other people I had seen sleeping on benches and in the parks. I could at least buy a cup of coffee and a meal if I had to. The first couple of days I'd been homeless I had lugged my bags everywhere with me until I remembered the gym I had a membership to offered lockers.

It was twenty dollars a month to rent one and although it hurt to part with the money it was worth it. The gym was a twenty minute walk from Kim's and each day I got there early, did a half hour work out to not look suspicious and after using one of their showers grabbed my clothes for the day out of the locker, along with my book bag and lap top and headed over to work.

The four days I worked were easier on me. The six hour shifts gave me a place to be as well as a way to try to save enough to get into a small apartment. I was also able to eat a meal there and make a couple of sandwiches for later. Two of those days I had class and that was another three hours I wasn't wandering around. The rest of the week I did what I could to try to hang out with friends from school, savoring every moment I could be in someone's house.

Here and there I got lucky and was able to sleep over, but didn't want to look bad and keep asking. After four nights of sleeping outside, I swallowed my pride and went down to Crossroads. I got lucky the first week, getting a bed each night, but more and more families were coming in and those with c***dren received priority for the beds.

When they had no room I slept wherever I thought I could while still being somewhat visible. There were far too many stories of women being beaten and ****d in the park at night to try that so I spent nights sleeping sitting up on the benches of bus stops and a couple of times at the train station until the security guards began to recognize me and started throwing me out. Speaking of being recognized I had been lucky so far that no one I knew had ever seen me camping out anywhere.

Tonight I was going to try the shelter again. It was only four and once my laundry was done I could get there by five. If they had no beds I could at least get a decent dinner then go wandering off in search of somewhere not the street. I was in a catch twenty two with the money I did make. On one hand if I put most of my money in the bank I could afford to get into the building near the diner that rented weekly apartments. The rent was literally my entire paycheck, but I would have a roof over my head and only have to worry about eating.

The semester was over in a couple of weeks and if I could squeak by for the summer I would be able to get into an apartment similar to where I had been with a roommate. But that was going to be a twelve weeks stretch of hoping my tips would give me enough to pay rent every week. The other problem was I had to spend some money. I needed clean clothes and bus fare to get to school. A few nights I had missed dinner at the shelter and bought something. I would only spend a couple of dollars, but they added up.

I jumped when the buzzer on the dryer went off and taking my time folding the clothes thought for the thousandth time that I was lucky it was decent weather, this would be hell in the winter. I packed my clean clothes in the smaller of my suitcases I had brought with me and unplugging the lap top and my phone from the wall left the Laundromat and headed for the shelter. I made good time walking and got there before there was too much of a line.

I walked up behind an old man who smelled like he'd rolled around in booze and as I always did put my head down, trying to avoid eye contact or conversation with anyone. It's not that I thought I was better than they were, but I didn't look like them and had gotten some unwanted attention from some of the guys. More than once their comments and lewd stares had caused me to leave the shelter and head off without eating as I didn't want them sitting with me or trying to follow me.

I glanced up when the guy in front of me began shuffling forward and saw they had opened the doors. Keeping my eyes lowered I followed the line into the large cafeteria. I picked up a tray and staring down at it tried not to think about unfair this was, that I tried to do the right things and had ended up like this. The fact I had gotten tossed for not wanting to give an asshole a blowjob added to my frustration. That pig had a place to live and here I was taking free food from a shelter.

I picked up a bottle of water from a large barrel and placing my tray on the metal counter looked down at what the options were. I had decided on what they passed off as lasagna when the person serving it walked away, heading down to the other end of the line to pass out pieces of fruit.

"Hey, can we get someone else out here?" A woman server called towards the kitchen, "I need another pair of hands."

I had just reached her and held my tray up for her to put a couple of tablespoons of corn onto it when I saw an all too familiar face come out of the back room, slipping on a pair of rubber gloves and picking up a spatula; it was Joe. I'd heard him mention he did some volunteer work, but he had never said where. My stomach lurched and I started to step out of the line, but it was too late; he was looking right at me. His blue eyes widened when he recognized me, "Karma? What are you doing here?"

"I...uh...." I could feel my face burning and dropping the tray on the counter turned and ran, tears off humiliation already flowing down my face as I shoved past the people filing though the door. I gained the street and with my suit case clutched against my chest, ran down the street. I had no idea where I was going, but at this point didn't care. I had never been so embarrassed in my life.

*****

"Karma!"

I jumped at the sound of Billy behind me, but didn't turn around. Instead I continued to load the dishwasher, hoping he would leave me alone, but knowing he wouldn't.

"What are you doing back here?"

"The dishes."

"No shit." Billy grunted, "Look at me."

With a sigh I turned to face him.

"Why aren't you out there?"

"Well the dishes were piling up and..."

"There's a good crowd out there, Maria just took your table again because you weren't around."

"That's okay."

"Hey, you feeling alright?"

"Yeah, why?"

Billy peered closely at me and shook his head, "You look like shit k**."

"Thanks." I said dryly, but knew he was right.

I'd ended up going where I always did when I was upset these days, the cemetery. I'd sat and cried by the side of mom's grave and wished I could talk to her. After awhile I'd calmed down and debated trying to stay in the cemetery for the night, but in the end the thought creeped me out and I ended up sitting in Barnes and Noble, nursing a coffee and trying to study.

When the store closed at nine I went and sat at the bus stop and tried to sleep. My mind kept picturing the mixed emotions of surprise and concern on Joe's face and I thought about not going to work the next day. There was no way he would not bring it up and I didn't want anyone's pity. I could take care of myself. In fact I had been taking care of myself since mom passed and even now I was getting by.

I dozed off at some point and was awoken by a man's voice. When I opened my eyes I found myself staring at a tall guy in a suit who was grinning down at me and asked me if I wouldn't rather sleep in a bed. As my hand strayed to my pocket, seeking the pepper spray, he went on to tell me how he could rent a room at the motel down the street and we could spend the night partying.

I'd told him no thanks and when he looked annoyed I'd brought out the spray. He rolled his eyes and backed off, telling me I was pretty fussy for a street slut and got in his car and took off. I was going to leave when an older woman who'd spent a couple of nights sharing the stop with me showed up. She said hello, gave me a smile that would drive a dentist to drink and placing the large garbage bag she lugged around all the time under the bench curled up and was immediately asleep.

Strangely I took some comfort from her presence and as I drifted off wondered who she was and if she had any family. The alarm in my phone went off at five am and I remained on the bench, once again contemplating calling out, but I needed the money. I rose and seeing the woman was awake watched as she rummaged around in her bag. She had brought out half of a bagel and looking over at me spoke, "You want a piece? They only threw them away yesterday."

I shook my head and started to walk away. I stopped and reached into my pocket. For fear of being robbed while on the street I kept most of my money in the bank, but had twelve dollars on me. It wasn't much, but it occurred to me it would seem a small fortune to a woman eating food she'd picked from the trash. As bad as things were I was heading off to work where I would eat for free and get some food for later tonight.

As bad as I had it, I was much better off than this poor soul. At least I knew worst case scenario I would spend a summer like this, she would most likely spend the rest of her life out here. Turning around I quickly approached her and put my hand out offering the money. Her eyes widened at the sight of a ten and started to reach out, then stopped.

"That's yours." She told me, "Go get some food, you're too young and pretty to end up looking like me."

"No, it's yours I have a place I can go eat and I'll have a place to live soon. I want you to have it."

This time she didn't hesitate and taking the money from my hand placed the other one over mine. Her skin was hot and clammy, but when she squeezed my hand she gave me a smile, that in spite of its lack of hygiene was genuine and touched her usually dull brown eyes.

"God bless you honey and your mother, she raised a good girl."

"How do you know I was only raised by my mom?" I asked.

"Women teach grace, men teach pain." Her eyes darkened and she released my hand. "You're better off with just your mom. I bet she's proud of you."

"She passed away." Even as I said it I wondered why I would bother telling this woman about my mother.

"Doesn't mean she can't be proud." She smiled again, "In fact she's even more proud because she can see everything you're doing." She tucked the money away into the shapeless black sweater she always wore no matter how hot it was. "What's your name honey?"

"Karma."

"That's an odd name, but a good one for you." She nodded, "That means something good should be coming your way soon."

"Hello? k** you in there?"

"Huh?" I blinked my stinging eyes and realized I'd completely zoned out on Billy.

"I asked if you were sick?"

"No, I'm not sick," I spoke up quickly knowing if he thought I was sick he would send me home, well if I had one anyway, because I worked around food.

"You look it," he frowned, "It is, you know....that time?"

"No. I just figured I would do the dishes."

"Karma for the last three weeks you've begged for extra hours and done everything short of dressing like Maria to get tips, why are you back here?"

"I...I just have some things on my mind and want to be alone."

"Well you can be alone all you want after one, now get your ass out there." He pointed at the large round clock hanging over the doorway, "Your favorite regular is due any minute."

That's what I was afraid of. Nodding meekly to Billy I turned the dishwasher on and walked through the swinging door. I poured refills to a couple of people while working my way down the end of the long counter to where Maria was leaning on the counter flashing her cleavage to a table full of construction workers.

"Hey Maria."

"Why hello princess," she gave me a mock curtsey "What can I do for you?"

"Wanna switch ends of the counter?"

"No, I....wait, what?"

"I always have that end, I thought we could switch."

"Is this a joke?" she asked, crossing her arms and pushing her breasts out even more. "You know what time it is right?"

"I...I do and I know you're kind of interested in Joe so I thought you could wait on him."

"What's in it for you?"

"Doing a good deed I guess."

Maria stared suspiciously at me for a moment, and then smiled, "I don't know what you're up to, but I'll take you up on it." Giving her long dark hair a toss, she added, "Maybe I can show Joe its okay to try something different."

"Hey Karma," One of the construction workers called out. "You work this end you have to wear a shirt like Maria's."

"She wouldn't have anything to hold it up." Maria said over her shoulder as she sauntered down my end of the counter.

"Just can't be nice to some people." I muttered.

The bell rang and I looked over to see Joe walk in; this time sporting a pink shirt and a black and pink striped tie to go along with his plain black suit. I put my back to that end of the counter and turning my attention to Maria's table asked, "You guys need anything?"

"I do," one of them said patting his leg, "A cute little brunette to keep me company."

"Knock it off," The guy across from him said, "She's a nice girl, not the pigs you have to settle for."

"You date pigs?" I asked. "Wow, that's cruelty to a****ls."

I allowed myself a satisfied smile as the three guys began laughing at their friend and went back to leaning on the counter, careful to not look over my shoulder. I opened the cooler in front of me and began lining up the bottles of juice and milk to stay occupied.

"Hey Princess." Maria said from directly behind me.

"What?" I asked without turning around.

"Thanks anyway, but I guess Joe likes them young and cute."

"What do you mean?"

"What do you think? He's asking for you."

With a feeling of resignation I slowly made my way over to Joe already feeling my face flushing.

"So," I said with what was probably a pathetic attempt at a smile. "What'll it be today?"

"Hey," he pointed at me, "I thought we were friends?"

"We are." I hoped we still were anyway.

"Then why would you do that to me?" he spread his arms out dramatically "What did I do to you?"

"I...I'm sorry Joe." I stammered, "I...shouldn't have..."

"I mean trying to stick me with Maria? Man, I thought you were a nice girl!"

I stopped speaking and stood there staring at him. His blue eyes were as bright as ever and he burst out laughing, "Just messing with you! Now how about the special and a cup of me?"

Feeling relieved I widened my eyes and gave a mock gasp, "The special? Really? You're getting to be a rebel in your old age!" Joe winked at me and as I poured the first of the four cups he would drink I felt a wave of gratitude that he wasn't going to bring last night up. I was still embarrassed, but at least he wasn't going to make it worse on me. From there it was the typical morning visit; Joe drank a ton of coffee, asked about my classes and bitched about all the old stiffs he worked with.

"I'm way too young to be hanging around with these people." He said at one point, "And the women? All they care about is my portfolio and my life insurance policy. I should start hanging around with girls your age."

"Better bring your blue pills." I told him.

"I am proud to say I don't need those."

"Oh, no?"

"Nope." He thumped his chest "As soon as my hand gets close I'm as ready as ever."

"You know, it doesn't have to be your hand," I pointed down to Maria, "I think she would be happy to volunteer."

"I'll stick with my hand; I know where it's been."

I laughed and glancing at his watch Joe said, "Well I have to get going, maybe I'll come back tomorrow."

"Maybe?" I raised my eyebrows.

"Maybe."

"Sometime around nine maybe?"

"I'll try."

Joe picked up the check which was for seven dollars and put a twenty on the counter.

"I'll get you some change."

"It's all set," he slid off the stool.

"That's too big of a tip Joe." I shook my head, "I can't take that."

"You will." he said and giving Billy a wave turned and walked out of the diner.

I stared down at the twenty knowing he'd given me a few extra dollars because of last night. My eyes narrowed when I noticed a paperclip attached to the twenty. Picking it up I turned it over to see a piece of paper clipped to the back. On it was a hand written note.

Karma, I consider you a friend and value that friendship, if you value mine you'll meet me at two at Panera. Please come, I will be hurt if you don't. Joe."

*****

I sat at the corner table in Panera bread idly stirring the tea I didn't feel like drinking and trying to avoid making eye contact with Joe who had just come in and sat down across from me. We sat there for a couple of minutes the only sound being his placing his mug on the table after practically chugging the coffee he'd brought over with him. Finally he cleared his throat and when my only reaction was to begin toying with my locket he broke the silence.

"Karma, what were you doing at Crossroads last night?"

"Well, I..." I was already blushing, "Money's been tight and I...I figured I could get a free meal and..."

"So you went to a homeless shelter? Try again."

When I didn't speak he finished his coffee in one long swallow and asked, "So where is your new place?"

"I told you it's near..."

"What's the exact address?"

"I moved into William's hall."

"Really? That's a little pricey for you."

"It is, but I had to move in a hurry and the rent eats up my entire check and I couldn't afford food this week so..."

"I know Jack Williams." Joe said, "He's one of my clients, once offered me a chance to buy into the building. I checked it out pretty thoroughly. So tell me what floor are you on?"

I forced my hand away from my locket and staring into his eyes answered, "The fourth."

"Ah, that's not too expensive; they're only one bedrooms there."

"That's what I have, but its expensive for me and..."

"The only one bedroom's in that building are on the first floor." He sighed, "Why are you lying to me Karma?"

"I...I just don't like people to know my business."

"Karma, are you living in the street?" Leaning forward he put his hand over mine, "You can tell me, I'm not going to judge you, but I'm worried about you."

I could see he was sincere and had to admit his hand on mine had a comforting effect.

"Yes, I...I couldn't pay my rent last month."

"You lived there over a year; the landlord wouldn't work something out with you?"

"He offered a deal, but I didn't like the terms."

"What do you mean?"

Taking a deep breath I told Joe everything. From how Jen screwed me, to Hal's offering a discount for giving him a blow job. I described how I had been getting by the last few weeks and by the time I was done my eyes had filled up and I was struggling not to cry. The entire time Joe kept his hand over mine and more than once I noticed a couple of people staring. I idly wondered if they thought I was his daughter or his girlfriend. I hoped the former because it would bother me for people to think of him that way.

When I had finished he squeezed my hand before releasing it and leaning back against his seat. He picked his cup up and frowned when he saw it was empty.

"That's the problem with this place, self service." He placed the cup on the table and be