Looking at the newspaper my heart sank. There were barely any jobs available. Half of them weren't even related to my field of work.
By now I knew that in order to raise my baby I would need money - lots of it, and that meant I would have to get a second job. The problem was I only knew how to paint walls, I could barely do anything else.
Maybe I could get a job as a waitress in a club or a restaurant? That I would have flexible hours and even get good money.
Even though I barely had a plan, I left my apartment and went about to search for a job.
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After about three hours of constantly looking at various places I still couldn't find a job. However, my legs were starting to hurt. Deciding to take a break, I walked to the nearest bench - which was right outside what looked to be a club - and sat down on it. My legs sighed in relief.
However, my relief was short lived, as after a couple of minutes, a giant man came and stood right in front of me. From where I was sitting, the man towered over me, making me a feel like an insect.
"Miss, you need to leave, this bench is private property of the club." The man told me.
"Is it okay if I sit here for a few minutes? I'm really tired and my house is far away. Please just give me ten minutes and I'll leave." I requested the guy.
Just then the door of the club opened and walked out a man wearing a suit. He looked to be in his late twenties, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and a chiseled jaw.
"What's seems to be the problem, Ted?" The man asked the giant standing in front of me.
"Mr. Marlow, this woman is sitting on club's property, I was just asking her to leave." Ted the giant replied.
The man, Mr. Marlow glanced at me and smiled softly. "You could've come inside, Miss, it's a lot less hot in there."
"No thank you," I said getting up, "I'm just going to go now, I just wanted to sit for few minutes and give my legs some rest, I'll go now, sorry for sitting on the bench." I turned to leave but Mr. Marlow stopped me.
"What were you doing that you had to give your legs rest?" He asked as if we were old friends.
At this point, I was really tired and wanted nothing more than to go to sleep. But I had to continue my search for the job. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to give my baby the future he/she deserved.
Not caring about the fact that this man was practically a stranger, I decided to tell him my reason for my screaming legs. "I - I'm looking for a job. I've been out since morning, looking for places that needed hiring, and so far I haven't found one, so yeah, there you have it." I answered with fatigue lacing my voice.
"You need a job? Why didn't you just say so. You can work in my club as a barmaid or a waitress." Mr. Marlow smiled at me.
I stared at him with wide eyes. "Yo - you'll do that, give me a job? Really?" I couldn't believe my luck. I was finally going to get my second job.
"Yeah, why not, you look like someone who is in desperate need of a job, and I could definitely use another barmaid or waitress around here." Mr. Marlow told me casually.
"Wow, thank you so much, but I know nothing about working in a club." I told him with a sinking heart.
"That's not a problem, I'll have one of the staff show you the ropes, and you'll be good to go." He responded gently, easing my worries.
"Thank you, thank you so much, you have no idea how much you've helped me." Tears welled up in my eyes. Stupid hormones.
"Hey it's no problem at all, why don't you come inside and full out the job application." I nodded and he led me inside the club.
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After an hour, I walked out of Circle Eight - the club - with a small smile on my face. Finally, I found the job, and the best part was that my new boss was not a jerk.
Jason Marlow was a very kind man, and seemed very patient. He patiently explained to me how to fill out the application form, and didn't even get mad when I asked about a few things twice.
Once I was done filling out the form, we discussed my work timings. I told him about my pregnancy and my job as a painter, and we both agreed that I would work at night.
I chose to be a barmaid, and even though I had zero experience in the drinking business, Jason told me that he would ask Erik, the bartender to teach me. Jason thought it would be best if I stuck to being a barmaid as that would be less tiring than walking around the club in high heels.
Jason was very understanding and accommodating about my pregnancy which made me so happy. He was willing to help me as much as possible, and even gave me his number if I ever needed help.
I was grateful that I had found a man like Jason. However, I still wished in the deep corners of my heart that Malcolm would come back to me, but the rational part of me knew that was not going to happen. Still, I was glad that Jason had offered to help.
And for now, that was enough.