The Mafia who loved me

Episode7

The next time she saw him was barely a week later. It was a picnic. He had called asking to take her to lunch and to her surprise had shown up very casually dressed and equipped with a full picnic basket. She was taken aback who was this man who was courting and pursuing her? Hey did he really want. Bit she thought the gesture was cute.

She was particularly impressed when he pulled out a bouquet of peonies in her favourite colour and presented them to her. He knew. He mush have found out about her love for flowers but how did he know these were one of her favorites? Sigh....the web just kept getting tighter. She hoped she didn't end up talking for him.

As they sat under the old oak tree in the park on a patterned blanket she studied him

He seemed as ease with himself and unruffled by anything. The flowers he bright her was in a small pot besides their lunch and he ate while smiling at her. On one hand, her was sure he was toying with her and watching her response. On the other, he seemed to really like her conpany. She had totally even forgot to mention her rent by the time they ended much. They began to talk about many things. He asked about her business and she told him what she could. She tried not to delve in too much about her challenges so as not to spoil the date but he knew already. He nodded and actually listened to her. Pausing to ask questions in between. He rarely spoke about himself and although she wanted to know more about him, she realized it was was a relief to be actually able to talk openly to someone who paid attention..

Lunch over, she thought about mentioning her rent..she decided against it for now..

As they drove back to her apartment, he was thoughtful. Something was on his mind. He knew that she downplayed her troubles so as not o seem needy but he had read her file and knee that she was struggling. He said nothing but a plan was forming in his head.

Two weeks after their picnic Leslie decided it was time to speak to Larry and be upfront about her situation. She got some snacks and coffee and invited him to her apartment for a chat. She was nervous. She had not gotten around to getting her document signed and the time never seemed right when she was with Simon. Besides, she had to admit to herself fthst after their fourth date, she was developing feelings for him. She had not felt this drawn to anyone insonlong and while she knew he could break her heart,it was not something she could control.

Rent or no rent, she wanted to see him again.

Bit Larry had to know what was up. If he could give her an extension, she'd work twice as hard. Bit if not, she may have to move to her aunt's place out of town and commute. She wasnt one to beg and she didn't like the idea of using Simon's interest in her for monetary gain. It was different when she saw him simply as a home owner. Now it was a different dynamic and she had her self-respect and pride to consider.

"Hello Larry, How's your day going? "

She welcomed him into her small but neat apartment and told him to sit .

He looked around and gingerly took a seat.

"It's been long since I've come in here. It's nice."

"Larry, I'm going to be honest Rand straightforward with you. I don't have the rent. I know I told you I've been working on some things lately thsteousk guarantee it but it's taking longer than anticipated and I cannot keep stalking you. It ant fair. I love this place. It's proximity to my shop and the city and if love to stay. If you can give me a few months, if do everything in my power to pay. You but if not, is totally understand. You have your job to do and you've been very patient with me."

She hung her head after her speech. Exhausted and spent. Now she was in Larry's debt and power. It was up to him to decide.

Larry didn't say anything. He just kept looking around, the he took a cookie and coffee.

After a few moments of eating he spoke.

"I'm not sure what is exactly going on here but you are worried for nothing."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I got a call not long ago, a few days actually that settled your rent for the next year." He replied lazily, still munching on the snacks.

"What???!!!"

Well, I assumed you knew so I didn't bother telling you. I'm as surpr8sd you are that you are unaware of it. The whole thing had been settled. So don't worry your pretty self.

"Wait Larry, who paid for it?"

"Why don't you know, your new boyfriend of course. I got a call from one of his staff and they settled the whole thing. And told me not to bother you for anything."