The Unexpected Gift

Chapter 9

I took a second to think about what it was that he was telling me. But everything that he was saying sounds like it is going to cost me a whole lot of money.

“OK, so is there something that you can do to get my heater up and running without it costing me a ton of money.” I asked him, already knowing the answer to that question.

He looked at me like I was just another paycheck. “Well sweety, I would love to tell you that was the case. However, there is not any quick fix to this issue that you have. I can, however, help discount some of the cost to replace the furnace, for certain services that I am sure that you are able to provide for me.”

He did not just say what I think he said, did he? Oh my god, how disgusting. I can not believe that this man is in my house trying to proposition me into s****l favors to lower the cost of replacing my heater.

I did the only thing that I could think of in a position like this and that is to play dumb. I was going to just pretend that I did not just pick up on his offer. “Oh, that does not sound good. I have to see what I have available in my funds. How much will it cost me?” I asked him.

I guess he realized that I was not going to accept his offer. “Well, I will have to find the correct unit to replace it, and then I will be able to give you a complete estimate. It may take a day or two to get back with you for the total cost. Stacie at the office will be able to get back in touch with you over the cost. Unless you are wanting to work that out with me directly, I can meet with you and provide you with your discounted estimate.” He tells me.

I couldn’t help keeping the look of disgust off my face, so I turned quickly acting like I was filling my cup up in the sink.

“Thanks for all your help. I will be waiting for Stacy's contact.” I told him. Hopefully, dismissing him and letting him know that his discount is not wanted.

“Ok, understood. I guess I am finished here for now. I will leave you a copy of my card, in case you have any questions or concerns.” He hands me a card with his name on it.

Taking his card and starting walking towards the front door, hopefully trying to let him know I am ready for him to leave.

Thankfully, he followed behind me.

At the door, I stepped out of the way to let him through so he could leave. He walked to his van and loaded up his tool bag. Once his tool bag was loaded, he loaded up himself. With a quick wave in my direction, he started to back up out of my drive.

I couldn’t help but lock my door once he was completely out of sight down my drive. I can not believe that someone would actually do that. God and to think that his man was supposed to be a professional and was allowed to enter into an unsuspecting ladies' home. God, what is even worse is how many of those women have taken him up on his offer in order to save a few dollars.

I swear I feel dirty just knowing that a man like that was in my house and now knows where I live. I immediately go grab my phone and look up the number to the a/c company that he works for. I dialed the number and waited for Stacie to answer.

“Hello, this is Stacie with Main Street A/C and Heating, how can I help you.” She answered on the fourth ring.

“Um…yes, this is Mrs. Jones, your technician Mike, was just out at my house. I wanted to file a complaint against him.” I stated in practically one breath.

I can hear what sounds like Stacie moving around in the background before she comes back on the phone line. “OK, I can take that complaint. The manager is out of the office right now, but I can get the complaint from you and then give it over to the manager when he returns.” She tells me.

“Oh, ok yeah. Well, Mike just left my home. But while he was here…..he well ... ..he propositioned me to provide s****l favors in order for him to give me discounted prices on replacing my furnace.” I told her bluntly.

“Oh, ok. Well, I was not expecting that type of complaint. I will take down your information and your complaint. I am sure that the manager will contact you shortly. I can assure you though that this is not how we run our company here. Again, I am sorry, and the manager will be contacting you shortly.” She tells me.

I hope that is the case.

I got off the phone with Stacie and sat down at the kitchen island. I take a moment to compose myself. Man, this really shocked me. I honestly did not expect that to happen to me. Not from someone that was in my house, supposed to be here as a professional.

I got up and just needed to get away. I walked to my room to get dressed. One thing that I do know is, I will not be using this company to replace anything. If they hire one person like that, who's to say that another one of their employees are not like that as well.

So, I will be looking for another company to come and look at my heater and potentially fix it or replace it. But until then, I guess I can get a few space heaters to keep the house at a bearable temperature until I can get a reputable company out to look at everything.