As a fiction writer, I truly believe If I don’t somewhat enjoy my own work, I can’t expect readers to enjoy it. My forthcoming short read ‘Roach Cobbler’ I really enjoyed. It’s emerging as one of my favorites. There’s a lot of scenes I like, but this one, a very short chapter, my protagonist Marla Stout, overjoyed that her latest extermination seems successful has a sensitive moment with her exterminator Jim. It’s no secret that something is developing between them; Jim is a kind man, keen to Marla’s financial dilemma, but she’s a proud woman that can pay for his services, however she doesn’t want to be stereotyped as a black woman in the ghetto that can’t pay for anything. The scene ends with a tender moment between Jim and Marla and kind of foreshadows where things could possibly go. I hope you enjoy this little scene from Roach Cobbler. It’s coming soon!
Another day had gone by and there was still no sign of a roach, not one. Day two and day three, still no roaches. Marla was ecstatic, but afraid to let her guard down. It was day three that Jim called to follow up. He called her on Tuesday after one in the afternoon.
“That’s great Marla!” he said.
“I haven’t seen not a one!” she said.
“Almost four days without seeing those critters is damn good!”
“Jim could they really be gone?!”
“It’s possible.”
“You don’t sound so sure.”
“It’s the building Marla….it really needs to be treated.”
“There’s nothing I can do about that.”
“I know. What an asshole your landlord is.”
“If I could find a job I’d move. I’m sure he’s sending the sheriff soon because I haven’t paid rent in two months, going on three.”
“Well I got all the proof if he takes you to court. You’ll win.”
“Really Jim?!”
“Hell yes! I can’t tell you how many times I went to court as a witness for tenants with slumlords for pest infestations….believe me you’ll win!”
“Then if I can find a job I’ll get out of here!”
“You will.”
“I’m older Jim it’s tough, so much prejudiced against older people….my unemployment runs out soon.”
“How soon?”
“Four more checks coming.”
“Two months.”
“Yes!”
“Well don’t worry about this,” Jim said. “If you need more treatments We’ll do a payment plan.”
“Jim I didn’t tell you that for charity. I can pay you.”
“I’ll bill you the way I want.”
“Please don’t do this I’ll mail you a check I know what your rates are!”
“Why are you insisting?”
“Cause I’m not some poor old black woman in the ghetto that can’t pay for…..,”
“Hey, hey!”
“What?!”
“Stop this Marla it’s me you’re talking to.”
“Who are you?!”
“Jim.”
“I don’t know you Jim!”
“Yes you do!”
“Who are you?!” she snapped.
He paused, “Just a man who cares….that’s all.”
