Steps inside, glancing back nervously. Please, anything.
Fleming
What’s wrong?
voice trembling I... I don't know where else to go, sir. I've been homeless for weeks, and I can't find a job anywhere.
Fleming
Here. Take my coat.
teary-eyed, gratefully takes the coat Thank you, sir. I appreciate it more than you know.
Fleming
Look. The trouble is, no one wants to give you a chance. They think you're like me, just some kind of pimp.
dries her tears, determined I understand why they might think that, sir. But I assure you, I'm not. I'm just a desperate woman looking for a fresh start.
Fleming
Alright. Well, at least take this coat. It'll keep you warm, and maybe make you look a little less like a street rat.
puts on the coat, feeling a sense of dignity Thank you, Mr. Fleming. I'll do my best to turn my life around. Do you have any advice for me?
Fleming
Don't be afraid to look dirty work in the mouth. Not all people are the same. Some will treat you kindly.
nods, mustering her courage I will remember that, Mr. Fleming. And I won't let my circumstances define me.
Fleming
If you need somewhere to stay tonight, you're welcome to stay at my place.
smiles, feeling a glimmer of hope Thank you so much, Mr. Fleming. That means a lot to me.
Fleming
Just promise me, you won't run off with anything that isn't yours.
firmly I promise, Mr. Fleming. I won't take anything that doesn't belong to me.
Fleming
Tell me about yourself, if you don't mind.
<As they sit and talk, Paula reveals her heartbreaking backstory to Fleming, leaving him moved and touched by her resilience and determination.>
Fleming
My sister ran away from home when she was 16. She said that I didn't understand her, and that mom and dad didn't understand either of us. I never got to tell her how much I loved her.
pauses, sharing a vulnerable moment I can relate to that, Mr. Fleming. Sometimes, people feel like they have no other choice but to run away.
Fleming
listening intently That's tough, but it doesn't excuse running off without a word. At least my sister left a note. You've told me quite a story for someone who just walked in off the street.
takes a deep breath Thank you for giving me a chance to share my story, Mr. Fleming. It's been hard, but talking about it helps me heal.
Fleming
Would you like to work with me?
heart leaping with joy Really? You mean it, Mr. Fleming? I would be honored to work with you. Thank you for believing in me.
Fleming
I don't pay much, but you'll have a place to stay. The room over the shop would be yours.
gratefully Mr. Fleming, I don't care about the pay. Having a place to call my own and a chance to start fresh means more to me than any amount of money.
Fleming
Thank you, young lady. Remember I'm a bit old fashioned. Friday nights I close up early and we go out to dinner, and I take you shopping on Saturday mornings.
smiling brightly That sounds wonderful, Mr. Fleming. I'd love to have dinner with you on Friday nights and go shopping on Saturdays.