Amanda felt her legs cold with cramps and opened one eye. She had slept with no blanket. The winter nights were very chilly. She quickly grabbed the blanket before she remembered that she still had to do the accounts. She threw it off again, took all the papers to her desk and sat down to work. She was cold and uncomfortable.

“Nothing like tea to heat my body…I must also wear socks and boots,” she said to herself, rushing to the kitchen. The kettle was on and she put on her boots too. The clock was reflecting 3:45am.

“Damn it! I fell in love, I can’t believe it. Aaargh, now I have to work,” she said quietly.

She was relieved when she finished the accounts so she could concentrate on her orders at the shop. She opened her emails and there was an order that she thought was too big for her, awedding event. She didn’t have the equipment: one needed large pots and warmers for big events. The wedding was for a local mayor.

“How will I manage this? I can’t accept it,” she said to herself, considering.

The advantage was that she could to earn more profits and open up opportunities for her shop. The mayor would refer her to other high profile-people who would hire her too if she did it well. The thoughts were draining her and she needed a distraction.

She logged into her account on Facebook — Trey was awake.

I miss you, can we talk?

Hey
Oh how are u? I missed u

I’m just not okay

What’s wrong?

I have an event that will make me a lot of money

What’s the problem?

I need cash asap

I can help u. How much u need?

No, u can’t do that

Amanda was flabbergasted by the gesture. How could he help her when he didn’t even know her? She wondered what was in it for him.

Accept my help, u can pay me back.

Her alarm went off and she silenced it.

Can I think about it?

Yes but remember tomorrow’s not on your side. Give me your phone number? Take care.

She typed in her number and logged out. Who offers some stranger money? Maybe Trey was so kind hearted unlike other people. She grinned to herself. Maybe it’s just an innocent gesture. She bathed, dressed and went to work.

The business was slow that day, maybe because it was the middle of the month. When they had no orders the would cook and sell meals to individuals. She sat up thinking about the order and got worried. The wedding needed an answer later that day. She needed advice. Charlotte came first to mind.

“Hey, I thought I would see you later. It’s hectic here at the hospital,” Charlotte said.

“I have a wedding event,” Amanda said.

“Why don’t you sound happy?” Charlotte asked.

“I don’t have equipment to help with the event. It’s for 400 people.”

“Oh, I am so sorry, honey.”

“Trey offered me money and I am not sure if I should accept it,” Amanda said.

She could hear her breath before Charlotte answered.

“Then accept it. You will return it right?” Charlotte asked.

“Yep, but it’s just not good.”

“Put your pride aside and accept it and make sure you pay it back. I will see you tomorrow then. You tell me more about you and Trey. Got to go,” she said and ended the call.

Amanda knew her friend was right: she needed to grab this opportunity or someone else would. They needed an answer today and she quickly responded to the mails.

She felt relieved and happy. Her business was on another level. She smiled and saw herself climbing the ladder to success.

Tell us: Would you take money from someone you barely know?