Read Online We Didn’t See it Coming by Christine Young-Robinson - Free Book Online Page A

younger men around to seduce his wife or daughters.
    As with her, and many of the women servants, he would pat them on the backside. Many cried when he would fondle their breasts. Then it was those he thought were sexier—the women servants whose legs he spread apart and took them for his liking in the servants’ quarters.
    The women took the abuse because it was all about the pay. She remembered the day she was hired. Rupert interviewed her for the job. Alana was nowhere to be found. His pleasant smile was of such charm.
    â€œYou’d like a job at the Houston Estate, I see?”
    â€œYes, I’m a hard worker,” Tessa had said excitedly. “I clean, cook, and wash very, very good.”
    â€œStand up,” he ordered.
    She eased out of her seat. A long trench coat covered her from the chill of the winter air.
    â€œRemove your coat.”
    Rupert leaned back in a chair.
    Tessa jumped to his command. She removed the coat, to show off a solid beige dress she wore to her knees.
    â€œTake your hair down.” He grinned and constantly kept his eyes on Tessa.
    She untwisted her hair that was up in a ball. Her hair fell down to flow down her back.
    A lady that she met while washing clothes at a Laundromat had told her about work at the Houston Estate. The lady warned her about the interview process. But she shouldn’t fret, because it would lead her to making lots of money.
    â€œTurn around,” he ordered as he drooled over her.
    Tessa shyly turned around, feeling degraded, even with her clothes on. She prayed that the interview would go no further.
    â€œYou have the job,” Rupert said as he got out of his seat. He passed by her and tapped her on the shoulder. “Report tomorrow to the head help. Her name is Elsa.”
    Tessa was familiar with where she was to go. The next morning she reported to Elsa, who handed her a black dress, a white apron, and a white bonnet. She remembered her conversation with Elsa.
    â€œMr. Houston is a nice man.”
    Elsa pointed a finger at her. “You want to keep this job a long time?”
    â€œYes,” Tessa answered, frightened by her tone.
    â€œStay away from Mr. Houston. Don’t give him any reason to have a conversation with you.”
    â€œHow come?”
    â€œHow old are you?”
    â€œI’m almost nineteen.”
    â€œWhatever girl helped you to get this job only told you about it to get him to stay away from her. He must be having his way with her. You do understand what I’m talking about?”
    Tessa was upset that maybe she had made a mistake by taking the job, but she needed the money. Bravely, she said, “I’ll work long enough to make lots of money and then find other work.” With that said, she put on the uniform.
    Elsa laughed as she placed her hands on her hips. “That’s what I said fifteen years ago. Look at me, I’m still here.” Her grin changed to a frown. “I’ve had plenty of talks with Mr. Houston, mostly in bed. I’ve had one abortion and one miscarriage Mr. Houston never knew about. I’m fat and worn out to him. I don’t know what it is about me, but he kept me around and made me head maid. I guess I was one of his first maids.”
    Tessa was frantic. “None of that will ever happen to me. No more talk. Where do I start?”
    Elsa smirked. “Welcome to the money hell house.”
    Tessa followed her out to her first job of cleaning the kitchen.
    â€œSomething to drink?” the flight attendant asked as Tessa jumped.
    â€œYes,” Tessa said, but smelled the roasted peanuts on the rolling cart. “Peanuts, please, if that’s okay.”
    The flight attendant handed her the drink and peanuts. Tessa enjoyed the snacks, until she fell asleep. She woke up to the flight attendant making an announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been clear to land at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Please make sure your seat