First of the month
I was sitting in the other office, not my office, but my “other” office at that silly, part-time job I agreed to, for reasons that now escape me.
The reasons don’t completely escape me. It’s really not tough job, all I have to do is be dependable. But one of the problems is all the paper I have to shuffle on the first of the month. So, before I hop up to Dallas for Ma Wetzel’s birthday, I’m shooting by the office to make sure I tend to everything before I leave.
The office itself is merely an efficiency apartment, the first one in a long block, what, about half dozen buildings? Two desks, a computer, a copier, a bathroom full of AC filters and cleaning supplies, the usual accoutrements that make up a property management office. Files. Paper work. Rent rolls. There’s also a couch, and I must say that I’ve complained vehemently about that couch, as it’s love seat size, certainly not big enough to stretch out on for a good nap. If I can’t have an afternoon siesta, what’s the point?
One of the tenants was hanging out while I was filing paperwork. Being the first of the month, all the rents are due. So I was dutifully and diligently filling out a deposit slip, stamping the checks, and chatting with the tenant who brought in is rent.
Okay, the door was shut. If it were truly my office, I’d have an open door policy, but it’s not really my place. Not only would I have an open door policy, but I’d have my own, pretty Virgo receptionist to take care of the rents, the paperwork, keep all the tenants in line. Yes, and if it was a perfect world, we’d also have real candidates for our state-wide gubernatorial race. So much for dreaming.
That guy was just sitting there, talking about work. As writer, yes, he’s also a waiter to pay the rent, which I collected, and we were just idling through an afternoon.
There’s a mail slot beside the front door. That’s where the money goes. Each month. No cash. Just checks. But then, there’s lots of checks. He observed two or three rent checks get stuffed through that slot.
“I should have one of those installed in my place,” he said.
I want one, too.