ANNIE'S MAILBOX 'Sam' was after more than a real estate deal

Dear Annie: I am a Realtor and was thrilled when I landed the contract for a large commercial property owned by a prominent local business leader. I'll call him "Sam." Negotiations seemed to go well until Sam asked me to meet him in a nearby town to discuss the final details. I thought nothing of this, because one of his shops is located there.
We met in a public coffee shop where he proceeded to tell me how disappointed he was with my performance, saying I just didn't understand what he "really needed." When I asked him to be more specific, his answers were vague, yet suggestive, and open to a sexual interpretation. I kept all my comments focused on business and never once caved in to his verbal traps.
I expected Sam to stop trying and the incident to blow over, but that hasn't happened. I've heard through the grapevine that Sam won't recommend me to anyone because of "the way I handled his contract." I'm sure what he means is I didn't respond to his overtures. Unfortunately, I have no way to prove it.
Sam and I attend the same church, and he donates to several charities and is on the board of our local college. He is so powerful in this small community that he has become untouchable. Annie, he has tainted my professional reputation, and I don't know what to do. Please help. Duped in Small-Town Politics
Dear Duped: First of all, you should make sure your information is correct. It's possible Sam has said nothing at all about you. If, in fact, he is defaming your character, you have several options. You can call a lawyer and discuss legal possibilities (sometimes the threat of a lawsuit is enough); you can talk to Sam and ask him to stop; or you can let Sam know you may be forced to mention his sexual overtures to all your friends if he doesn't stop maligning you. We recommend the first two, but the last one will do in a pinch.
Dear Annie: My daughter works as a server for a large chain restaurant. She is a single mother with a 3-year-old daughter. The restaurant is a great place to work, but they only pay $2 an hour (not even minimum wage). Servers are expected to rely on their tips to supplement their income. Unfortunately, no one has told the public. After one eight-hour shift, my daughter walked away with less than $45. A party of three had a $75 bill and left her $1.19.
Many people believe tips are icing on the cake and that servers are well paid. Please let them know the truth. Enlightened Now in Virginia
Dear Virginia: OK, folks, listen up. Most servers are lucky to make minimum wage. It's neither fair nor proper, but many restaurant owners expect their employees to make up the difference in tips. Servers are on their feet all day. If yours has done a decent job, please leave 15-20 percent of the tab as your tip. It will be appreciated.
Dear Annie: One year ago, I received a $35 check as a gift for my infant daughter. I wrote a thank-you note and thought I had deposited the check into her savings account, but I just found it last week. It's from my in-laws' close friends, whom I've never met. I don't feel comfortable calling them, and I'm too embarrassed to tell my mother-in-law about it. Should I just deposit it? Embarrassed in California
Dear Calif.: No. The check may no longer be good. Bite the bullet and call them. Say you are so sorry, but you didn't realize the check was still in your possession, and ask how they would like you to handle it.
XE-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@attbi.com, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, Ill. 60611.
Creators Syndicate