Page 17 of Number 10 Affair

“Why are you following me?”

“You need to go back to the kitchen and eat breakfast with your daughter. Also, pretend that you love waffles.” I moved around to get in his way.

He appeared amused, eyeing me up and down like I was his breakfast.

“Are you telling me what to do again, Laura?” He stared at my lips.

“Yes, make time for your daughter. She really needs this today. It’s a small request.” Before he could say another word, I spun around and headed back to the kitchen. If he would not prioritise his own flesh and blood, then no amount of money could keep me in this dysfunctional situation.

I entered the kitchen. Maja was already at the table, awaiting breakfast. Although I normally skipped the first meal of the day, I pulled out a chair and sat with them. All the while, I counted to five in my head. If Spencer didn’t budge within that small timeframe, then I would be done.

Just as I was about to rise from my seat, he said, “Phoebe! Bring us those waffles and that syrup I like!” before sinking into the chair beside me.

Maja’s face lit up with excitement, and Phoebe rushed over with a plate piled high with waffles. I gave Spencer a half-hearted smile, standing again.

“Where are you going, Laura? Aren’t you having breakfast with us?”

“I don’t eat breakfast. I normally just have some coffee,” I said.

But Phoebe was already pushing me back down on my seat.

“Don’t worry, child,” she said with a gentle smile. “I make the best coffee. Now, eat. You need to put on some weight. You’re all skin and bones.”

Maja snickered then ate from her plate, while Spencer stared at me once more as though I was going to be his dessert.

No, get that thought out of your head immediately.

He was my boss, and he only hired luxury escort so he could satisfy his needs. Not a good combination.

“I think she’s perfect as is,” he said then stuffed an entire waffle into his mouth.

I glanced at him in shock, flustered.

“I wanted to thank you for my phone.” I tried to change the subject. “Cath brought it over earlier today. Please deduct the cost of repairs from my salary.”

I gave Phoebe a grateful smile when she handed me my coffee.

Just then, Maja asked him about the TV show they’d watched last night, so he didn’t continue with the subject of my smashed phone. I put some waffles on my plate, adding fruit and syrup. Everything tasted great, like last night, but what got me going was the fact that I was seeing Spencer interacting with Maja.

“All right, Maja. It’s time for school,” he said, bringing me back from my daydreams.

She protested a bit, though inside, I was thankful he’d made time for her this morning.

“Addison will be here shortly to run through Maja’s schedule with you and show you where she goes to school, so good luck,” he said and stood close enough for me to catch the scent of his cologne. He leaned down to kiss Maja goodbye. “And you, young lady, be on your best behaviour. Laura has only just started looking after you, and I don’t want any trouble.”

“I pinky promise that I’ll be good,” she replied.

He just shook his head and left the kitchen. Phoebe must have finished breakfast by now and gone off to clean other parts of the flat, so I helped with some tidying. I had to unpack and get familiar with Maja’s schedule.

“Did you tell him to have breakfast with me?” Maja eyed me suspiciously.

She had maple syrup all over her chin, and in that moment, she was the spitting image of Spencer. I wondered what had happened to her mother.

“Don’t be silly. Your father had the time, and he really wanted to have breakfast with you,” I said.

She seemed happier when he was around.

Just then, another woman walked in.

---