Page 13 of Sweet Little Thing

“I know today was your day off, so thanks for doing this. I shouldn’t have asked you to cook. I’m sure you had something else you wanted to do.”

I took down two plates from the cabinet. “I was going to do laundry and read. Do you want me to serve y’all, or make your own plates and eat in here by yourselves? Wasn’t sure if this was a casual thing. Either way is fine with me.”

Jasper grabbed the plates from my hand. “We can fix our plates and eat in here. We can even use paper towels instead of the monogrammed napkins Portia has us use.”

Stone then walked in. “Is that bacon?”

I grinned, unable to help myself.

“She made us breakfast,” Jasper replied.

Stone-Winston-Ass didn’t look pleased, nor was he disappointed, appearing neutral, as he always did. No emotion. Darkly closed off. I knew he could smile. I’d seen it that once. Whenever I was around, he didn’t smile, and though I wasn’tsure why he disliked me unless he didn’t like hired help, I knew he was here for a reason, whether work or fun, or personal.

“If you’re good, I’ll leave y’all to it,” I told Jasper with my hands on my hips.

“Yeah, it’s great, enjoy your evening.”

I gave Jasper a parting smile then left. I didn’t look at Winston. There was no point because I didn’t exist, not to him anyway.

Chapter

Eleven

Beulah

I’d planned on talking to Jasper about my second job today, but he had taken his breakfast I had made for him and left with it. When dinner came and went, there was no sign of him, and I was out of time. Dressing in a pair of shorts and a tee shirt, both from my personal clothing, I then headed upstairs to tell Portia I would be at work tonight. But I’d be back in time to make breakfast and begin the cleaning.

She’d been gone most of the day with her friends at a tennis match. The farro and kale salad I’d made for dinner seemed to please her, but she didn’t say much during the meal. She used to enjoy bossing me around and complaining about everything. Now, she didn’t seem to enjoy much of anything. Instead, she went through the motions, day after day, like a robot.

I found her at the bar pouring herself a drink. “You’re leaving. Does he know?” she asked without turning to look at me.

“No. I never told him. Never got the chance.”

She sighed and took a long drink. After that, Portia slowly revolved. “If he comes home and needs something from you, what do you expect me to say?”

I had no idea. I didn’t expect her to say anything.

“I don’t know. I’ll explain tomorrow.”

“If you still have a job tomorrow,” she replied before flippantly walking past me, leaving the room in a huff, of course making this about herself.

I couldn’t worry about that right now. Yes, this job paid more, but it wouldn’t be enough. I had to work another job, and my day was done here. The main house and pool house were cleaned, and groceries were stocked in both places. In case he’s hungry when he gets home, I even left him a warm dinner. That was all I could do.

I pulled my purse on my shoulder and headed out the back towards the parking spot, where I left my car, hidden from the road and the neighbors.

“Leaving? You have more time off than I’d expect, considering your current salary.”

I paused and squinted my eyes. I couldn’t tell Stone off. He was Jasper’s friend. I had to deal with him. He’d also tell Jasper I was gone, so I needed an explanation. One I hoped would be properly delivered to Jasper with correct and accurate details.

“I have a second job. I’ve completed all my work. Everything I was asked to do. I planned on talking to Jasper about my second job. He left this morning before I had a chance, and now I have to go.”

Stone looked at me, which was rare: “A second job? What, they aren’t paying you enough? You have a free place to live, food, and a ridiculous salary on top, yet you think you need a second job? That’s not exactly believable. Lying to Jasper won’t help.”

I hated Stone. Thoroughly loathed him. He was a dark, beautiful, cruel-intentioned man. Why was he always here?Didn’t he have a job, or was he also living off his daddy’s hard-earned money? Maybe he was waiting, like Jasper, for a company to be delivered so he could do whatever he wished. Which, of course, he was already doing.

“It isn’t a lie. I can prove it to him. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I don’t have to discuss my income with you. Or anything else I do.” I walked past him and into the night. I wasn’t looking forward to this evening. I was nervous and hoped I could do this job. I wasn’t even sure what all would be expected. I hadn’t been given a job description.

Once I was successfully in my car and driving away from the house, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was worried Stone would follow me to my car to continue his intrusive questioning. If Jasper wanted details, I’d give them to him. Stone could kiss my ass.

---