Page 19 of His Secret Gift

“You don’t have a lot of experience on a boat like this.”

“True.” I can’t lie about that.

“But I hired you anyway because I like your spirit.”

“Oh.” I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean, but I’m flattered. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t expect the utmost professionalism and work ethic out of you.”

“Of course.” That’s why I’m here, after all. To prove to my brother and myself that I can work hard.

“Good.” He nods. “As we discussed during your interview, your main initiatives are to keep this place clean and tidy. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“And that meanseverywhere,” he reiterates.

“I got it.”

“When it comes to Jack’s clothing, you will need to take care in cleaning them exactly as the label instructs, and you will have to iron them with the keenest of eyes to detail.”

“Okay.” As a rich man, I already assumed his clothes were fancy and designer.

“If I haven’t gotten that message clear to you yet, he’s a very particular person.”

I kind of laugh. “So, I’ve heard.”

His face grows serious. “This isn’t a joke, Kayla.”

My stomach drops. “Sorry. I just meant—other people have already told me that.” He was much lighter during our Zoom call, but that was just about a prospective job. Now, I’m actually here to do it.

“Ah. Do you have any questions for me?”

“Um… I don’t think so.” I shift in my seat. “I’m just ready to get to work.”

He grins. “That’s what I like to hear. Let’s stop dilly dallying and get you a tour, shall we?”

“Sure.” He gets up, and I follow him.

“I have already seen my cabin.”

“Good.”

Instead of that area of the boat, he shows me the kitchen, where I will be expected to do all the dishes, the laundry room, and Jack’s master stateroom.

“But do not ever go into that closet,” I’m warned.

“Okay.” Like a little kid, that makes me instantly want to look inside of it. But I resolve to respect his boundaries.

I’m also shown Jack’s private bathroom and the rest of the lavatories.

“This is an area that we expect to be immaculately clean.”

“Got it.” I’m not psyched to clean up after everyone’s excrement, but I will. I assume it will help me build character and humility.

After that, he takes off his hat again and pats his thigh with his other hand. “I think that’s it. From here, if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me, if I’m not behind the control panels, or Denver.”

So, go to Denver. Got it.He is less intimidating anyway.

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