Page 18 of Beautiful Deception

He nods once, still looking at me with stern eyes. He is an exacting man. “Since we have thirty minutes to kill, tell me about your life. Why were you in need of this job?”

“My… father gambled all of our money away. There’s nothing left. I needed a job and fast. I don’t have anywhere to live or any food to eat. The lunch Mrs. Green made me today was the first real meal I’ve had in weeks.”

It’s hard to keep it in once it all comes rushing out.

“That must have been hard. I am sorry you had to go through that. Well, now that you’re working for me and living here, you’ll never have to go hungry. You’ll always have food. Come. Have dinner with me.”

“Me? But I’m your maid.”

“And you’ve been on your feet all day, cleaning my house. You deserve a break and a good meal. Mrs. Green can join us. I don’t have anyone else coming over tonight.”

“But… is that proper?”

“Why does that matter?” he asks. “It’s the twenty-first century. I can have my maid and housekeeper eat dinner with me. I have no other company tonight. Of course, on nights when I do have company, you and Mrs. Green will eat in here and I’ll eat in the dining room. Mrs. Green will make you two a separate meal. But for tonight, let us celebrate your first day of work here. Mrs. Green’s too. Mrs. Green!” he calls out.

She comes rushing into the kitchen. “Yes, Mr. Smirnov?”

“I will take a whiskey in the living room. Rest my feet until dinner is ready.”

“Of course, sir.”

“And you and Inessa will be joining me for dinner tonight. In fact, you’ll both be joining me unless I have other company.”

Her mouth gapes open. “Is that wise? We’re your staff. It’s not a good idea to blur the lines.”

“It’s my house. I can make the rules. But I appreciate your input, Mrs. Green.” He turns back to me. “Are you all right?”

I quickly wipe my face. Mrs. Green looks at me with disapproval. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

“No more crying. I don’t like to see it.”

As if it’s that easy to not cry but I don’t object. Objecting to Viktor does not seem like a smart idea.

Once Viktor leaves and Mrs. Green has gotten him his drink, she hurries back into the kitchen. “What in the world happened?”

“He just asked me some questions. About why I applied for this job. That’s all.”

“You were crying. Why?”

“I was just tired.”

“You need to get your act together,” she hisses. “I know you’re new at this but that’s no excuse to cry in front of your employer.”

“You’re new here too, Mrs. Green.”

“But I’ve worked as a housekeeper and maid for other families in the past. I’m experienced. You have none, that much is obvious. You’re covered in sweat. Go change. I’ll finish dinner. If we’re to be eating with Mr. Smirnov tonight, I don’t want you looking a mess.”

I hurry into my room and change into a nice summer dress. One of the nicest dresses I own. My sweaty shirt and pants will have to be washed tonight so I can wear them tomorrow. They already smell a little from how much I worked today. I’ll need more work clothes soon.

But that will require money and I cannot ask Viktor for it tonight. That would be inappropriate.

Mrs. Green serves the pot roast, casserole, and stuffed potatoes. “Dinner is served.”

“Smells delicious,” Viktor says, digging into the food.

Since Mrs. Green waits until Viktor is done getting his plate, I wait to do the same.

“Eat, eat,” he says, motioning at us.

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