Page 34 of Before the Night Falls
“Interesting . . .”
“I met him when I hosted a charity dinner at my house. I was impressed by his efficiency. When I mentioned I was looking for someone to manage my newly acquired estate, Hobbes asked if I would consider him. With the recommendation of a friend, I offered him the job. A year ago, he accepted the position.”
“I love it. Where was he living before he came here?”
“He was in your neck of the woods. New York.”
Something flashed in Olivia’s gaze before quickly disappearing.
The next moment, she plastered on a smile and returned to the table with two bowls of soup. “I present to you the best vegetable soup you’ve ever eaten.”
“I hope it lives up to the hype.”
“Oh, it will.”
They said grace together, and then Tyson looked at the soup before him. It looked tasty with its vegetables and broth.
“It smells delicious.” Dipping the spoon into the liquid, he brought it to his lips. The dish, with its tangy and savory flavor, exceeded his expectations. “And it tastes delicious.”
“Thanks. I added a secret ingredient.”
“Can you share?”
She grinned. “Coffee.”
“Coffee? I wasn’t expecting that.”
“My dad says it adds a deeper, more complex flavor.”
“I’d have to agree.”
“Whatever you do, don’t tell anyone I can cook.” She winked. “They might start asking me to prep meals, and that’s the last thing I want.”
Tyson laughed and ate another spoonful.
The front door opened.
A moment later, Chandler yelled across the house, “Olivia, you’ve got a package.”
He and Wes must have just returned.
She squinted at his words, however. “What do you mean a package?”
“I mean a package. As in, a box. Has your Amazon habit started up here also? I know you’re on a first name basis with all those drivers at home.”
Olivia raised her eyebrows. “Ha ha. Very funny. But no, I haven’t ordered anything, and no one should know I’m staying here.”
“Anyone who follows social media might know,” Tyson reminded her quietly. “Remember, we’re dating?”
“Right.” She bit her lower lip and shoved her bowl away, suddenly looking uneasy.
She twisted around in her seat as Chandler entered the room carrying a standard brown box. He set it on the table in front of Olivia.
Tyson watched, expecting her unease to transform into a look of pleasure.
But instead of looking pleased Olivia’s face turned ghostly white.
CHAPTERSIXTEEN
