Page 3 of Triplet Babies
“What?”
“Exposed. Like he could see things I didn’t want him to see.” I cross my arms over my chest, suddenly self-conscious about how much I’m revealing. “It was probably nothing. I’m overthinking because I need this job to work out.”
Nina huffs, clearly suspecting there’s more to the story. “What did this mystery man look like?”
“Tall, dark hair, and blue eyes. He wore casually deceptive expensive clothes that looked natural on him.” I pause, remembering the way he moved with such elegance. “There was something about him that suggested he’s used to getting what he wants.”
“And what do you think he wants from you?”
The question catches me by surprise, though I’ve been wondering the same thing since the encounter. “I have no idea. Maybe he needs someone to fix the irrigation system properly, and he’s overestimated my abilities. Maybe he’s transferring me to indoor work, or he’s firing me and wants to do it in person.”
“Or maybe,” Nina says with a grin in her voice, “He was impressed by your gardening skills and wants to get to know you better.”
“Nina, no. Absolutely not.” I shake my head firmly. “Even if that were true, which it isn’t, I can’t afford to think about my boss that way. I need this job.”
“I’m not saying you should seduce him. I’m just saying that rich, powerful men don’t usually personally handle employee issues unless there’s a reason.” She giggles slightly, telling me she absolutely is suggesting I seduce him.
I nip her fantasies in the bud for her sake and mine. “The reason is probably that I flooded his pool deck on my first day.”
“Maybe.” Her tone indicates she doesn’t believe this for a second. “What kind of vibe does the place give you? Gut instinct.”
I consider the question seriously, thinking back over the day’s strange encounters. The estate is beautiful, immaculately maintained, and clearly expensive, but underneath the perfect landscaping and gleaming surfaces, there’s something else. A sense of watchfulness, maybe, or secrets.
“Intense,” I say finally. “Like everyone there is playing a game I don’t understand the rules to. The blonde woman who walked past me acted like I was invisible, but not in a normal snobbish way. It was more like she was deliberately not acknowledging my existence. The man who caught me… There was something about the way he moved and spoke, like he’s used to people being afraid of him.”
She sounds concerned now. “Afraid how?”
“Not physically afraid. More like...respectfully afraid. Like he’s someone you don’t want to cross.” I pause, trying to put the feeling into words. “You know how some people just radiate authority? He was like that, but more. Like authority was bred into his bones.”
She goes silent for a second while considering this. “Maybe that’s just how rich people live when they’re really rich. Like, obscenely wealthy. Everything has to be perfect.”
“Maybe.” Even as I say it, I don’t entirely believe it. There was something about the man who caught me that went beyond simple wealth. He moved like someone used to danger and spoke like someone accustomed to being obeyed without question.
“Whatever’s going on there, just remember that you deserve to be there as much as anyone else.” Nina’s voice takes on the fierce protectiveness that makes her such a good friend. “Don’t letsome fancy house and mysterious rich people make you forget you’re smart, capable, and good at what you do.”
“Thanks.” I smile, feeling some of the tension leave my shoulders. “I should probably get home and figure out what one wears to mysterious morning meetings with mysterious wealthy people.”
“Something that says, ‘professional but not intimidated by your obvious wealth and power.’” She laughs. “Basically, anything that isn’t covered in mud, I guess. I’m guessing you got muddied up when you almost fell. You often come home like that.”
“Well before that, actually.” I look down at my work clothes, which are indeed generously decorated with soil, mud, and grass stains. “Right. Noted.”
Nina’s voice turns serious. “Trust your instincts about this place. If something feels off, it probably is.”
I frown though she can’t see it. “What do you mean?”
“Rich people with big estates and mysterious authority don’t usually live quiet, normal lives. There’s probably more going on there than landscaping and pool maintenance.”
“Like what?”
She hesitates before answering. “I don’t know. Business deals, family drama, or secret affairs? Or maybe a secret assassination plot over the winning racehorse or the ‘49 Burgundy.”
I arch a brow. “Is that a good year?”
She snorts. “How would I know? Two Buck Chuck is my budget, and it isn’t two bucks anymore. It just sounds like somethingfancy for rich people immersed in rich people problems. I’m just advising you to keep your head down and your eyes open.”
We say goodbye, and I drive home through the winding roads of Greenwich, trying to shake off the lingering strangeness of the day. The town is beautiful in that carefully maintained way that money makes possible, with perfect lawns, pristine sidewalks, and houses that look like they belong in architectural magazines.
My apartment is a studio in an older building that’s seen better days, but it’s clean, safe, and mine, along with Nina’s, since she’s my roommate. I’ve lived here for eight months now, ever since I decided New York was too expensive and too full of memories I wanted to leave behind. Connecticut seemed like a good place to start over, being far enough from my old life but close enough to civilization.
