Page 45 of Girls Night
What would it say?
Raya grabbed the envelope and held it in her hand, the soft paper thick and expensive, smelling of lilac. On the front was her name, scrawled in bold lettering.
Opening it, she pulled the note out.
My Dearest Raya,
I've been called away for an important meeting. Enjoy the house, explore, and you'll have a treat for breakfast. Remember your uniform, and I'll see you at dinner.
Yours,
Hadley
She didn't know what to think of the letter.My dearest Raya? Yours, Hadley?What the hell did that mean?
She breathed in the scent of the perfume, finding it pleasing. Yawning, Raya stood from the bed and snagged the coffee, taking a small sip. It had been made just to her liking.
Whoever brought it was apparently psychic.
Coffee in hand, she walked over to the double doors that led out to the veranda and stepped out and onto the cold concrete porch. The sky was beautiful, bright, and free of clouds.
Raya leaned against the railing, looking out over the immaculate grounds and beyond to the cliff that led to the ocean.
The beautiful backdrop was inspiring. The writer in her was thinking of tales she could weave about a murder committed in a mansion. The cliff, the ocean, and the remote area would be the perfect setting for a new novel.
With a sigh, Raya tipped back her cup and finished off her coffee. It was good, but her stomach was now demanding nourishment.
"Time to find food," she muttered. As much as she wanted to stay and enjoy the morning out on the veranda, she would have to face reality and wander around the home.
Taking one more longing look at the ocean, she went back inside the house. A few minutes later, she had found a matching robe and slippers to put on and left her quarters in search of the kitchen.
On the first floor, she looked around, trying to remember landmarks from the previous night.
Finally, the smell of something sweet floated through the air, leading her in the right direction.
Raya hesitated in the doorway, taking in the kitchen of a cook's dreams. Large and spacious, with plenty of counter space and cabinets. All the appliances were top of the line. The sunlight streamed in through the large windows, making it appear even brighter.
A short, stocky woman dressed in a chef's jacket and dark pants was fiddling around at the countertop. Her blonde hair was pulled up into a bun with a few strands escaping. Opening the large oven, she pulled out a tray of something that smelled delicious.
Raya's stomach rumbled.
"Good morning," Raya called out.
"Oh." The woman spun around with a tray in her hand. Upon seeing Raya, a smile spread across her lips. "Mrs. White. Good morning."
Raya wasn't sure if the house staff knew about her, but she shouldn't have been surprised the woman knew who she was.
"I hope I'm not bothering you. I’m in search of food." Raya laughed as the woman waved her into the kitchen.
"Well, you came to the right place. I'm Sue, the executive chef here."
Executive chef?
Fancy.
She walked over to the island and took a seat on one of the thickly padded stools, offering Sue a smile.
"Anything particular you would like? I can whip you up some pancakes."
