Page 34 of Searching for Hope

“Are you not well? Is that why you’re eating in your room?”

“I don’t want to be disturbed until dinner.”

“As you wish, Mr Priest, but I do wish you’d tell me what the problem is. You’ve never spent a day in bed before.”

“Ah, but you have to admit I’ve made my own breakfast before, yes?”

“But never quite this much.”

I can picture her. Hands on hips. Eyes narrowed in suspicion.

The door creaks open a fraction. I can see Jericho’s back, his now covered butt pressing against the partially open door. “Oh, and Mrs Bellamy?”

“Yes?” Her voice is fainter now.

Jericho clears his throat. “I believe Miss Berkley is unwell today. Please tell the other staff she’s not to be disturbed. Let Ette know she won’t be having her lesson today either.”

“I do hope she’s okay.” The suspicion is clear in her voice.

“She’s fine. Just a bit tired I think.”

“So, you’re having a day off and are not to be disturbed and Miss Berkley is unwell and not to be disturbed also, is that correct?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Am I to expect Miss Berkley for dinner or will she still be feeling under the weather?”

“I’m sure she would have made a full recovery by then.”

“Very well, Mr Priest. I hope Miss Berkley enjoys her breakfast.”

I wait until Jericho closes the door and then I skip over to take the tray and set it on the bed.

“You think she believed you?” I tease.

“At least she knows not to spread gossip.”

“Is that what we are, gossip?”

Jericho sits on the edge of the bed and reaches for one of the cups of coffee. “No. But that’s what we will be as soon as word gets out. You’re a lot younger than me, Berkley.” He looks over apprehensively. “Maybe we could keep this just between us for a bit?”

I reach for a slice of toast and bite it. “Whatever you say, boss.”

He grimaces. “Older and your boss. Thanks for reminding me.”

I flash him a smile mixed with half-chewed toast. “No problem.”

He rolls his eyes but chuckles. Then his phone rings. He pulls it out of his pocket and stares at it. Reaching across, I cover his hand with my own, stopping him from swiping accept.

“I thought you said you were having a day off.”

“I just said that to stop Mrs Bellamy from checking in on me. There’s a lot I need to be dealing with right now.”

“Surely it can wait just one day?”

He sighs and then powers off the phone. “One day. I’m allowed one day.” He grabs a piece of toast and tears off a bite.

“So, tell me, Mr Priest. What is it you do to relax and have fun?”

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