“Do you need something?” I asked. I tried not to sound annoyed.
He seemed amused by my tone, did a little head tilt, his blue eyes assessing intention. “No, but you may, eventually. Call me when that day comes.”
What in the world? I started to ask him what he meant when he turned and left the kitchen. I heard him talking with Hale, followed by their laughter, then the door closing behind him. I considered telling Hale what he’d said, but then decided against it. I was not here for drama. Whatever Ezra meant by that was obviously not important. He hadn’t even left me his number.
I turned off the kitchen lights and walked into the living room. Hale was standing at the window with an inch of wine staring out at the city. The view was spectacular and I hated to interrupt him. He had traveled all morning, went directly to a meeting and had to be nearly frazzled.
“You did well,” he said, glancing back.
“Thank you.”
“We have to get you better clothes. I wish you’d done that already. I expected a few issues to surface.”
A few issues? He was acting like I was a disobedient child. That was unfair, but I kept my mouth shut, being patient and understanding.
“Ezra enjoyed lunch. That’s really all that matters.” His gaze traveled up and down me. “Is that the best outfit you brought?” He asked with the slightest of grimace.
I reminded myself not to take offense. Which was hard because I had a temper and my mouth would lash like a whip. Curbing it wasn’t easy.
“No, I have a blue sundress that momma made me last year.”
He did a slight lift of his shoulders. “I have a meeting at three. We won’t have time to shop for your clothing. You’re a size four, am I right?”
I nodded yes, surprised he guessed so easily, by simply looking at me.
“I’ll have some clothes sent for you. I won’t be home for dinner tonight. Of course, feed yourself. But consider the rest of the day a break. Tomorrow we’ll do something. What is it you want to see most?”
That was a hard choice. Fifth Avenue, Times Square and Central Park were all tied for first. I could visit the two that would take the longest when Hale was gone on business. I then replied “Times Square.”
“Of course. We’ll go see it tomorrow. Then I’ll take you to one of my favorite lunch spots.”
That sounded fun. I was ready to explore the city. Having someone with me would be nice.
“Until your clothes arrive go change into the blue dress.” He said it with a wave of his hand as if I were being dismissed. He then turned his attention back to the city and the view outside the window.
Hale confused me. He could be so nice and make me feel wanted then treat me as if I were a child needing instruction and guidance. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that, but I reminded myself he had given me this job and a chance to see the world. I was living in a penthouse in New York City. This was better than what I’d expected. Though I really didn’t know what that was. I could learn to understand Hale. He was just different, that’s all. What I knew were the people from Moulton, Alabama and it was me that needed to adjust. Not Hale. He was himself. I was the one that needed to change.
I went to my room and undressed. The blue Easter sundress that momma had made hanging in the closet to my front. I slipped it on and straightened it out. It was the nicest thing I owned, yet here it seemed inadequate. Country. That’s what I was. Country. I didn’t want to be. My place of birth wasn’t my choice. I longed to be a part of this city, to fit in and not stand out.
Sitting down on the edge of the bed I looked out the windows of my room. Imagined what I might be like if I’d grown up in New York City. Would I speak differently? Walk with more confidence? Would my vocabulary be more extensive? Would I know the difference between fresh mozzarella and Brie, which confused me at the grocery store, just like the damn airport gates.
But had I been raised here I wouldn’t have momma, my sisters or Henry or the memories of my daddy, and Jamie and Ben would be strangers. And I wanted all of them in my life. Being raised in Moulton wasn’t what I hated. It was the idea of being stuck there for life. I’d gotten out and now I could truly appreciate my raising and my normal childhood.
A knock at my door startled me awake. Then it opened and Hale walked in. He took in my dress without smiling. “Your new clothing will arrive this evening. I know females like to shop for themselves and you will get a chance to do that. I’ll go with you when you do. But for now you need appropriate clothing. I should’ve seen to that myself.”
Again, with my clothes. Lord Jesus! They weren’t as bad as he was carrying on. I bit my tongue to keep from saying just that and my thoughts must have shown on my face because he gave me an apologetic smile. “Soon you’ll be ready to go out with me. You can attend dinners, like the one tonight, alongside me when properly dressed. We have to polish you up. Your beauty is enough to distract a man, but the women in this world can be brutal. They will pick you apart and eat you.”
Go with him? Why? Although the idea of a fancy party in New York was exciting I wasn’t sure why I would go along too.
“You want to take me to dinners with you?” I was tired of keeping my mouth shut. Sometimes I needed answers.
He grinned and walked over to stand in front of me. His expensive cologne made my room smell nice and I wanted to take a deep breath.
“I didn’t bring you here to keep you locked away. I enjoy your company Sam. You make me feel more like enjoying my life. I often overlook certain things that you remind me of in your excitement. Taking you with me is the main reason I brought you here to the city. First, I have to prepare you. You’re not ready for this world yet.”
He sounded like he had me here for more than a housekeeper. Men didn’t take their housekeepers to parties and teach them to be more refined. Did they? I was pretty sure that even though I didn’t know much about this life I did know that.
“But Hale, I’m your housekeeper,” I told him.