was gambling, just willing to throw away so much money…so recklessly.
By the time I’ve made it to the penthouse, I can’t hold back the tears that have been building in me any longer. As soon as I’m alone, out of sight of people and cameras alike, they erupt. I sit down on the floor of the penthouse entryway and let them come.
I cry and I cry until my crying feels irrational. There’s nothing but tears and it feels like I’m there for a really long time before I’m startled by a soft voice. “Miss?” Marta is standing in front of me. “Lilly.” She adds, catching herself and addressing me by name. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know,” I choke out the words. “I’m worried about my sister,” I say helplessly. Marta’s dark brown eyes, so much like Aurora’s, show more kindness than I’ve seen in days. And I have to talk to someone.
“I’m sorry.” She smiles sadly, stepping towards me. “Family can bring great joy but also great sadness.”
“Yes.” I nod and wipe my nose on my arm. “I don’t know how to help her. I don’t think I can.” I try to keep the despair out of my voice.
Marta quickly rummages in a drawer in the kitchen and pulls out a box of tissues, handing me one. “If you can’t help her, at least you can help yourself,” she says gently. “What brings you comfort?”
“My family. My best friend Aurora.” My eyes well up. I wish I could at least text her now.
“What else?” Marta prompts me before I can go on.
“Food. Cooking.”
“Ah.” Marta smiles triumphantly. “Maybe something to eat? Have you eaten today?”
She’s right. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast. Maybe that’s why I’m so emotional.” I feel slightly embarrassed, breaking down in front of Marta.
“I get that way too. You can call for room service.” She puts out her hand to help me off the floor. The touch, warm and human, is comforting. “Or you could cook here. Mr. Milner never uses the kitchen. It’s a shame.” She gestures at the vast space.
I stare at her, an idea forming in my head. “You’re brilliant, Marta.”
She smiles shyly, gives me a small nod, and heads for the door.
What if I cook a meal for David? He seemed so amused when I was critiquing the hamburger the other day, I remember with a smile. And I know he was letting Deanna off easy by permitting me to choose her punishment. He could have been much more harsh, especially given that she interrupted his workday. Cooking for him would be a nice gesture, a more personal way to say thank you.
Curious, I open the fridge. I’ve been ordering room service or eating at the Fortuna’s restaurants every day. I haven’t even taken a thorough look at the fridge. As expected, it’s full of drinks but doesn’t have much in the way of food. Even if I wanted to cook something now, I wouldn’t have the supplies. I could just order a club sandwich, but if I told them how I wanted them to crisp the bread in a certain way in the pan I would just sound like a bitch. I would love to cook, though.
And with that thought, an idea strikes me.
I step to the phone and hesitate for just a moment before taking a deep breath and picking it up. I feel like the request I’m about to make is going to be annoying but I’m determined to at least ask. What did David say the other day? Sometimes you just have to take things, Lilly. Seize what you’re owed. Basically he was telling me to grow a pair.
“Yes, Miss Madison?” The voice at the other end of the line speaks. “Would you like to order something to eat?”
“Ah…I actually wanted something else.”
“Of course. What can we bring you?”
“I was actually wondering if um… Well, I wanted to cook something. But there aren’t really any groceries up here. Would it be possible to have some things brought up? Or to use supplies in one of the restaurant kitchens?” I bite my lip, wondering which of those options is less disruptive. The thought of sending someone out to buy groceries for me seems weird, but David has been clear—I can’t leave the property.
“Oh!” The voice on the other end of the line is suddenly surprised and the professional veneer disappears for just a moment. “Let me see. Can you hold please?”
“Of course.” I’m left sitting and waiting. I immediately curse myself