friend. He’s a fitness fanatic. He used to be in charge of the gym at the hotel before we both got laid off. I’m not sure if he’ll be able to do it.” But Jamie is in awe of Ward Maddox. He’d definitely be hyped at the prospect of being his trainer. “He’s not a personal trainer,” I hasten to add, knowing that Ward might be a stickler for detail.
“If he’s a fitness fanatic, that’s good enough. Ask him. Tell him the money will be good. He only has to come every weekday and kick Ward’s butt, and try not to get fired.”
“I’ll ask him today.” I’ll ask to meet him this evening. I’m already looking forward to the idea of going out and having someone to talk to.
“Great.”
“And now that I have you on the phone I’ve got a few questions for you.” Questions about my hours, and my duties and what sort of food I should cook for Ward. So far I’ve been guessing and just getting on with things, and it’s working.
“Fire away.”
Rob informs me that Freya, Ward’s housekeeper in New Orleans, finished at six o’clock each day and had weekends off but would leave him food. This is more or less what I’ve been doing.
“Just be nice to him, and do what he says.”
“He doesn’t say much,” I reply. “He keeps out of my way. I was worried that he’d be a fussy eater, but he’s becoming better as the days go on.”
“It seems you both have an understanding.”
I wouldn’t go so far as to call it that.
“Are you interested?” I’ve told Jamie about Rob’s proposal.
We’re in a bar, having a couple of drinks. There’s live music, and the place is busy. I’ve missed being in the world of people who are laughing and having fun. Ward’s house is deathly quiet. I’m not used to it, but then again, being a housekeeper is not my vocation. This is just a stepping stone, I remind myself.
“Working for Ward Maddox?” His eyes are suddenly animated. “Hell, yeah!” Then his face sobers up. “But you said he has a temper. That he’s weird. He fired the other guy.”
After running into him in the gym today, I feel as if I have a better handle on Ward. I’ve seen another side to him, and he seems more human. “He’s not weird. He’s just … awkward.” Brooding and miserable, on a good day. Offensive and rude on a bad day. I intend not to have any bad days with him. “He’s used to his own space and he’s not used to dealing with people.”
“That sounds weird.”
“I thought you liked him!” I protest. I so badly want Jamie to take this job. For one thing it means I get to see him every day and it will give me something to look forward to, a little company, a little humor, someone familiar. I also think it will be a good second income for him.
“His books are brilliant. I can’t believe you’ve never read any. Or watched The Attic.”
“I hate horror.” I lean forward across the table. “It’s only one hour a day and the money will be good. He’s not so bad when you get to know him.”
“You’ve changed your tune quickly,” Jamie says.
“I’m trying to sell him to you so that you’ll take the job.”
“You want me to take the job?” he asks, his eyes dancing with amusement.
“I need company. Ward writes all day. I don’t see anyone.”
“You want me to take this job on so that you’ll get to see me.”
He’s twisting my words, but in a roundabout way, yes. He’s not entirely wrong. “It will be like the old days. Kind of.”
He seems to be considering it. I want him to say yes because it’s isolating, and hard, being alone. Cooped up all day in that house, cleaning and cooking—it’s not that I mind it that much, as not interacting with people.
“At least I get to see you,” he says, lifting his beer bottle to his mouth. “It will be like old times.”
“Yes it will.” I smile, because that’s exactly what I have in mind.
“And I could do with the extra money,” he says, as if he’s trying to sell himself on the idea.
“We can’t whine about him, though. You don’t want him to fire you on your first day.”
“I promise to be on my best behavior.”
“It’s only for a few months. Rob’s desperate to find a replacement, so if you’re clever you might be able to negotiate a