When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,37

would be happy. She didn’t have to worry for my safety, but she might need to nurse my ego instead.

“Miss Summers.”

I passed the grand Christmas tree.

What was taking Mona so long? But I was glad she wasn’t there to witness that scene with ... Roselyn? Or was it Bridget? Did he have two daughters? But Mona said I’d be taking care of one. And what was Leonardo’s real last name—Banks or Medici? I shook my head, confused.

I was trying to get out of there before a child saw me. If it was Bridget, she’d be shocked.

Bridget, Roselyn. Whoever.

“Miss Summers.”

I passed under the chandelier.

Thinking of Mona reminded me she had my bag. Great. I had to turn right back around and ask if she could give it back. So much for the dramatic exit.

Perhaps I could just storm right back in, stomp up the stairs, and swoop back out with my bag, all the while ignoring Mr. Medici.

“Miss Summers.”

Making up my mind to get my bag without asking his permission, I whirled just before I reached the front door. Unaware he had caught up and was right on my heels, I collided into him.

My hands somehow slipped through his open shirt and my palm smacked against his warm skin. His arms wrapped around my back to keep me from falling.

Oh, heavens.

Words fled me. The surf rushed in my ears. I saw stars and fireworks around the edges of my vision. I knew he experienced the same intensity when his gaze pierced through mine. Time seemed endless as neither one of us looked away until the fog over my mind vanished.

“I’m so sorry.” I backed away as my fingers laced through my hair. “I was going to get my ... Mona took it and ...” I leaned sideways as if I could point to Mona there.

Surprisingly she stood at the top of the stairs with her arms crossed, looking giddy as a child holding cotton candy with her lips spread in a delighted smile.

If I didn’t know better, I’d call her smug. Next to her was Bridget, her eyebrows arched upward in confusion. Had they been there all along, watching us?

“Mona?” I clenched my jaw and walked toward her, Leonardo behind me. “Where did you go?” Then I mustered a sweet smile. “Hello, Bridget.”

“Hello, Tyler’s aunt.” Bridget waved, keeping the same flustered expression.

Mona took one step at a time down the stairs. “I put your bag away in your room as I said. I was going to introduce you to Mr. Medici, but you two were already ... talking.” She pursed her lips, suppressing a laugh.

So Medici and not Banks. Why had Mona lied to me?

My face burned. I took a quick peek at Leonardo next to me—Mr. Medici, now that he was my boss—and he was rubbing his neck.

“I was trying to explain to Miss Summers that I was confused, that’s all.” Leonardo’s grin tugged up at one corner.

Was he laughing at me?

“It didn’t sound like he was,” I said to Mona.

“Well, if Miss Summers would just stay put like a grown-up and let me explain, we wouldn’t be wasting time.” His voice was soft and calm, but his brow furrowed. Then, as if he realized his daughter was present, he said, “Bridget, everything is fine. This is Miss Summers. She’ll be taking care of you in place of Mona until she returns. We talked about this, remember?”

Calling Abby to pick me up did cross my mind, but now that I knew who I would be working for and this unnerving situation had settled, I decided to stay. Two weeks. Nothing to it.

Bridget nodded. “Yes, I remember. Does that mean Tyler will be staying over too?”

Her blue, glistening eyes made me think of the ocean.

“No, sweetheart. Just his aunt. Are you ready for school?”

“Yes.” She bounced on the balls of her feet on the marble floor.

She looked adorable in jeans and a purple shirt with unicorns on it. Her hair was braided in two sections tied with pink and white ribbons. Her white Mary Jane shoes reminded me of the ones I’d had when I was little.

“Wait. Who is Roselyn?” I asked Mona.

Her eyes widened. “Oh, that. Mr. Medici will explain. Well, I have to go, my ride is here. Mr. Medici, your dry cleaning is in your room. Look again in your closet. I set it to the side. And Miss Summers, Mr. Medici can tell you everything I was going to tell you. Unfortunately, I’ll be late if I