When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,53
to rely on Mona’s list and ask when I didn’t know.
“I ... last night ... should I have gone home? We didn’t discuss whether I was supposed to spend the night.”
Leonardo tilted his head, squinting in confusion, and then his eyes shot wide open. “Please don’t worry about it. I wasn’t sure what would happen last night.” He cleared his throat.
What had happened last night?
“I meant ...” His eyes drilled into mine. “It’s fine. I came home past midnight. I wouldn’t have let you go home that late anyway. I’m glad you stayed. I mean ... You should for safety reasons ... and Bridget.”
I broke away from the trance that held us together. Or maybe it was one sided. Normally, I didn’t have trouble reading guys, but having Leonardo as my employer made me doubt everything.
“I have a question.” I rubbed at my temple. “Did I say anything weird last night when you came home?”
He drew his chin toward his chest with a snicker and then gave me a side-long glance. “Do you remember what you said?”
I furrowed my brow. “No. That’s why I’m asking you.”
He stabbed the fork through his eggs and shoved them in his mouth. He was buying time. Ugh!
“Well?” I tugged at his shirt and then stopped when I realized what I was doing.
“I don’t remember.” He took a drink from his mug to avoid my gaze.
“So does this mean you’re coming with us?” Bridget had her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her fist, looking bored.
“When is this trip?”
“Sunday, or I can arrange it for another day if that doesn’t work for you,” Leonardo said, grabbing a toast and spreading jam on it.
I was technically on his payroll, so my time should be saved for him just in case he needed me. But the helicopter ride was a leisure thing, and from the sound of it, he wasn’t going away for business.
“I didn’t make any plans since I promised you ... or I promised Mona, to watch over Bridget. I figured I should be on call in case you needed me—in case Bridget needed me. In case you needed me to watch Bridget.” Oh dear, I was rambling. “Now that I know you’re not going away on a business trip, I—”
“I’m on call,” he said. “I mean, I might have to fly out Sunday evening.”
“Okay. Don’t worry, I’ll be available, but I’m still not sure about the helicopter.” I tapped my mug nervously and glanced over to the shelf in the family room. No Cupid there.
It wasn’t only the helicopter ride, but getting close to Leonardo and Bridget on personal time might not be a good idea. For so many reasons.
“Of course. I understand. You can let me know later.” His mug landed with a light thud on the table.
“You moved Cupid.” I changed the subject to take the focus away from me.
Bridget jumped off her stool, raced to the sofa, and picked up the statue on the end table.
“I moved it,” she said. “I put it on the table because it’s so cute. I wish it was real. Mrs. Fong said Cupid shoots magical arrows at two people when he wants them to fall in love. Is that true?” She hugged the Cupid in front of her.
“Shoosh. Shoosh.” Bridget pretended to shoot imaginary arrows at Leonardo and me, and I didn’t know what to think of that.
Leonardo got out of his seat and walked toward her. “Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. It’s Roman mythology. Something you’ll learn more about when you get older.”
While he went on and on about mythology, I picked up the plates and took them to the sink. I turned on the faucet to let the water run for a bit. When I turned, I jerked. I nearly ran into Leonardo, who held our mugs like an experienced waiter.
“You need to make some noise, Mr. Medici.” I let out a breath, resting my hand on my chest.
“Call me Lee, Kate.” He placed the mugs on the counter. “Mr. Medici makes me sound old. I wanted to help. Like I said, you’re not here to take care of me. You shouldn’t have to clean up my mess.”
Jayden had never lifted a finger to help me. We’d mostly eaten out, but the times I’d cooked for him, he’d sat in front of the TV while I did all the work. The two men were so different.
“That’s sweet of you, but I don’t mind.”
It was