He pulls out his cell phone.
“I need to work out a date and time I can have the movers here. Ellis would like you to begin staying with him next Friday, so why don’t we have your belongings moved on Thursday. I imagine you’ll need your things until then.”
A thought hits me, and I look around the apartment.
“You only need to send a small truck and one person. I’m leaving my furniture here for Sasha, so I’ll only have Liam’s and my personal belongings. I won’t need to put anything in storage like he suggested.”
Nodding, he types away on his phone.
“I’m supposed to tell him things that Liam likes.”
“What do you mean?”
He looks off. “Like colors, toys … things of that nature. It’s for his bedroom.”
“He doesn’t need anything special. He’s been sleeping with me up until this point, and I imagine that’ll continue.”
“Ellis insisted Liam have his own room, so I’ll just tell him he likes superheroes, trucks and trains. Books… Oh, and how he absolutely loves Ninja Turtles.” Christopher smiles, and it angers me.
He does know my son and has been good to him, but I don’t want to forgive him for what he did. Although, maybe I should use his help like he suggested since he owes me that much.
“Ellis also asked for a list of foods you both enjoy. He wants to ensure the kitchen is fully stocked for the two of you, so I’ll write that down for him, as well. I know what you and Liam like to eat.”
I can’t help but shake my head. This is too bizarre. Even if Ellis sincerely wishes to know his nephew, I can’t comprehend why a handsome, wealthy, single man would move us into his home.
“OK, I’ll accept your help,” I say.
Glancing up from his phone, Chris’s eyes display relief.
“Thank you. I’ll feel better knowing I can watch out for you and Liam.”
“I guess it would be nice to have a familiar face nearby while I’m stuck in that mansion with the evil one.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll get through this together.” Christopher stands and strolls to the door. “I think that’s all we need to discuss for now.”
“Wait, I have something for you to relay to Ellis,” I say. “Tell him I insist on interviewing candidates for the nanny position. I deserve to be involved in that decision.”
“I agree. I’ll be in touch, and thank you for not shutting me out.”
“This doesn’t mean we’re friends. I’m allowing your help because you owe me big time. Don’t get the two confused.”
Frowning, he disappears through the doorway, and good gracious, our lives have been turned upside down.
***
“You’re quitting?” Matt asks. He’s looking straight at me for a change.
“I know it’s sudden. I can give you a week’s notice, and you can deduct the cost of the drug screen from my last paycheck.”
“Who hired you?”
“Um, actually, I met someone. He’s going to provide me support while I finish my degree.”
“I haven’t heard a word about you being in a relationship. Have you been keeping it under wraps because it’s a client?”
I sigh. He’s the first of several people who will question me over this.
“No, he’s not a client. I didn’t meet him here. Look, you know I’m independent, so leaving Octavia is hard enough without me having to explain myself.”
His brow knits. “All right. Whatever you need to do. Unlike the younger servers, who want to take a break every goddamn minute, you work hard. If you ever need to come back, you’re welcome to.”
I smile. “You mean as long as I don’t age or gain twenty pounds, right?”
Motioning toward the door, he smirks.
“You’re only twenty-nine; you have at least a few hot years left in you. Go to work before this gets sentimental. I have a reputation to uphold.”
Repeatedly, I’ve prayed to get out of this demeaning place, but at least here, I know what to expect when I walk through the doors.
I’m in the dark over what Ellis Burke has planned for me behind his closed doors. If I read him right, my life won’t be less demeaning anytime soon.
***
I’m exhausted and emotionally spent as I stride to the exit of Octavia. My only female friend here, Gracie, is now pissed at me. She thinks I’ve been hiding a relationship from her, and it’s frustrating that I can’t tell her the truth.
I could possibly confide in her, but since I’m not a hundred percent sure, protecting Liam and Sasha must come before protecting a friendship. It sucks.
Once I reach the exit, Bruce’s mouth droops.