I woke up feeling tired and groggy from the previous day. As I sat up in bed, memories began to flood back; a lot had happened over the past few days.
I walked into the kitchen to make a cup of coffee to help wake me up. After preparing my coffee, I went over to the couch and gently placed the steaming cup on the table.
Plopping down on the couch, I snuggled in and started scrolling through my phone, my mind swirling with thoughts. Before I even realized it, I dialed June's number.
"Hey, girlfriend," June answered with enthusiasm.
"I'm good," I replied flatly.
"What's up?" she asked, picking up on my tone.
"How did you know something was up?" I asked, impressed by her sensitivity.
"I know your tone; you sound a bit off. Plus, I heard you didn't come to work today. So spill," she said firmly.
"I have a lot to share. Could we catch up for lunch at the café down the street from work?" I suggested, gently sipping my coffee.
"Got it. I'll meet you there at 1:30," she replied, and I could hear someone calling her name in the background.
"I gotta go. Bye!"
I quickly freshened up and tidied the apartment. I find that cleaning helps me think more clearly when I'm stressed, and today was no exception.
After a few hours, I hopped into the shower, allowing the hot water to ease my nerves. I dressed in yoga pants and a basic tee, paired with my favorite sneakers, wanting to feel as comfortable as possible.
Stepping out of my cab I casually joined the hustle of the city. I didn't mind being alone on the streets of a busy city like this. Some girls would think that I was insane but I find it quite peaceful-time to just get lost in my thoughts.
When I arrived at the café and stepped inside, the warmth that enveloped me was as welcoming as always. The warm shades of brown and small space made the café cozy.
I ordered my usual and waited patiently for June. The sound of the door chime brought me back to reality, and I looked up to see June come in, looking bright and cheerful.
She waved and made a beeline for where I was seated.
"Took you long enough," I teased, glad to see her.
"You know how it gets. We’re one staff member short, so things are a bit hectic," she replied with a hint of apology.
"Okay, so tell me what’s going on. Why aren’t you at work?" June inquired.
I sucked in a sharp breath and told her everything.
"Are you okay? You should have called me yesterday. You know you can trust me with anything right?" June said, concern evident in her voice.
"I wish I was there to give him a kicking too. How dare he? Sure, John has always been an asshole but I didn't think he'll take it that far. That explains why he’s been locked in his office the entire morning," June added, rambling on.
"Sorry, I didn't call. It all happened so fast and I needed some time to process it all. Of course, you know I trust you."
"I don't know what to do. I have lost the only source of income I have." I said.
"This Chase guy was the one you interviewed for?" She inquired.
I nodded. " Looks like he was desperate since he came back after you dismissed him. Yes, he is condescending but at least he was empathetic enough to your plight to save you. You should consider taking the job." June urged.
Taking a long drag of my latte, I thought about it. After his confession yesterday, I had agreed to let him drop me off at home and told him I would think about his proposition.
"He is rude and has an air of superiority that I don't like. Working for him is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire," I protested.
I knew that June was right, but the thought of trading one difficult situation for another made me uneasy.
"Listen, I'll support you either way. Just do what’s best for you for now," June said, reaching across the table to hold my hand—a gesture that warmed my heart.
"You should be thanking the guy; he got John good. I haven't seen him, but I heard he has a massive black eye," she joked, uplifting the mood.
We laughed, and I felt much better compared to how I had felt in the morning. We spent the rest of our lunch chatting about work and her latest crush until her break wrapped up.
......................
Clutching my handbag, I stood at the familiar black gates, feeling more nervous than ever. I couldn't believe that I was here. It took everything in me not to turn back, but I had no other option.
It seemed like a long time ago that I was speaking into the same intercom. Pressing it, I patiently waited for a response from the other side of the line.
After the brief introduction, I was let in. The vastness of the house never ceased to amaze me. Walking in, I was instructed by Maria to wait for him in the living room.
I walked up to the black leather couch and made myself comfortable. Moments later he appeared with little Mia in hand. He was dressed in a grey suit that was tailored to fit him perfectly. As soon as Mia saw me she sprinted over.
"Bella!" She exclaimed hugging my legs.
"Hello Mia, How are you today?" I asked chuckling at her enthusiasm.
"Please tell me you are here to stay?" She said looking up at me with her big grey eyes.
"Of course," I answered looking directly at Chase.
He seemed momentarily lost in thought just staring at our interaction. Clearing his throat he said," Isabella we need to discuss the terms. follow me."
Looking down at Mia I gently pinched her cheeks.
"I am going to be right back," I assured her.
I swiftly followed him, ready to face whatever lay ahead. We entered the same study where I had been interviewed and he gestured for me to take a seat. It felt like it had been ages since our last meeting.
"So as I said the last time, I don't trust you fully but since Mia responds to you so well here we are." He spoke up looking at me.
"Here are some rules and some of her allergies and medication. They should be followed to the latter. Maria will show you around and help you settle in.
I'll be paying 4000 every month. Bear in mind that your job is to cater to and look after Mia she comes first." He added handing me a binder.
I couldn't believe how strict he was. Going through the binder I scoffed at how everything was planned out meticulously. She even had a schedule. This was going to be much harder than I thought.