The Butler

Chapter 17- Confidence

Yesterday was busy, so I couldn't have a talk with Damon. He was establishing jobs that Sasha had to do, and how they should coordinate to go about treating dinner guests and parties. He, also, requested respectfully that I share my schedule one week prior, and call about sudden changes. Damon was completely in the role of the butler, and I won't lie- he looked attractive while doing it. He wasn't this teenager who was carefree anymore, but now a man with a duty. Although, I was still hoping we could talk about this change of his.

I was thinking about talking with him tonight, but I realized that I had reserved a restaurant for dinner with Sam. 

The rest of the day went well. I requested that Nia calls a moving company that would transfer all my office stuff into my room so that Damon wouldn't have to bother with it. 

When work ended, I drove to the restaurant that took weeks ahead to reserve. I gave my keys to a valet as he winked at me. 

"Looks like you have an admirer that I'll have to protect you from in case he makes moves on you," Liam said with a smirk. He was definitely getting more comfortable around me, but two can play at this game.

"Yeah. You protect me from that admirer, and I'll protect Nia from getting pounced on because you drool when you look at her ass."

His ears were a shining beacon yet again. We got out of the car and walked into the restaurant still bickering. As unusual as my relationship with my bodyguard was, I'm happy that I made another friend. Liam was so stiff in the beginning, like Damon, but he gradually loosened up. I'm hoping Damon does the same. All these friends made up for the lack of them in my early life.

I saw Sam watching us with a worried look. Liam backed off a little and went back to his bodyguard duty of examining the surroundings for any danger. I walked over to Sam and gave him a hug. These past years made me see Sam as my uncle, possibly a father.

"Who's that? I thought he was a friend of yours, but he's awfully built for one. He could probably squish you in a second," Sam furrowed his brows.

I giggled. "He's my bodyguard. But my new friend. You know how I had no friends. I just like making all the friends in the world, like the janitor at my workplace. His name is Bryan, and he's 62 with 3 grand kids. He shows me pictures all the time, and honestly, I feel like I'm watching them grow up with Bryan."

He lightened up while jokingly shaking his head, "Oh Stella. How's work?"

We talked about my work and how the technology advancements are coming out. I spilled new ideas that my company was researching, and I could see Sam was just as excited to see the release of them one day.

"No Nia today," asked Sam looking a little disheartened.

"Sorry, Sam. She had to call a moving company so I could move my office stuff into my room."

"Why?"

"My maid is moving into my office, and my butler moved into the room upstairs. But you know how that room has a shared bathroom, so I wanted them to have their own individual bathrooms. It'd be one thing if they were both guys or both girls, but sharing a bathroom with the opposite s*x is probably uncomfortable. But you won't guess who my new butler is, Sam," I dared him.

"Oh yeah? Who is it?"

"It's Damon! Do you remember? My super good-looking best friend who would come visit my mom everyday?"

He looked shocked. When I think about it too, that meeting was way too much of a coincidence. I was beyond shocked the first day I saw Damon.

He regained composure, "Wow. Like a soap opera. By the way, are you visiting your mom soon?"

"No. I'll probably visit her on her birthday which is in four months. Do you want to come with me? Can you take time off for her birthday," I pleaded with my puppy eyes.

He laughed and nodded. Rest of the dinner was talking about nonsense, but time went quickly. It almost felt like talking to my mom which I treasure so much. After dinner was finished, I crushed him with another enveloping hug.

Liam escorted me to my car, and we both got in. While driving, I had a sudden brilliant idea.

"Why don't I invite you for dinner whenever my schedule is free. Of course, you have to tell me when you are too. I'll invite Nia, and Damon can join us. I'll invite Sam as well. It'll be like a little family and friend get-together," I exclaimed.

Liam nonchalantly shrugged. That disappointed me. I thought the plan was amazing, and it sounded so fun. I could introduce Liam and Damon to Sam, and maybe Damon could relax. Liam can, even, admire Nia's face in her fully glory while eating.

Liam closed his door and opened mine. As he coughed a little, he said, "I'll let you know when I'm available."

I beamed at him while he stayed vigilant walking us to home door. He left when we reached the entry. I opened the door to see Damon bowing to me.

"You don't have to bow and wait for me like that. Relax, buddy!"

He didn't budge. Deja-vu? Just you wait Damon, Liam relaxed as well.

With my newfound confidence, I marched to the office to see that it's been cleaned out. That means the maid can move in soon.

I turned around to Damon. Fidgeting, I asked him, "hey. I was thinking of a dinner with you, Sam- I mean Dr. Klaine, Nia, Liam, and of course, me. Are you okay with this plan?"

His eyes darkened. I flustered and quickly added, "because of more possible plans regarding business parties and charities hosted at my home."

He relaxed a little, "yes ma'am. I am free any day."

I was so confident about making him break out of his shell, but seeing how defensive Damon got, I didn't feel as confident anymore. With my head hung low, I waved my hand to dismiss him, "go to sleep Damon. I'm going to wash up and sleep as well. That is all I wished to discuss."

How am I ever going to get this guy to open up? As Damon closed his door, I facepalmed. I was supposed to discuss how Damon became like this, but maybe it was better I didn't. I needed him to open a little bit before diving into the reasons. There had to be trauma there in order to become like this. I couldn't shake off the fear that I may have lost Damon forever.