Chapter 6

WYATTT

I thought only suburban housewives had brunch. What the fuck was I thinking? This is so not me. A luxury suite in a castle? Who the hell does he I think I am? The groundskeeper comes in with a cart full of my things. She carelessly unloads my boxes onto the floor. She throws my muddy suitcase. It cracks, “Thanks for that.” She shrugs me off and walks out.

My new bathroom is nicer than my house was. The tub is enclosed in marble and there’s a television tucked in the alcove. Who watches TV in the bath? I hear someone knocking. “Housekeeping!” Ernie jokes. I needed that. “Hi Ernie.” I sit on the tufted bench at the end of my bed. Or is it a chaise lounge? I have no fucking clue.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” Actually, “How ‘bout a stiff drink?” I beg him. “Later perhaps. There’s still an hour before brunch. Would you like the grand tour?” He’s smiling like he’s up to something. “Absolutely!” I say.

He leads me downstairs through the kitchen into the garage. It looks more like an indoor parking lot. “Does he really need six cars?” I also see a motorcycle and two trucks. “He’s clearly overcompensating for something.” Ernie jokes as he grabs a set of keys off the wall . “Which one do I get?” I ask.

Ernie points at the brown Cadillac, “That one. It was Jack’s.” He hands me the keys. It looks brand new.I feel out of place. To be given Johnny’s uncle Jack’s suite and now his car seems a bit odd to me. “Did Mr. St. Jack’s not have a good relationship with his uncle?” Ernie scoffs, “Johnny doesn’t have a great rapport with anyone.” I can only imagine.

Lightning cracks outside. The sounds of the storm amplify in the garage. Ernie shows me around the kitchen. “Who does the cooking?” I notice leftovers in the fridge. “The groundskeeper.” Ernie pretends to gag. Note to self. Hire a chef.

“What’s her deal anyways?” She seems angry. “Vera? Oh she’s a mute. But she’s very sweet under her rough exterior.” He says as he treks backwards into the dining room. There’s six chairs on either side of the table and one on each end. “Do you get many visitors?” There’s also four chairs on either side of the bay window. “Not since Jack passed away. Brunch will be served here.”

We stroll into the main foyer. Ernie walks behind the grand staircase. I follow him down into the greenhouse. “An indoor pool?” I’m pleasantly surprised. “Yes and it’s heated. Master Jack wanted to be able to swim all year.” Must be nice.

Rain falls heavy on the glass as I stare out into the courtyard. “How far back does his land go?” Ernie smiles, “Hundreds of acres. There’s a beautiful garden you might like when it’s not pouring buckets.” He says. “That sounds lovely.”

“If you’re looking for Vera, you can often find her there hiding from Mr. St. Jacks.” Ernie says as we walk up the stairs. We both laugh.

“Oh is that so?” Johnny’s voice carries through the foyer. I look up to see him standing on the middle landing of the grand staircase. “Ernie was just giving me a tour.” I try to cover for him. “That will be all. I’ll take it from here.” Johnny shoos him away. Ernie rolls his eyes, “Yes master.”

Johnny steps down to meet me, “I’ll show you to your office.” I follow him down the right wing on the main floor. There’s an open archway at the end that leads into a large room with plenty of natural light. “This looks more like a living room.” I say as I look at the television above the fireplace.

He sits down on the couch. He points over his shoulder, “That’s your desk. I have a new computer arriving for you this week.” I place my hand on the freshly painted empty bookshelf. “What was this room before?” Johnny watches the rain fall through the window, “It was my father’s den.” He says quietly.

Maybe he has a heart after all. I go to sit next to him and he stands right up. “Time for brunch. My lawyer drew up the contract for you to sign and I have a hot date with a whore this evening.” Never mind. There’s no heart in there.

“Do you like Mexican sausage?” He walks towards the dining room. “Is that some kind of euphemism?” Johnny laughs. “A sense of humor. We like that around here.” He slaps my shoulder like football players would after a good game. That almost hurt but it was more annoying than anything.

“I’m not sure I like your hands on me.” I glare at him. “Don’t worry Wyatt. You’re not my type.” He takes his seat at the end of the dining room table. “Glad we got that out of the way.” I sit next to him in a side facing chair. The burly groundskeeper brings in a tray of sausage biscuits and a pitcher of orange juice.

I look at him hoping to get a straight answer, “I’d like to hire a chef if that’s alright with you?” He wipes his mouth with his cloth napkin. “Please. I can’t keep eating these bricks.” Vera drops the tray in the corner of the room. “Did you know she was still in here?” I whisper. “Of course. She’s always watching.”

Vera may not speak but she clearly understands English. He shouldn’t have said that in front of her. “Thank you for brunch Vera, it was very good.” I look for any change in expression. She’s clearly mastered the stone face.

Johnny looks me in the eye, “Your the boss of these guys now. Hire who you need to. Get this place back up and running. Pay the bills. And try not to need me.” He throws down my contract, “And sign this before the day is done. I’m gonna go wash my balls.” That’s attractive, “Thanks for the visual.”