Chapter 10

Jade

I perked up, thinking it had to be Julian. But then I deflated when I realized the man wouldn’t ring the doorbell to his own home. Or even be back from work by this time since it was only just afternoon.

“Will talk to you later, Bells. Someone’s at the door.”

“Okay babe. Kisses.”

“Muah.” I replied then hung up before walking towards the door.

When I opened it, a young girl of around my age was standing there along with a few travel bags.

“Hello, ma’am. I’m Hazel Bailey,” she introduced in a soft, almost timid voice. “I was told to resume work here today.”

My confusion hit the roof. “Resume work…?”

“As a full-time cook and housekeeper. Mr. Davenport hired me, through his assistant.”

Ah, wonderful. He probably noticed how terrible I was at cooking and house chores after yesterday and decided to take matters into his own hands.

Looking back at Hazel, I decided to invite her inside since I didn’t want to keep her waiting under the scorching hot sun.

“He didn’t tell me anything about this so I’m just a bit surprised.” I explained to her as I helped her carry in a few of her bags. “I assume you will also be a live-in?”

“Yes, ma’am,” she nodded meekly.

“Oh, you can just call me Jade.” I gently corrected her. “We’re probably the same age so no need for formalities.”

“Yes, ma—I mean… Jade ma’am. I mean Jade.”

I giggled, amused by how much she was flustered. She was almost too cute with her shoulder-length brown hair, tiny nose and hazel eyes.

Leading her to one of the guest rooms on the first floor, I tried to make conversation to loosen her up. “So Hazel, beautiful name by the way. Really suits you.” She blushed with a murmur of thanks. “How old are you?”

“Going to turn twenty-four next month, ma—Jade.”

“Wow, you look so much younger. With your baby face and all. Was pegging you at twenty.”

We reached the room and I dropped onto the edge of the bed, watching her as she took in everything with a look of awe.

“Do you like it? It’s going to be your new room.”

She bobbed her head in a series of nods. “Yes. It’s massive and has more than what I need. I love it.”

I tilted my head to the side when I noticed she was avoiding my gaze. “Hazel? What’s wrong?”

She sniffled, head still turned away. “Nothing.”

I got up and walked towards her till I was standing in front of her. We were almost the same height, with her being only a couple inches taller.

She raised her eyes to look at me and I saw they were covered in a sheen of tears.

My heart lurched in my chest in total horror. “Oh no. Did I do something wrong? Say something wrong?”

“Oh Jesus, no, ma—Jade.” She put her hands out to reassure me. “You’ve been perfectly kind. Too kind. All this is just what’s making me tear up. I’ve never been in this big of a space. Never been treated so nicely, like I mattered, especially on a first meeting.”

“Oh, that’s terrible. I’m really sorry.” I took her hands in mine. “I’m going to make sure that never happens again from now on, you hear me? I don’t know your story, but I can only hope I’ll be able to make it better from here on out.”

She used her shoulder to wipe the single tear that fell. “I’m really grateful, Jade. You don’t even know me. Thank you so much.”

It was true that we had only just met, but something about her touched me deep inside, calling on my natural helpful instincts.

So I just smiled and walked back to the bed, watching as she crouched to start unpacking her bags.

“Tonight’s my birthday party.” I told her. “I turned twenty-one last week. Would you like to go with me?”

She looked up at me with a tiny smile. “No Jade. I’m not much of a party person. I’d simply like to stay in and clean if that’s okay with you.”

“Of course it is. Whatever you want.”

“Happy birthday also. I hope you have a nice time at your party.”

I smiled, wide and genuine. “Thank you, Hazel. I think we’re going to be really good friends.”