Chapter 5

"How much rice do you want, sir?" Nancy asked, glancing at her boss. James just blinked at her, caught off guard. It had been ages since anyone actually offered to serve him rice.

Even Elisha wouldn’t lift a finger when it came to that.

"Sir? You okay? You’re totally spacing out."

"Uh—no, I mean, yeah, I’m fine." James scratched his head like he’d just woken up from a dream.

"How much rice do you want, sir?" Nancy repeated, holding up the plate with a hopeful look. "Is this enough?"

"Yeah. That’s good," James replied quickly, still sounding kind of stunned.

"Alrighty then. The sides are self-service, sir." Nancy placed the plate right in front of him, then lifted the lid off the serving tray so he could help himself.

"So, how is it, sir? Pretty tasty, huh?" She asked, standing there in a tight tee and a flared skirt, clearly fishing for a compliment.

James took a bite, then beamed at her like she was some kind of miracle. "Whoa. This is amazing. Like, really good."

"Really?" Nancy grinned, clearly proud of herself.

"Yeah, seriously! It’s flavorful—salty, savory… everything’s on point." He nodded, chewing happily. "You sure you haven’t worked in a restaurant or something? You are a secret master chef?"

"Well, I do love cooking. Plus, I got some practice when I lived in the dorms, so maybe that helped." Nancy gave a small, bashful smile.

"Oh, that makes sense."

"Anyway, sir, enjoy your meal. I’ll go clean up the kitchen now."

"Wait, what? Why?" James’s voice made her stop in her tracks. "Didn’t I ask you to eat with me? Why’re you running off?"

Nancy, with her long hair tied into a low ponytail, scratched her forehead awkwardly. "I just don’t feel right sittin’ at the same table as you, sir…"

"Why not? You embarrassed to sit next to me?"

"No, no—it’s not like that. It’s just… I’m the maid. It doesn’t feel appropriate."

"Oh, come on. You’re a person too. Don’t put yourself down like that. Come sit! Let’s eat together!"

Nancy didn’t really wanna, but saying no wasn’t an option. After all, James was the boss.

The table vibe was kind of weird. Dead quiet, except for the clink of forks and knives. Neither of them said much until—

"Nancy?" James glanced up, catching sight of a lone grain of rice stuck to her chin.

"Yes, sir?" She looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. "What’s up?"

"There’s rice… on your chin," James said, pointing subtly.

Nancy’s cheeks went crimson in a flash. She reached up, fumbling to find it. For some reason, she couldn’t seem to get it off.

Then, without thinking, James leaned over and gently brushed it off for her. "There. Got it," he murmured.

Nancy looked so startled that it snapped James back to reality.

"Uh… thanks, sir." She ducked her head, flustered beyond belief.

Trying to steer away from the awkward tension, James cleared his throat. "I’m done eating."

Nancy looked up as he stood. "Alright, sir."

"I’m heading upstairs. Gotta pick up Betty soon. Mind cleaning this up?"

Nancy gave a quiet nod, letting him go. Once he was out of sight, she softly touched the spot he’d brushed. Just one tiny touch from him had her heart in a tailspin.

Honestly? Nothing like that had ever happened to her before—not even with her ex.

*

Elisha came home after 10 pm like usual. The only difference? Nancy was the one who opened the door this time.

"Evening, ma’am." Nancy smiled warmly as she helped carry in Elisha’s work bag.

"Evening." Elisha gave her a polite nod. "Why’s the house so quiet? Has James fallen asleep?"

"I’m not sure, ma’am. After dinner with Betty, he just went straight upstairs."

Elisha nodded. "Got it."

"Would you like some dinner? I could heat something up—"

"No need. I ate at the office. Just put it in the fridge," Elisha replied before heading upstairs.

Nancy just nodded and followed the orders without question.

*

"Babe!" Elisha called out as she walked into their bedroom after checking on Betty. James was already sprawled on the bed, laptop open.

"Oh, hey Elisha. You just got back?"

The question kind of threw her off. James wasn’t exactly known for his warm welcomes. Usually, he’d just grunt if she came home late.

"Wow, you’re in a good mood tonight. What’s got you all cheerful?" Elisha asked, walking over.

James flinched a little. "Am I? I dunno… just feelin’ alright."

"No, no, you’re glowing. Something happened, didn’t it?" She smiled, sitting beside him.

James hesitated. He never knew his wife would realize his changes so soon. Then he spilled it. "One of my short scripts just got picked up for a mini film."

"For real?!" Elisha’s face lit up. "Babe, that’s amazing!"

James looked stunned as she hugged him tight.

"I knew you had it in you." She kissed him quickly on the cheek and lips.

"It’s ‘cause you always believed in me, Sha. Thanks for that." James gave her a grateful smile.

"So where’s the short film gonna air?"

"Still in talks, but probably on one of those streaming platforms. Y’know, the ones everyone’s into now."

Elisha nodded, even if she didn’t fully get it. She was just proud. After months of jobless wandering and living off her paycheck, at least now James was finally pulling his weight.

"I’m gonna shower real quick. We’ll talk more after," Elisha said, pecking his cheek again.

As she got up, James suddenly stopped her. "Elisha… can I ask you something later?"

She paused, one eyebrow raised. "Ask me what, babe?"

James looked at her seriously. "Actually, I…"