Chapter 4 Dog Tired

Tess Sunrise pov

Finishing with the last cleaning duties with the penthouse I exhaled deeply and asked, “How often is this place cleaned?”

“Every day, dear. Mister Draeger likes a spotless environment,” Rosie replied and I nodded.

I sat on the sofa and Samson jumped onto my lap.

I petted him as Rosie shook her head.

“I will loan you the penthouse key for when I leave for my vacation. You'll have to make arrangements for a different ride here,” she added, and I exhaled deeply, regretting getting employment several miles away from my apartment.

“I will find a way to get here on time daily,” I sighed unconvincingly.

Giving me a sharp glare, Rosie said, “Get up and brush out the wrinkles on the couch, and let's head out so I can lock it up.”

Ruffling Samson’s neck I told the feline that I would bring him treats when I returned the following morning. The cat rubbed his head on my calf making me giggle.

Grabbing my purse, I followed Rosie out into the hallway while she locked the door, and I heard the elevator doors open.

Mister Draeger was inside and leaning against a tall, slender, blonde-haired man who looked like he was struggling to keep the other man upright.

I pinched my lips together and shook my head slowly as the lean man, who now also appeared inebriated, helped my boss out of the elevator. Rosie cursed colorfully and apologized to Mister Draeger for not leaving sooner and completely ignored the other man.

Finding it odd I muttered softly to the blonde, “Thank you for seeing him home,” as the pair stumbled past.

The blonde-haired man’s eyes widened at me in surprise as he propped up Mister Draeger near the door to his home

“Come along Tess, I don't know what nonsense you're spouting about. Our boss shouldn't be thanked for wandering around drunk off his arse,” she snapped and I glanced back at the two men in confusion.

“But two people are standing there,” I murmured as Rosie pushed me into the open elevator and followed after me.

I continued to look at the pair as the door closed in disbelief. The blonde man continued to look at me mystified.

Believing that I was experiencing the same kind of issues I had in my youth of seeing people that no one else could, I chewed on my bottom lip while Rosie continued to bad mouth Mister Draeger.

“You would think a man his age could handle his alcohol and not stumble home like a drunken idiot,” she hissed in disgust.

“Perhaps he is having a difficult day? What does he do for work,” I asked curiously and she narrowed her eyes at me.

“I have no fucking idea what the man does; how strange,” she muttered, and thankfully, we arrived at the ground floor.

I was perplexed as I got into the passenger seat of her sedan.

“I will drop you off at your place and give you the key. Don't mess up this client or it's both our asses,” she warned me.

We drove to my apartment complex in silence until she pulled into the parking lot and turned to me.

Taking the penthouse key off her keyring, she handed it to me and then paused before releasing it.

“Times are nine to six, during the week and ten to six on the weekends. I will be gone for two weeks and if you have questions call the agency for my contact information. I left my cleaning supplies in the closet in the kitchen. His laundry gets picked up on Thursday and delivered on Friday,” she asserted then released the key.

I palmed it then nodded.

“I will do my very best. I need this job, so don't you worry, and thanks for the ride,” I answered as I opened the door and scooted from the vehicle.

Waving farewell to her as she drove off, I frowned, knowing that it would take me at least thirty to forty minutes to walk to Mister Draeger’s in the morning. I didn't even have a cell phone because I didn't have the extra money for one.

Putting the key on my key ring I headed upstairs to my small apartment.

As I entered and looked at my used mismatched furniture I groaned as my stomach rumbled. Heading to my small galley kitchen, I opened my refrigerator, grabbed the leftovers from the pizza I ordered two days ago, and nibbled on a piece. A knock sounded at my door and I froze.

Scurrying to the peephole I looked out and saw blonde hair.

Confused, I slid the door chain into position to lock it and opened the door up a crack.

“Can I help you? Oh, it's you,” I muttered to the same guy I saw escorting Mister Draeger.

Smiling strangely, he asked me if he could come inside.

Shaking my head I told him absolutely not.

“I'm not going to harm you, Tess. I just want to talk with you,” he said firmly and I raised my brow.

“I don't know you, Sir. So I still am saying no,” I mumbled sternly and he lowered his head and rubbed his eyes.

“What are you, Miss?” He questioned me and I screwed my face in confusion.

“An orphan,” I answered, making him glare at me as I continued to bite and chew my stale pizza.

“I'm Faro and the best friend of Eros Draeger,” he started and I giggled.

“Mister Draeger's first name is Eros? As in meaning passionate love, that's hilarious,” I snickered and apologized for interrupting.

“Please continue, Sir. Don't mind me and my humor,” I muttered as I swallowed uncomfortably at the strained look he was giving me.

“This would be easier if you allowed me inside,” he said with a grated voice.

“Listen, I worked hard today and have to get up early to get to work tomorrow, so unless this is a life and death matter, I'm going to ask you to leave,” I exhaled deeply, and he nodded once, then vanished and my mouth fell open in shock. Unchaining the door, I stepped out onto the balcony and glanced around the empty space, and cursed, “I'm losing my shit!"