CHAPTER 4 — MY GOSSIP PARTNER

~Valerie~

Midday the next day, I finally picked up my phone. Clara’s name lit up the screen, and I hesitated for a second before tapping to call.

“Valerie, you said your dad has been trying to reach you?” Clara’s voice burst through the phone almost immediately.

“Yeah,” I admitted, sinking back against the pillows. “But I don’t want to talk to him right now.”

“You didn’t even talk to me yesterday,” Clara said teasingly. “Are you going to treat me like your dad now?”

“I wasn’t ignoring you,” I replied quickly. “I was just tired. They showed me around the mansion yesterday. It’s a lot. But I did promise to tell you about it today, didn’t I?”

“You sound so happy right now, but a few days ago you were all ‘no, not like this, no, not like this,’” she mimicked.

I laughed softly. “I am happy here. It’s overwhelming though. Adapting to a new place and new rules, meeting people I only read about in magazines. There’s so much to see, and I barely know where anything is. It’s surreal,” I admitted.

“I’m so jealous,” Clara said with a sigh.

We both laughed.

“So tell me about the tour,” Clara said, giggling. “Which one of the K brothers has the softest lips? And the mansion, what is it like?”

“It’s big. Too big. I don’t even think I’ve seen half of it,” I said, laughing and ignoring the first question.

“You’re joking,” Clara said.

“I’m not. I was shown around by an old lady, Ma Rosa, the cook I told you about, and her grandson, Liam.”

There was a pause.

“Grandson? You did not mention a grandson before,” Clara said.

I smiled faintly. “Oh Clara,” I giggled. “He’s the same age as the brothers.”

“So, what is he like?” Clara asked.

I hesitated for a second, then laughed under my breath. “He’s handsome and kind.”

“No, I need details. Proper details,” Clara insisted.

I shifted on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “He’s tall, with dark hair, and sharp features. The kind of man that looks perfect.”

“Wow, he sounds like he stepped out of a dream,” Clara giggled.

“He’s just a person, Clara,” I replied.

“A very fine person from what you’re saying,” Clara said.

I shook my head, smiling despite myself.

“You’re so lucky,” she continued. “You’re in a mansion, surrounded by rich, good-looking men, and you’re just lying there sounding bored.”

“I am bored,” I said.

“You’re unbelievable,” Clara replied.

Before I could respond, another call came in.

“Clara, hold on. My nanny is calling. I’ll call you back,” I said.

“Don’t take too long,” Clara replied.

“I won’t,” I said before switching calls.

“Hello, Valerie?” Carmia’s voice came through.

“Carmia,” I said, smiling.

“How are you? Are you settling in well?” she asked.

“Yes,” I replied.

“Are they treating you properly?” she asked again.

“They are, but I miss you,” I admitted.

“I miss you too,” she said softly.

“Your father said you’ve been ignoring his calls?” she asked, but I said nothing.

“Val, it’s okay to be upset,” she continued. “But you should know that he’s worried. He wants to hear from you. He wants to know how you’re doing. So when you’re ready, you should speak with him.”

“I will, but I’m not yet ready,” I said quietly.

“I know,” she replied. “Just don’t shut him out completely.”

“I won’t,” I said.

“Alright, take care of yourself, and if anything feels wrong, you tell me immediately,” she said.

“I will,” I replied, and the call ended.

Immediately, I dialed Clara back.

“You came back,” Clara said.

“Of course,” I replied.

“So, what did she want?” Clara asked.

“She was just checking in on me and asking me not to shut my father out,” I said.

“Okay, now tell me more about this mansion you’re pretending not to enjoy,” Clara said.

I laughed softly. “There’s literally a phone in my room to call any of the staff,” I said.

“You’re joking,” Clara snapped.

“I’m serious,” I replied.

“Tell me more?” she kept giggling like a child.

“My room here is twice the size of my entire room back home,” I said.

“Valerie, you’re exaggerating,” Clara said.

“I’m not,” I replied.

“Can I dare you to do something?” Clara asked mischievously.

“Oh Clara, what is it now?” I asked.

“Can you try calling someone for something? Like food?” she said.

I hesitated. “I can’t.”

“I dare you,” Clara said.

I laughed softly and picked up the phone, calling a staff member. Within minutes, a glass of water and a crisp apple were brought to my room, as requested.

We both laughed at the small victory.

“See, already living like a queen,” Clara said.

“I wouldn’t say that,” I said, laughing.

We laughed, teased each other, and finally ended the call. I set the phone down, feeling a little lighter, but my thoughts drifted back to Liam.

He said he would show me around the garden today.

But he never came.