Jordan

Why do I feel like Ray is subtly hinting for me to take an interest in Patricia. The unending positive comments and bringing her up in our conversations frequently or the frequent mention of shared interest and qualities. It better not be.

Could it be that Mrs. Charity’s absence has Ray suddenly longing for a mother?

As I emerge from my study, I feel the warmth from the sun streaming through the tall windows. The air was crisp hinting, at the onset of a beautiful evening.

As I reach the end of the stairs, I can't help but stare at Patricia, who is oblivious to my presence. I know I said I've seen prettier women, but she is a captivating sight to behold. Her charm is a composition of grace and elegance. Her gorgeous brown hair is in a ponytail with some strands framing a face as beautiful as the stars. Her precisely carved body appeals to the attention of any beholder fortunate enough to see her.

She has a slim yet enchanting figure, a combination of soft silhouettes that perfectly highlight her lovely profile. Her perfectly slim body accentuates the subtle features that dance with every stride, a blend of grace and charm. Her skin is spotless and bright as the daylight.

"Miss Patricia, my good friend Tony will be here in about an hour or two. I thought to give you a heads up, as I will be busy upstairs in the study and wouldn't want to be disturbed till he is here."

“Of course, sir. Anything specific you'd like me to prepare for him?"

"He's practically family; he can help himself to anything. By the way, thanks for sorting Rachel's outfit for her friend’s birthday party. She bombarded me with over forty pictures."

“You don’t have to thank me sir. It’s what I’m been paid to do."

"Nevertheless, I appreciate it. I'll be in the library if you need me."

The afternoon slips away in a whirlwind of tasks until I realise Tony should have arrived thirty minutes ago. I yearn for a glass of fresh fruit juice and head downstairs to get one.

Before I could descend the stairs, Tony's laughter echoed through the house. I can hear his hearty laughter from a distance. Curiosity piques as I hasten my steps. I find him engrossed in a conversation with Patricia, who seems unusually relaxed and beaming.

"What's so amusing?" I question, drawing their attention.

"Oh, Jordan, my dear friend! I didn't realize you had such a delightful guest. I came in and was practising a scene from 'Man from Toronto'—startling Patricia here," Tony chuckles, explaining their laughter.

"Ah, exploring new hobbies, are we, Tony?" I couldn't believe it! Knowing how uninterested he usually is in movies, my reply came out surprised and curious. What could have changed his mind?

“How’s your wife, Brittney?” I question with emphasis on the wife.

“I see what you did there, friend. She's doing perfectly well, and I already mentioned to Pat that Brittney coerced me to see the movie, and surprisingly, I didn't regret it."

“I guess there's no need for introductions as both of you seem well acquainted."

“I'm slightly hurt, discovering this just now. It's good to know you've finally found someone," Tony teases, oblivious to Patricia's role.

"She's the temporary housekeeper," I clarify abruptly, feeling compelled to emphasise her role.

I suddenly become confused about why I had to state that so quickly.

"I barely spent a few minutes with her, but I like her already," Tony announces cheerfully.

I honestly can't fathom Tony's unusual buoyancy today.

“The Havier 3D dummy building has been approved,” I say, changing the subject.

“That's great.”

“Let's discuss this in my study."

“Perfect.”

“Don’t give me that look. Tee, what was that about? Me finally having a woman in my life?" Immediately we enter the study and the doors shut, I raise the question.

“I didn't know she was your housekeeper; I wouldn't have made such a remark. She is very attractive and has a great sense of style and humour as well."

“And all these you've discovered in the few minutes you arrived? I need to change the door lock combination."

“Don’t you like your new housekeeper?"

“Temporary housekeeper.”

“Okay? I noticed you were too quick to make that known earlier."

“I don't know her well enough to decide whether or not I like her. Thinking about it now, I feel bad. It must have been an impulse."

“And how does Ray feel about her?"

"Disturbingly, it feels like they've been friends forever."

“That should be a good thing."

“And when she goes?"

"Oh, I didn't think of that. When are you supposed to start interviewing for a new housekeeper?"

“Next month.”

“Why so far?"

“Because my itinerary for the month is jam-packed."

“Ok.”

“Can we stop talking about my housekeeper and talk about work, or what have you so bubbly today?"

"I've got great news! Brittney is pregnant," Tony announces with uncontainable joy.

“Man! This is good news! You should have mentioned that the second your feet stepped into this house, these calls for celebration. I'll ring Patricia to get us a bottle of good wine from the cellar."

“Sounds good.”

“How long is she gone for?"

“Seven weeks. Where is my not-so-little munchkin?"

“She went to her friend’s birthday party."

"Now that she’s on holiday, you must make up for the times you were off on business trips."

“Very true. I miss Mrs. Charity so badly. I promised her a trip to the Seychelles next month. You know, Daddy-daughter bonding."

“You trust Patricia well enough to leave her at home alone?"

“She’s Mrs. Charity’s daughter. I trust Mrs. Charity, so I trust her."

“Charity has good genes."

“Brittney will not be happy with these unending compliments streaming everywhere."

“I’m trying to get you to see what’s directly in front of you."

“My child? My work? Not one word.” I warn, standing up to open the door for Patricia.

“Here’s the wine, sir."

“Jordan will help you with that,” Tony says, gesturing to the wine bottle while grabbing the wine glasses from the tray.

“Thank you, sir. It’s no hassle. I’ll just drop this here and be on my way. Sir, there are a few things I want to get for Rachel from the supermarket. She said she wants us to bake cookies on Sunday."

“Give me a few minutes. Here's my credit card and the pin. Daniel can take you."

“Thank you very much sir and it's fine, I'll use my car."

“If you insist."

“Wipe that smile off your face, Tony. She's my housekeeper, and that's all she will be. You think so low of me." I say shortly after she exits.

“She doesn't even look it. Besides, you said temporary. Are you not looking to settle down anytime soon? You are 30."

“And thriving, fulfilled, and contented with my princess."

“And when she's off to college?"

“I'll be buried in work."

“Are you saying you want to be single for the rest of your life?"

“I can't say what the future holds. What I know is that I don't want to put another child through what Rachel is going through. Now that Mrs. Charity is retired, who will play a motherly role in her life? I'm trying so hard not to think about it."

“Patricia is here for now, and so far, I don't think she's doing a bad job."

"Tony, if you mention her name again today, I'll feed you to my neighbour’s rott."

“Chill man. Can we at least cheer on my good news?

“It's going to be a girl. Cheers.”

“Cheers.”