Mrs. Sanderson recovered. “You most certainly will not be doing that. I see to Signora Grimaldi myself, but it’s Signorina Arabella, their goddaughter, who needs help on occasion. She’s a well-brought up girl, and both the Signora and Signore appreciate her conservative style and taste.”
The sneer in the housekeeper’s voice was a physical slap.
I need a fuckin’ drink.
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll be happy to help Miss Arabella with whatever she needs,” I ground out.
“You’ll be her personal maid whenever she requires it, but that won’t excuse you from your other duties.” Mrs. Sanderson seemed resigned over the fact that someone like me was going to wait on the pretty little princess.
I already disliked the girl who lived here with the stodgy old farts. The number of compliments the housekeeper dropped made me want to be sick. Just some stuck-up rich girl who I’d be forced to help.
Just grin and bear it,my inner cheerleader prompted.
I clung to the idea that soon I would be able to throw double birds in the air and speed out of this place.
“Oh, one more thing,” Mrs. Sanderson tapped on a tablet that she wore around her waist on a strap. “The household kitchen is off limits to staff. You may keep meals, snacks, or drinks in the locker room, but please remember that the family’s food is not ours.”
She peered up at me.
I bobbed my head, already planning to pilfer from the pantry whenever I damn well pleased.
“Mr. Francis will be watching,” she added with a bite.
Franky grumbled something that sounded like a ‘yes ma’am.’ It seemed even the cook wasn’t free of the witch’s torment.
“That will be all for today. You’re scheduled to report to work at five a.m. tomorrow. Until then, good day, Miss Bennett.” Mrs. Sanderson continued to tap on her tablet as she sailed out of the kitchen.
The air visibly cleared, and I drew the first deep breath.
“Cornetto?” Franky slid a tray across the island.
“I knew I liked you.” I laughed, plucking a piping hot pastry. “Thanks, mate.”
“Don’t mention it.” He rolled out the dough and continued to work. “You’ll be staying in the butler’s house with Theo and me, right?”
“Right,” I confirmed around a mouthful of the most buttery, delicious piece of feathery treat I’d ever tasted.
Heavens to Betsy! I was going to get fat living here, but Lord knew I could use a bit of filling out after living off ramen and flavored water for the last few months.
“Well, I’ll see you at home then,” Franky said, nodding to the back door in a silent command to git.
I scuttled away before I could tell him that the cottage at the edge of the property where my uncle stayed was not now or ever would be my home.
Chapter 2 – Rae
The upbeat tune carried over the street. It was the first sound I heard the moment I shuffled off the bus. Even the mutters and squeak of the suspension paled to the lively music. Drawn like the thirsty soul I was I hurried to the unassuming pub, lifting my eyes in thanks at the gold letters scrawled over the entrance.
The Galway Arms boasted of authentic fare, live music, and cold drinks.
Which was exactly what I needed.
The twenty in my pocket was only going to get me so far, which was why I snagged a couple of small bills out of the envelope in my uncle’s nightstand. If all went well, I would be able to replace them. The last thing I wanted was for Theo to notice after he’d been so nice to me. I turned on a megawatt smile, tugged down my tank top and tied the flannel shirt tight under the ladies. They were fresh from the country and ready to earn me some drinks at the expense of these city boys.
The earthy, hoppy scent washed over me as I paused to let my eyes adjust to the dim lighting. A game-day Happy Hour was in full swing; the place was jam packed. I swept a calculating look over the crowd, feeling satisfied that this was the kind of place I could work.
A feather-light brush ghosted over the back of my neck. I resisted the urge to touch it, to mess with my hair, as I walked to the aged wooden pedestal to the right of the front door. It was just the excitement of the chase, the thrill of somewhere new to practice my tricks.
“Do you have a reservation?” the hostess clipped out.
