Page 30 of Day Break

“Here,” George said, holding up a green apple as we passed by him. “This will help you feel better.”

I smiled and took the apple. “Thank you. If you need—”

“My grandson can tend to me. You rest and feel better,” George interrupted. He touched my hand briefly.

We made our way outside and across the pathway that led to the garage.

“You’re staying above the garage?” Lane asked.

I nodded. “Your grandfather wanted me close,” I lied. Well, actually, it was the truth. The older man had schooled me on what to say to any of his family members should they come knocking.

That seemed to pacify Lane, who remained quiet as we climbed the outer stairs.

I’d been shocked that first day when I’d walked outside and had seen the rooms George had offered me. I’d been expecting a small bedroom, like the guest rooms upstairs in the main house. Instead, what I had been greeted with was an entire apartment, complete with its own kitchen and small sitting area.

There was a king-sized bed with a soft down comforter in bright blue colors. The old leather sofa in the sitting area was so comfortable, sometimes I took naps there instead, falling asleep while reading one of the many books George had allowed me to borrow from his study.

Even though the bathroom didn’t have a bathtub, I spent a lot of time taking very long showers and sitting on the tile bench, just letting the water flow over me.

Thankfully, there were large bottles of shampoo and conditioner, which helped with the untangling of my hair.

I’d thought several times about cutting my hair, but then worried that I’d botch the task. I had never cut my own hair before. I would have never been allowed to cut it.

When we stepped into the apartment, I stilled, hoping Lane would return to his grandfather’s side and leave me alone. Instead, he followed me inside and glanced around, as if looking for proof that I’d done something wrong. Maybe proof that I’d stolen more of his sister’s things.

“I only borrowed this outfit because George insisted,” I told him.

Lane’s eyes jerked back to mine. He seemed to take in my words, and I watched him visibly relax.

“I didn’t mean to scare you.” He pushed his hands through his hair.

It was the one thing on him that had changed drastically. Instead of a muddy blond color that had matched his sister’s, his hair had darkened into a rich warm brown. He wore it shorter on the sides and longer on the top instead of the shaggy style of his youth. He also had stubble on his face, as if he hadn’t shaved that morning.

I wasn’t sure how to respond to him, so I nodded and sat on the sofa. I hadn’t expected him to continue standing by the door, watching me.

“Later, when you’re feeling better, I’m going to ask you for your work history. Even though my grandfather has made it very clear to me that it’s none of my business. I will also warn you,” he said, as he moved slowly towards me.

Shivers ran up my spine in fear of another bombardment of words from him. Instead, he sighed heavily and closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if trying to get himself back under control. Almost like he was afraid he’d scare me again. But I probably misread that. No one had cared about that before in my life.

“My family can be… difficult. If any of them come here, I’d like you to contact me.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, and handed me a business card. “If possible, without my grandfather knowing,” he added as I took the card.

I nodded once and held onto the card as he turned towards the door. Then he stopped, his hand on the doorhandle, and looked back at me. I could tell he was about to say something else, but then he shook his head and said, “I’ll see you at dinner.”

When I was alone, I set the card down on the table, placed my feet up on the sofa, pulled the blanket over me, and fell fast asleep. I was drained. The short time I had spent playing with Byron on the beach had sucked what little energy I had.

Even though I’d been there two weeks, my body kept acting as if I wasn’t getting enough food. My energy level was less than it had been when I’d only had an apple to eat each day.

Since there wasn’t a scale in either the house or the garage apartment, I had no clue if I’d gained or lost weight. I was betting the latter, as the pants were much looser than when I’d first put them on.

My health was no longer something I had the leisure to worry about. After all, affording a doctor’s visit now was as possible as me going to the moon.

When I woke a few hours later, I showered and dressed in dark gray cotton pants and a white blouse, which were once more taken from Lane’s sister’s closet.

It was funny. In the time I’d been there, George had never mentioned his family. Never talked about them except to say that only one of them was deserving of his time and kindness.

I now assumed that was Lane.

The way George had talked to him earlier was evidence of that. Sure, he’d been stern, but underneath his tone, there had been kindness. Much like the way he talked to me.