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She smiles, and my heart turns over.
“Thank you, Howie. And I promise, there’s only you in my life.”
The words are so sweet that I feel like I’ve entered into a fairy tale. Before, Lacy thought she was Cinderella ensconced in a dream that could disappear at any second. But instead, maybe I’m the one who’s lost. Maybe Prince Charming deserves a fairy tale of his own … because I’ve fallen head of heels in love with the blonde, and I need her to know.
CHAPTER 9
LACY
I meet Edwin in the hallway. It’s a little weird how I went from being below him on the career ladder to this. Now he calls me Miss Brewster and bows to me whenever I enter or exit a room. And as expected, he bows as I walk up to him.
“Edwin, gosh. You don’t have to bow to me.”
“Well, I do, my dear. You are technically my superior now.”
“But I’m not really! Really, I’m not.”
I love Edwin. I’m sure he’s as gay as the tooth fairy. He even gets manicures down the block from Howie’s place. He’s always clean and smells like peppermint aftershave.
“Whatever you say, Miss Brewster. Has the master found out that you’re not twenty-one yet?” he says.
“Yes, he has. I don’t think Mr. Bates minds at all how young I am.”
“Still, it’s always better to stick to Shirley Temples. This city can drive a lady to drink!”
I laugh.
“Well, New York has been good to me lately. Let’s hope my luck holds out.”
Edwin beams.
“Of course, my dear girl. You look impeccable, might I add? Like a blond Sophia Loren. It’s every small town girl’s dream to come upon a life like this, and you are perfect for the part.”
I smile but it’s tremulous. Why did he say I was playing a part? Have other women inhabited this role before?
But I shake my head, determined not to let the words get to me. Edwin is an elderly man, and I’m just reading into things when actually, there’s nothing there.
We walk to the private elevator within Howie’s penthouse. Before, I didn’t even know people had private elevators. Such is the luxury that Mr. Bates has introduced me to.
I press the ivory up button before Edwin has a chance. Sometimes, I like pushing the buttons myself and pretending I’m still a lowly maid pining after my boss. Edwin scowls at me.
“It’s my job to take care of you now,” he admonishes as we step into the elevator.
“Edwin, I don’t have any reason to doubt it- but- well, promise you won’t say anything?” I look the butler deep in the eyes.
“What is it Lacy? Your secret is safe with me.”
“It’s just that, well … um, do you think that Howie really, really loves me?”
“Oh, Angel.” Edwin hugs me as the elevator slowly moves downwards. “You know, in all my years of working for Mr. Bates, never once have I seen him bring a woman into such close quarters. Never once have I seen that look in his eye, the melting softness of his heart. It’s never happened before, my dear. You are the only one that has broken through the Howie force field, so yes, I’d say he loves you. If he hasn’t told you of his feelings with all these gifts and treats and trips, well, he will soon. He will. Now, step this way please.”
Edwin steps out of the elevator and leads me out onto the third floor. How strange. I’ve been staying in Howie’s penthouse for a month and yet I’ve never been to this part of it. Not even to clean when I was a maid, this place is so huge. I would get lost in here if it wasn’t for Edwin.
“Have you ever posed for an artist before?” the butler asks kindly.
I shake my head as he laughs.
“You’ll be wonderful, darling. Just choose a pose you can hold for a while. That’s my only advice.”
