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Was Augustus my friend?
Noticing the lack of women’s products, I resorted to using the extremely expensive soap and shampoo provided. I didn’t mind, though. It freshened me up and was luxurious, so my skin felt as soft as a newborn baby.
After I was done, I found some fresh towels in a cupboard underneath the basin and wiped the condensation from the vanity mirror. I stared at myself while I dried my body and brushed my hair.
It took me a few minutes to realize I was primping, and I quickly finished.
Wrapping one of the towels tightly around my body, I went to the bedroom and found long, tweed-colored pajama pants and a white T-shirt on the bed. While I pulled them on, my phone began to ring.
“Hey, Ruben.”
“Hi there, sweetie. Is everything all right?” I was glad to hear his voice but surprised at his question. How did he know it wasn’t? Did he have a sixth sense connected to me and my well-being?
“What do you mean?” I asked, playing it cool.
“I saw the newscast on my social media feed about your press junket. Things seemed to get a little out of hand.” It was Ruben’s early morning ritual—read the news and scroll through his social media to see what was happening in the world, both immediate and broader.
I released a heavy sigh as I felt the exhaustion of it all hitting me. “Yeah, I guess it did. We had to make a break for it.”
“Are you safe? Where are you?”
“I’m okay. I’m…” I hesitated. “I’m at Augustus’ place. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Ruben assured me. “As long as you’re protected, that’s all I need to know. It was a terrifying thing to wake up to.”
“It’s terrifying to experience the power of the British press all wanting a piece of me.”
“The British press has always been the worst kind of vultures in the world. I’m here for you, honey. As much as I can be from five thousand or so miles away,” Ruben said.
“I know.” I smiled softly even though he couldn’t see me.
“I ran into Lou at the shopping mall. She was buying some new luggage and other things for her trip. She’s excited to see you,” Ruben said.
“I can’t believe she’s coming here on the Rawlins’ private jet to visit me,” I exclaimed.
“You’re worth it.”
“Hell yeah, I am.”I snapped my head from left to right with a quiet, “Mm-hmm.”
We laughed like idiots for a few minutes, which helped with the anxiety.
“Enjoy your stay at what I can only imagine is one of the poshest houses in London. I’ve got to get going.” Ruben sounded a little envious.
“Don’t be jealous, babe. You’ll be here sooner or later.”
His voice dropped an octave, and he murmured, “I look forward to it.”
“Okay.” I was both relieved and happy. “I’m going to see what hearty food Aug has whipped up.”
“Does he whip things up?” he asked, shock apparent in his tone. I guess one would assume Augustus wouldn’t do anything for himself if he didn’t have to.
“I have no idea,” I replied, his question making me pause.Did Augustus cook since he had a personal chef?
We said our goodbyes, and I went on the hunt for my flirty neighborhood viscount. He’d made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for us accompanied by sparkling water and chips. I sank into the plush couch and stared at the massive television built into a recess in the wall.
“This smells delicious. Did you make it, or did you bringMandyin to help you?”
Augustus glared at me. “I am capable of looking after myself, you know. I can cook a few basic things. Thanks for your judgment.”
