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I pace between the kitchen and foyer and run my fingers through my hair while pressing the phone to my ear. “I don’t care. Get it done.” I jab the button to end the call and toss the phone onto the mahogany table. It hits the wall and slides, knocking into the hand-cut crystal vase Mother insisted I needed.
The vase makes a hollow sound but doesn’t wobble.
I huff a dry laugh. Too bad. I’ve never seen an uglier piece that is less fitting to my style.
“Hey, boss. You want me to stick around for cleanup?” Jamison steps from the kitchen. He’s in full chef mode with his white chef hat in place, matching a pristine chef jacket buttoned all the way up.
Delicious smells emanate from the kitchen.
“What did you make?” I bark out the question, still annoyed with the call.
Jamison’s eyebrows shoot upward. “What’s got your tie in a knot?” He waves a hand before I can answer. “Forget I asked. None of my business.” He straightens his shoulders and folds his hands in front of him. “Tonight, I have prepared for you and your dinner companion a lovely meal of roasted lamb in a mint sauce.” He rattles off the rest of the meal, but I’m not sure I know what he’s saying.
The change in his tone tells me I’ve offended him.
“Sorry, Jamison.” I clap his shoulder. “It sounds delicious. No need to stick around. I’ll clean up.”
He looks me up and down, and this time he smirks. “Must be some date.”
“Don’t start.”
The doorbell peals, sending musical notes throughout the house.
I point at Jamison, who holds up his hands in surrender and backs away. “Gone, boss.”
I hurry toward the front door. I want to impress Pam, though I’ve no idea why. I despise when women appreciate me for my money. This feels like something different. I want Pam to appreciate me for the man I am, not the money in my bank. Which is why I insisted Jamison leave, and I made sure no one else would be here tonight.
The doorbell rings again when I’m halfway across the foyer. Through the glass panels on either side of the oak door, I see Rex. He cups his hands around his eyes and peers inside while bouncing on his toes.
He jumps and claps, and his hand moves out of sight. The bell rings again and again in rapid succession like the boy is rapid-fire pressing the button.
I can’t help the laugh that bubbles up, and I’m smiling when I pull open the front door.
Rex bounds inside. “Wow.” His jaw drops as he bolts past me. “Holy smokes. Mommy, look at this.”
His feet tap a staccato beat against the polished floor.
Pam hustles in. The yellow sundress brushes her knees, the wide straps accentuating her neck and the tangle of curls falling down her back.
My mouth dries. I’ve never seen her like this.
Flustered. She’s flustered now, her hands fluttering around her face. “Rex, wait.” She winces in my direction before rushing past. “Don’t touch that.”
“Look at this.” Rex’s grunt drags my attention away from Pam.
I turn in time to see Rex attempting to pick up the brass elephant a client sent me as a thank you for helping her.
“Rex.” Pam hisses through her teeth. She grabs the boy by the shoulders. “Let go.”
Rex releases his grip on the statue and peers up at Pam. His eyes are wide and expressive, bright with curiosity. He spins toward me. “Do you have a dog? Mommy said you have a theater. Can I watch a movie?”
“I’m so sorry.” Pam runs a hand across her forehead, massaging it gently. “He’s finally feeling better. And I’m grateful he’s back to his usual self.”
But she’s exhausted. I see it in the slump of her shoulders and the purpled shadows under her eyes.
“He’s usually better behaved,” Pam calls out while bolting after Rex when he shoots toward the curved staircase.
His tiny legs carry him up the steps faster than I thought possible. I consider going after them, but it’s kind of fun to watch Rex’s boundless energy.
