Page 84 of What's the time, Mr. Wolfe
I heard a slight stumble in his last words, as if he was unsure how to do this. How to give me access to his home.
“We can’t be in each other’s pockets all the time. And thank you. But you know I can stay in my ownhome if you want your space back. I need to talk to my landlord about my house, at some point.”
“What does he need to know?” he asked, pulling on his own socks.
“Well, I don’t think I can afford it now I won’t have the top up from Grandma’s benefits. I know I’m getting paid well, but... Well, I still have some debts to clear.”
I shrugged my shoulders.
“How about we talk about that later? Whatever you want to do, Ruby, we can work out.” I smiled at him. “Now, let me guess? You’re hungry.”
I laughed and nodded.
I made the bed while he walked downstairs to start breakfast. He wore his suit trousers and a shirt. He carried his jacket and tie. I picked up his cufflinks and watch since he’d left them on the counter in the closet.
He was busy making omelettes and carving fresh bread when I arrived. I made coffee and then he dished up.
We ate, drank, and he asked me what my plans for the day were.
“I don’t know, really. I’ll get to the house, and Monica said she’d help me get Grandma’s clothes and whatever together. Is it too soon?”
Sebastian rolled down his sleeves and fitted his cufflink. He dropped one, and I scooped it up. He held out his arm so I could attach it for him myself.
“I don’t know, baby. Is there ever a good time? I’m going to cancel my meeting. I want to be with you today.”
“No, I don’t want you to do that. Whatever it is, it’s important. I’m a big girl, I’ll be fine.”
Before he could reply, we heard the front door open and close. He didn’t even look up, but I worried at who it could be.
“Ruby, this is Tony. He’ll drive you today.”
It was the ‘friend’ who had visited me. “I’m sorry for your loss, Ruby,” he said. He patted Sebastian on the shoulder as he passed. “Coffee on?”
“No, but I’m sure you’ll learn one day how to turn it on yourself.”
“I can make it,” I said, jumping up. If he was going to drive me, I could at least make him a coffee.
Tony raised his eyebrows and smiled.
“Sit, Ruby.” Sebastian said. “He’s a lazy fucker. Let me introduce mybrother.We don’t share birth parents, but we went through the system together. We’ve known each other mostly all our lives. He knows how to work a fucking coffee machine, and if he doesn’t, it’s about time he learned.”
Tony laughed and rolled his eyes. “We’ve met, actually. And I’m not talking about when Idrowned her.”
“You’ve met?” Sebastian said.
“Erm, yes, well. He came and told me to call you, orsomething, I can’t remember. Said you were a miserable person because of me.”
Tony held up his hand when Sebastian looked at him. “Hold on. I didnotsay that.”
I was about to interject when Tony added, “I recall saying you were a miserable fucker.”
Sebastian laughed, and then stood. He cupped my face and leaned down. “I’ll be home early afternoon. Will you be here where you’re done?”
I nodded, and he gave me a brief kiss. Then he turned to Tony. “Make sure to bring her home here, won’t you?”
Tony saluted. “Yes, boss.”
Sebastian left the room, and I heard a jangle of keys as he filled his pockets with what he needed.
