Page 53 of Ms Perfectly Fine
She got the feeling hewastrying to make amends, even if his pride wouldn’t let him say it outright.
“Makes sense, because forcing me to share a house with a complete stranger would be a little troubling,” she said wryly.
“I would never put you at risk. I trust him, and you can too. I also trust you not to tell others of our familial ties. This venture is tricky, and the other investors aren’t so sure. The last thing they need is to think I’m being led by nepotism. Bear with him a while longer? You might be travelling soon anyway.”
“He isn’t completely intolerable,” Autumn said, relieved that Elijah clearly hadn’t told him what had happened between them.
“He has his mother’s charms, and I did think you might benefit from some company,” Tim agreed, and she didn’t know why his words sounded so sad.
“I appreciate your good intentions, but next time, warn me?”
“Deal. I heard your next show is donating some of their profits to St. Helen’s children’s hospital. We’ve also got a charity dinner coming up soon, and the charity hasn’t been nominated yet. How about I host the auction in honour of St. Helen’s to make up for springing my son on you?” Tim asked eagerly.
St. Helen’s was where she had spent most of her recovery, and the nurses there were criminally underfunded. Autumn always tried to raise and donate as much as she could for them.
“Thank you—that’s a wonderful idea! We could auction tickets to the show to sweeten the deal,” she suggested, preferring to offer something in return. It might help the theatre gain new investors.
“It’s next Friday,” Tim said. “I can add your item to the list of prizes. I look forward to seeing you there; I’m sure there are many who would want to meet you,” he said, writing down the details.
“Bribing me with charity…that’s a new tactic for you,” she teased, fidgeting. On stage with her piano, there was a barrier between herself and her audience, but being praised for her work, past or present, always made her skin itch.
“Then we have a deal,” Tim said, and she took his hand in concession.
“We do,” she agreed, taking out her phone to transfer him the rent.
He picked up his phone as it beeped to confirm the transaction. “Now that we’ve talked about my son and my charitable contribution, how are you?”
“I’m fine,” Autumn said, though sitting in the hard office chair was reminding her that she wasn’t quite right yet. She looked forward to her heat blanket at home, though she had to make it through practice first. She could go to the hospital for an injection to relax the muscles, but she didn’t want to be groggy for rehearsals.
“Nice try. Sasaki already called me—don’t roll your eyes. He’s concerned.”
“He shouldn’t have. You’re my landlord, not my dad,” she said, though she was reminded that her dad had never called her back when her mum had said he would. “I’m perfectly fine. I even went swimming to help.”
“That’s great. Whatever helps.” Tim slapped the desk, pleased. “If you ever want to talk, I’m here. Your parents would want me to make sure you’re okay. Have you spoken to your parents recently?”
Guilt washed over her. “I text them every few days to check in. If they want to call, they can,” she said, and it was the truth.
“It’s hard for them, especially your dad. He just wants to protect you. Don’t give up on them,” Tim advised, and she wondered if he was trying to convince her or himself.
“I will. I even sent them tickets to the next show.”Even though they’ll never come, just send chocolates like they always do.
“I have a meeting in ten minutes, but I’ll have Anne send you an invitation to the dinner,” Tim said, leading her towards the door.
They said their goodbyes, and she made her way to the lobby. When the lift doors opened onto the lobby, she came face to face with Elijah.
“Done so soon?” he asked as they walked towards the doors.
“Yep, all caught up.”
The way he was looking at her made her shiver. It felt as though he could see just how much he affected her no matter how much she fought the attraction.
“I have to go. Nina’s waiting for me.”
“We could grab a coffee if you want? We didn’t get to talk this morning since you ran out the door,” he said, and she stopped in her tracks.
“I didn’t run.” She kept her voice low, not wanting others to hear.
“Really? I thought I saw your smoke trail out the door.” He smirked.
