Page 31 of Collin: Episodes 1-3
“Yes.” Mr. Reevesworth directed Collin back into the bed and pulled the covers over him. “Rest. And next time, leave the dishes.”
Mr. Reevesworth drew up a chair beside the bed. “One more thing. I am going to ask that you stay in this suite unless otherwise invited out for the rest of the week. This is our home and yours, officially, soon, I hope. Until then, though, until you’ve read the contract and are part of the relationships here, there are things that will remain private. You could have walked in on something that was not meant to be shared.”
Collin dropped his eyes. “Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir.”
“Ring the bell if you need someone. And if your safety is at risk, of course, do whatever you need to do.”
Mr. Reevesworth left, closing the door after him.
Collin curled up on the bed and pulled the covers over his head, a knot of shame curling around the breakfast in his stomach.
Collin’s mood by the time Mr. Reevesworth came to collect him was lower than the floorboards. There was nothing for it though. Andy was more than capable of carrying out his threats, and Mr. Reevesworth had gone through the trouble of changing not only his schedule but Damian’s as well and hiring movers just for him. The least Collin could do was put a smile on his face and be grateful. He accepted a pair of wraparound sunglasses and followed Mr. Reevesworth to the front door where a pair of slip-on loafers waited for him.
“My shoes, sir?”
“I don’t know,” Mr. Reevesworth said. “Perhaps with Ellisandre.”
Don’t say anything. Don’t say anything. Be grateful. Collin swallowed the rest of his questions and followed Mr. Reevesworth out to the hall and into the elevator. He was never going to be able to repay all of this.
A black car with tinted windows waited at the curb. Mr. Reevesworth opened the door to the back seat for Collin and then walked around to the other side. There was a driver in the front. He pulled the car out into traffic as soon as Mr. Reevesworth was inside the car.
Mr. Reevesworth frowned. “I believe we were photographed.”
“Does that happen a lot, sir?”
“Usually more often at functions. Someone is probably trying to figure out who you are.”
“Will this be a problem, sir?”
“Eventually, no. But we will have to prepare you for those who will be more than happy to ask questions. I just don’t want you to have to deal with this in addition to your head injury.”
“I won’t embarrass you, sir.”
“I’m not concerned you will.” Mr. Reevesworth smiled at Collin. “I’m more concerned that we prepare you properly. I spoke with Ellisandre earlier. All your professors have acknowledged receiving your doctor note. There’s no need to follow up until Monday.”
“And my jobs?”
“All two of them?” Mr. Reevesworth grinned. “Linda will probably come by to see you tomorrow or Thursday unless called out of the city. She was impressed with your field notes. Your bartending position is on hold for now.”
“And the hotel, sir?”
“Ellisandre said you had resigned.”
Collin blinked. He had. He’d just forgotten. “I did. Sorry.”
Mr. Reevesworth covered Collin’s hand with his own. “That’s normal with a concussion.”
Collin’s stomach flipped. What else was he forgetting?
His phone buzzed.
Mr. Reevesworth motioned toward himself. “Let me read the caller ID.”
Collin nodded. He angled the phone so Mr. Reevesworth could see it.
“Mom.”
“I should answer that.”
