Page 22 of Play of Love
Dr. Carson had sympathized to no end but he reiterated that all they could do without the surgery was their best. Mom’s condition was so far gone that the surgery was a necessity for survival. The time it would take to run all the tests required before the surgery was enough of an impediment because she was approaching end-stage heart failure, and if they weren’t careful she’d need a heart transplant. That was a big worry as she wasn’t severe enough to be placed on top of the waiting list, and since she was so weak chances were she wouldn’t be strong enough to survive the wait for a donor. Not to mention the extortionate costs of doing that surgery. The cost of the bypass was high, but a heart transplant cost so much he wouldn’t tell me.
I had gone through a mixture of emotions. I was angry about the situation, angry that Mom hadn’t told me how sick she was before things got so bad, and I was terrified. Terrified that I was going to lose her, and there was nothing I could do.
By the time I’d finished with Dr. Carson there wasn’t a question in my mind as to if I was going back to work for Josh or not. And, I had to buy the stuff on his stupid list. I just thought I’d put my own spin on it, which I was glad for. I didn’t get the chance to meet with Gabriella or Hilda, but since we exchanged numbers I was able to message and arrange something for tomorrow. That would at least be something to look forward to.
As for today, I needed to get on with work. The time was getting away from me and if I wanted to get all I needed done I had to sort out the paperwork and other documents. I needed some form of organization. And, I needed to stop cleaning. The passageway from the sitting room to the office had been trashed with garbage and the kitchen was a mess. When I saw it I went into the office to calm myself.
The friend I saw Josh talking to leaned in and smiled at me just as I picked up the dust pan and brush from the floor. I straightened up a little and looked at him, wondering if he was going to bother me too.
“Hey there.” He smiled.
“Hi.” I decided to try and be polite.
“You know I didn’t know they actually made condoms that size.” His smile widened.
I didn’t like this, and I was in no mood for foolishness from these men.
I might not have lived in Atlanta for a while—technically I wasn’t living anywhere—but that didn’t change my southern roots and manners. I was a lady and wasn’t used to these presumptuous men who spoke so openly about condoms, lubricants, and all kinds of crap like that.
“Can I help you with something?” My irritation was evident in my voice. His brown eyes widened in surprise at my tone. He ran his hands through his rich brown hair and smiled again. He was another one of those gorgeous types who’d obviously, like Josh—His Majesty—thought he was God’s gift to the world. Maybe it was the wrong thing to ask if I could help him with something. What if he, too, sent me on some crazy shopping spree, or responded with some explicitly sexual comment.
“Before you answer, please, no fool’s errands or sex stuff. I can only deal with one asshole at a time.” I pointed my dust brush at him and inclined my head to the side.
“Wow, Zelda really did it this time.” He chuckled.
“Zelda did what?”
“You. Look, I don’t mean to tell you how to do your job, but you see that whole attitude thing?” He motioned to me and circled his hand. “You need to supercharge it and make sure you don’t take any of Josh’s crap.”
Okay… that wasn’t what I thought he would say. I narrowed my gaze at him, thinking about his suggestion.
“Seriously. You shouldn’t be cleaning or going on his crazy errands. Don’t let him push you around.”
“Aren’t you his friend?” I found it strange that he wasn’t like Josh. So far everyone I’d met in this house had been quite unsavory.
“Yes, ma’am, I sure am.”
I picked up a twang in his voice as he spoke and wondered where he was from.
“But I am no asshole. And someone has to tell you that instead of taking orders, the way to deal with Josh is to give orders of your own. Don’t ask him for anything, tell him what you are doing and tell him what to do. I’m also sure Zelda said to contact her if you needed anything. That pretty much means anything.”
My perspective of him changed. I appreciated his advice.
Honestly, I should have contacted Zelda already and told her what was going on. I was just a little worried Zelda would think that I couldn’t handle the job.
“Thank you.”
He tipped his head in reverence the way most southerners would. “You’re welcome, and if you need some extra help with him call me. My number’s in the phone book on top of the fridge. The name’s Corey.”
“Thanks, I’m Amy.”
His smile widened again. “Good luck, Amy.” He gave me a curt nod and left.
I looked around the room and dropped the dust pan and brush.
I wouldn’t be cleaning anymore, or taking any of Josh’s orders. I left the office and went back into the living room to find he was still there on the sofa. Sitting there looking like he was deep in contemplation.
I’d seen some mail at the front door on my way in and wanted to grab it and put it with the others. Ignoring him I got the mail and made my way back to the office. He followed me just as I anticipated.
