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“I just hate to have people see me like that. I need to be on my own when I’m feeling like a steaming pile of horseshit.”
“I know you do.”
“And he was being so nice to me.”
“What an asshole.”
“Har har,” I replied dryly.
There was another long pause, before Dante went on, “Now that Lucy’s feeling better, I can come and get you, if you want. You can stay with us until you’re on your feet again.”
I smiled at his overprotective tone. “Oh no, I couldn’t do that. It would be such a hassle.”
“Just say you don’t want to leave the swanky beach house,” Dante teased.
I laughed softly. “I mean, yeah, itispretty swanky.”
The enormous glass windows that showcased the ocean view, the polished concrete floor, the high-end furniture. It was all stark and modern, but so, so peaceful. It was a far cry from my cluttered apartment back in Esperance.
“You’re sure you want to stay, then?”
“Yes. I’m sure,” I said firmly. The beach house was exactly what I needed right now—a place to rest and recover without the addedstress of being around people who knew me too well. People that I loved enough not to burden with my shit right now.
“Okay then. I’ll leave it for now. But I’m gonna call every day. And you’re gonna answer every day. You miss a day, I’m in the car driving to get you and bring you home. Understood?” His voice was stern, but filled with love.
I smiled at his overprotective tone again. “Understood.”
“I love you.” Aaw, now his tone was all soft and mushy.
“I love you too,” I replied, feeling a surge of gratitude for my brother and his stern, overprotective, loving ways.
I put the phone down and lay down again, feeling really worn out by the slight exertion of the phone call. Fuck, I hated that. Hearing movement behind me, I turned to see Grayson’s housekeeper. “It’s time for lunch, Miss Stef.”
Vera was a short, plump woman with curly red hair and blue eyes that always seemed to twinkle with amusement. She had a maternal, but matter-of-fact air about her, that somehow always made me feel comfortable.
“Oh, right. Thanks.” I dragged myself from the recliner and over to the dining table, every muscle screaming in protest.
Vera brought over a smoothie and watched me, waiting until I took a sip before returning to the kitchen to make the rest of my lunch.
“And how are you today, young miss?”
“Alright, thank you. How about you?”
“I’m great. Thanks for asking!”
I felt like there was something more I should say, but I couldn’t remember very much about her. Was she married? Did she have kids, or grandkids? I hated it when my brain didn’t work properly. “Um, so, how has your week been? Have you done anything fun?”
That set her off. “Yes, as a matter of fact, yesterday hubby took me to…”
I tried to focus, but I just couldn’t do it. Vera’s voice was like a gentle stream flowing around the kitchen as she prepared my lunch. She talked about everything–the herbs she was growing in the garden, the latest antics of her grandchildren, and the weather forecast for the week. Her words were a soothing background to my muddled thoughts.
Oh, now she was talking about the people in town. I struggled to follow her, since five seconds ago she’d been talking about a dress she was making for her baby granddaughter.
“And let me tell you! Everyone is very interested in you!”
“In me?” I asked, startled. I couldn’t imagine that anyone down here had heard of Boudica.
“Yes, you! You know, since you’re the first person he’s ever brought here. The whole time I’ve worked here, I’ve never seen him bring a guest. Not even family.”