Fallon
I wake up bright an early the next morning in a strange bed. It takes a moment for me to realize where I am. My new job and life. It's 6am and the sun is just barely coming up. I get out of bed anyways and shower, because I have to wake Imani in an hour.
I throw on a grey t-shirt and denim shorts. I spritz on some body spray and walk downstairs for breakfast. Both Harris, the chef, and Michael are downstairs. Michael is sitting at the counter reading the paper and eating breakfast.
"Good morning." I say.
Harris turns and says,"Good morning."
He seems like a nice family guy. Michael peeks his head up from the newspaper and nods his head, acknowledging my presence. He looks me up and down, and mumbles something out that sounds like good morning before returning to his paper.
Okayyy. I walk towards the kitchen table and sit on the opposite side of Michael.
"What's for breakfast, Harris?" I ask while unfolding the cloth napkin and placing it on my lap.
"Spinach and feta cheese omelette with a side of whole wheat blueberry pancakes." He replies before setting my plate in front of me.
My mouth waters at the sight of the food. I haven't eaten this well, in well, days. I don't even care if I get sick from this rich food, I just eat.
"So, uh, Michael..," I begin while setting my fork down,"You wouldn't mind if I used your exercise room, right?"
"That would be fine. I barely get the chance to use it anyway." He replies with his face hidden behind the paper.
I cut into my omelette and say,"Thank you."
Michael leaves before I could finish my breakfast. He left swiftly with an impersonal "good-bye." I shrug. Once done, I bring my plate to the sink and wash it.
"Harris, how long have you been working for Michael?" I ask while wiping my hands with a paper towel.
"About 4 years now. He's a good man who sometimes can seem cold." He replies while heading to the fridge.
"But why?" I ask not quite understanding.
"His late-wife, Imani's mother, died three years ago in a deadly car crash. He hasn't been the same man since."
"Oh. So I'm guessing she the pretty lady hanging in a lot of photos around the house?"
He sighs,"She is. Eboni was a beautiful woman inside and out. With you, he may be even a little more mean."
I frown. I've done nothing wrong. Well I don't think so.
"Why?"
He looks at me oddly,"Because you're drop dead gorgeous."
I look down,"I'm not all that..."
He chuckles.
"There's something about you that I can't put my finger on.... Where are you from?"
"Uh, a small town in North Dakota. A completely irrelevant town."
I glance at the time. 7:05.
"I'll be back. I have to go get Imani ready." I say before scurrying off.
My heart beats a bit quickly at that conversation. Michael may have a crush on me and the chef is asking too many questions.