Chapter 51
Laura mumbled an incoherent response, her mind a haze of unanswered questions. Rumors were swirling like autumn leaves outside, and she had no idea who was stirring the pot.
Curtis, on the other hand, wasn’t looking for an answer.
“Since you’re living under this roof, you better figure out who’s the boss around here. Stop. worrying about the chatterboxes outside.”
Laura quickly piped up, “Well, that’s you, of course!”
Curtis chuckled and then said, “If the folks at my company were as slow on the uptake as you, they’d be out of a job.”
Laura was at a loss, her left hand clenching her right in a knot of nerves, “But aren’t you the boss?”
un around.
Curtis turned off the faucet, grabbed a mug, and glanced at her as he spun
“You’re here to take care of Leanne. It’s been three years. How have you not figured out who’s your boss?” he continued.
Laura stood frozen, bewildered by the exchange.
With his point made, Curtis left without another word.
His hint had hit home. The very next day, Laura’s demeanor towards Leanne changed dramatically.
Bright and early the next morning, as Leanne was about to head down to feed the cat, Laura dashed ahead of her. “Oh, let me do that You shouldn’t trouble yourself. If you get cat hair on you, Mr. Curtis won’t be able to come near you.”
Leanne shot back, “Maybe it would be better if he was allergic to death.”
When Laura set the breakfast table, it was laden with all of Leanne’s favorites.
Just as Leanne approached the table, Laura rushed over to pull out her chair, beaming
with a smile.
Once
sat down, Laura eagerly offered, I’ve made shrimp chowder and sweet
many flavors. Which would you like first?”
owder, I guess.
he chowder was served and Leanne was about to take a spoonful, Laura exclaimed, “Careful, it’s hot! Maybe I should blow on it for you…”
Leanne, at a loss for words, deadpanned, “Or you could just eat it for me.”
Laura backed off a bit, a touch of hurt in her voice, “I just didn’t want you to burn yourself.” Leanne felt oddly out of sorts, unable to understand her sudden change of heart, but she
didn’t dwell on it.
Leanne had been starved of affection growing up, so she gave her heart freely to others. But once betrayed or hurt, she shut them out for good.
A betrayal would lose her trust forever.
It was Sunday, and Leanne had the rare luxury of a day off, a chance to relish her breakfast without rush.
Eventually, Curtis came down, seating himself across the table.
Laura served him chowder. During the meal, Curtis threw several glances her way. Leanne ignored them, leisurely enjoying her own meal.
After eating only half his bowl, Curtis stood up, straightened his tie, and slipped into hist suit jacket.
Leanne showed no interest, as if his comings and goings meant nothing to her.
It wasn’t until Curtis had buttoned up and strapped on his watch that she even looked up from her bowl, savoring the chowder with delicate bites.
Curtis announced, “I gotta go.”
Leanne glanced at him, puzzled by his need to inform her.
He never bothered to tell her when he went to Emberland, so why did he mention a simple
outing?
Leanne replied with a disinterested acknowledgement.
His energy undeterred, Curtis prodded, “Aren’t you going to ask where I’m going?”
Leanne found him rather peculiar today. “Go wherever you like.”
Curtis let out an exasperated laugh, “Did Laura put ice in your chowder? You’re so cold this morning.”
Leanne remained silent.
As Curtis reached the door and grabbed his coat, he turned back to ask, “I’ve got a golf game with a
day. Care to join me?”
inne said without looking up.
ura couldn’t help but comment, “Mr. Curtis was kind enough to invite you. you go?”
eanne, having finished her meal, laid down her forks and cleaned her mouth with a
napkin
“Because I don’t want to anymore.”
She didn’t want the privilege of standing by his side. Nor did she desire the title of Mrs. Richardson.
That afternoon, as Leanne was engrossed in a book at home, Selina called, her voice eager, “Dr. Castillo, why aren’t you here today?”
Despite promising otherwise, Selina had not curbed her curiosity but still hovered around. Leanne, constantly seeking out her, much to the annoyance of the entire ophthalmology
staff.
Leanne replied, Tm not a robot. I need rest too