by Abbi Glines
He studied me. That made me nervous as I waited for him to respond. It seemed much longer than the seconds it took. “You want this job then?”
“Yes.”
He shrugged and sighed. “Fine. She’s hard to deal with. If you can handle her, then you’ll do. You handled last night like a fucking champ. I was impressed.”
Portia never complimented me. I wasn’t sure if a thank you was appropriate or not. “I was doing my job.”
Jasper chuckled. “Yeah. I guess you were,” was his response, then he walked out the door heading toward the pool house. I watched as he said something to Winston, who laughed, and I stopped to watch that. Winston laugh. All I had ever seen was his serious face. And the disinterested way he looked down on all around those him. I hadn’t seen him smile. His face that was stunning with a scowl became almost angelic with a smile.
Shaking my head, I stopped admiring him and went to the kitchen. I had my list in there for the things I needed to do today. Staring at Winston wasn’t one of them.
BY THE NEXT MORNING, NO one remained at the pool house but Jasper. The others had left last night. I’d seen their expensive cars drive away. I wasn’t sure if they would return or if Jasper would be moving into his bedroom. I did know that today I had to clean the pool house. He’d told me not to worry about it yesterday but to come back after nine in the morning and give it a heavy cleaning. He would also leave a grocery list for me.
I watched him walk out at eight-thirty this morning, dressed in a suit with his messy blond hair brushed, and I had to admit he was stunning. He didn’t look like a CEO. He looked like a GQ magazine cover model. But he was obviously going to work somewhere. I wasn’t sure if they had offices in Savannah. Apparently, Van Allen Industries had something here.
I heard the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor and knew Portia was walking my direction. I finished cleaning the glass doors just as she entered the room.
“They’re all gone. You need to get out there now and clean that place. Make it spotless. Give him no reason to complain. He’ll look for something. Give him nothing. Now go,” she said with a wave of her hand. It made me feel like a dog she was shooing away.
I went as commanded to the pool house, disregarding Jasper had said to wait until nine o’clock. He had just left so I figured I was safe. Besides, if Portia continued to treat me like an unwanted pet, I was liable to defend myself and make her angry at me. She didn’t want me to be let go. That much was obvious. Again, it made me wonder how she knew my mother, and why she was helping me now. Nineteen years of my life, and not once had I met or even heard of Portia Van Allan.
When I had introduced myself to Portia, I hadn’t been brave enough to press or ask for information. At the time, I was grateful that I’d been given the option to take care of Heidi. It was a mystery why the more she did for Heidi and me, the more she worried about Jasper letting me go. It made me wonder what it was my mother had done for Portia to deserve this kind of payment.
The pool was tranquil with the morning sun glistening on its shimmering, dark blue depths. Without the pool area covered in people it was nice out here. Living and working at this house wasn’t all that bad. It wasn’t home. I didn’t feel welcome exactly. But things could be so much worse.
Momma had always told me, “Someone else has it much worse than you. Never feel sorry for yourself. You’re alive. That’s enough to be thankful for.” I had lived by that rule. I still did. It was what kept me sane. It was where I found joy when it seemed there was no reason to be happy. Was my life ideal? No. Was anyone’s? No. Everyone had bad things happen. Loss was a part of our walk on this earth.
I resisted the urge to bend down and run my fingers over the smooth surface of the water. Portia was no doubt watching to make sure I went to work like she’d demanded. I hurried to the pool house ready to conquer whatever mess was left for me. I could imagine all kinds of nasty after that party.
When I opened the door to see a perfectly neat living area, I paused. This wasn’t nasty at all. Or messy. Sure, the entire place needed some sweeping, mopping, and dusting, but the place wasn’t littered with empty beer bottles, food or condoms—which was what I had mentally prepared myself for. I had even expected to find a naked girl lingering.
I hadn’t expected a tidy pool house. Not even close.
There was no possible way this place had remained neat during that party. Someone had straightened up. taken out the trash, picked up the dirty towels, and apparently loaded the dishwasher—it was full, but the dishes were clean.
A note written in neat handwriting was on the bar. The list was for grocery items, just like Jasper had said there would be. I didn’t expect him to be someone that picked up after himself much less others. This neat freak didn’t fit into what I’d thought him to be. I guess I’d been a little judgmental. Jasper Van Allan was a stranger to me. I had no business assuming the worst about him when I didn’t know him.
I folded up the list and tucked it into my pocket for later. Then I began pulling out the cleaning supplies that Jasper had told me I’d find under the kitchen sink. The mop and broom would be in the back closet by the bathroom. Surprisingly, the supplies were very organized.
“Jasper said you wouldn’t be out here until nine.” Winston’s voice startled me, causing me to squeal as I spun around holding a spray bottle of cleaner.
“Oh!” was all I managed to say. It was one of those moments where you recognize the voice, but you didn’t know they were in the vicinity so you can’t help your startled response.
Winston cocked an eyebrow as if he was observing an idiot. I wished I could cock one eyebrow right back at him. “I thought the place was empty,” I said defensively.
“And I thought you wouldn’t be here until nine,” he repeated.
Not that I had to explain myself to him, but I did anyway. “Portia saw Jasper leave and sent me out earlier than anticipated. She wanted me to have plenty time to clean the place.” I glanced around. “She obviously expected it to be in much worse shape.”
He didn’t respond. Instead, he walked to the door and picked up a set of keys that were on the table there. Without a word, he left. Not that he had to tell me goodbye or talk to me at all, but it was rude. Cold even. As if I were not important enough for parting words. Jerk.
Jasper was the opposite—he was nice. He wasn’t rude. At least not like that. He could be hard at times but I understood he was angry with his mother. To others he seemed fun, polite, kind. Why he was friends with Winston, I had no idea. Nothing about Winston whatever-his-last-name-was remotely resembled Jasper. Except of course, their bank accounts.
I shook him and his behavior from my thoughts. Instead, I focused on my daydreams of going to nursing school one day while I cleaned. I focused on how I would get a job and afford to take care of Heidi on my own. How I would make my mother proud as she watched us from the clouds. All those things kept me humming a tune and enjoying the peace while I worked.
I knew those dreams weren’t close. It would take me some time to figure out the details because all I got paid from Portia was a roof over my head, food, and fifty dollars a week. From that I had to take out the gas money to see Heidi. Portia took care of Heidi’s home. That home was the most important thing and all I cared about. But I was only averaging $160 a month in savings. It was going to take years for that to grow into enough money for school tuition, an apartment, and to care for Heidi.
Working nights somewhere was an option I’d been considering. If Portia was okay with my leaving after dinner I could work somewhere a few nights a week. If I could sleep at least three nights a week, I think I could manage it. There weren’t a lot of options for night work, but I had been looking around at what was available. The front desk at a hotel, a service station clerk, waitressing at a restaurant, or hostess at a night club. The night club wardrobe wouldn’t be great, but that job paid the most. With this being a college town there were several places I could work waiting tables. B
ut a hotel would be so much easier.
It was almost noon when I left for the grocery store. The pool house hadn’t taken nearly as long as I thought it would to clean—thanks to Jasper.
OVER THE NEXT WEEK, I only saw glimpses of Jasper coming and going from the house. He was always dressed for work. Portia didn’t say much, but she watched him as her drinking became regular.
I overheard them one evening while I was doing the laundry. He was raising his voice and accusing her of wasting his money. He was going to start giving her an allowance. She hadn’t been happy about that at all.
The next morning she’d woken up and appeared in the kitchen asking for whiskey in her coffee.
When Sunday morning came and there was no notice of guests or another party, I was relieved. I’d be able to attend family day and spend time with Heidi. I had worried all week that I might have to disappoint her again.
I made coffee for Portia—adding the whiskey—then made her a fruit salad using the berries I’d gotten at the store the day before. She never asked for food anymore. I was taking it upon myself to feed her anyway.
She scowled at the fruit, but said nothing as I sat the bowl in front of her. She also didn’t mention the whiskey in her coffee. After the argument over money with Jasper, she hadn’t talked much at all. I could feel her rage boiling under the surface, though. Each day she was getting worse. I was worried that when she exploded, Jasper and I may both be thrown out.
Today, however, I wasn’t going to worry about anything. I took the plate of cookies I had made last night and headed for the back door. When I stepped outside, Jasper was walking from the pool house to the main house. He frowned at the plate of cookies in my hand and at the way I was dressed. This was the only day I wore my own clothing.
“Going somewhere?” he asked.
“Yes,” I replied hoping he didn’t ask for details.
“Where?”
“It’s my day off. Sundays that is. I leave for the morning and most of the afternoon.”
He waited as if he wanted more of an explanation. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to tell him more. Portia hadn’t told him about Heidi. There had to be a reason why she didn’t tell him. I knew that Portia paid for Heidi’s care. Now that she was on an allowance and Jasper was taking control of her money, I wasn’t sure how that would be affected. He had to know about Heidi and the expense for her care at some point. I worked to provide her that care. It was part of my salary.
“My mother tends to live above her means. She sees no limit to spending. My father never curbed her and she needs to slow down. It isn’t her money after all. The amount she has been paying you seems ridiculous. Surely you know that. Six thousand dollars a month is not a normal salary for the job you do here, but Portia was adamant that you needed that much. Regardless, I don’t think taking a full day off work on Sunday is fair if you’re paid the same amount as some of the executives I know. Do you think I am being unreasonable? If you need Sunday off, I am fine with that. But we need to discuss a new salary. One that makes sense. I don’t know anyone who pays a live-in housekeeper that kind of money.”
Six thousand dollars? Portia hadn’t told me the cost of Heidi’s care. I never imagined it was that much every month. I loved where Heidi lived. And she loved it there too, but $6000 was insane. I thought it was around $2500 at most. But never $6000. I wanted that place and the care Heidi was being given, but how could I ask the Van Allen’s to pay that? He was right of course. My job and salary wasn’t worth even half that a month.
“I . . .” I had no idea what to say. Words didn’t come. If I took Sunday’s off and he lowered my pay that meant Heidi would have to leave the home. She’d adjusted to her life and was happy. How could I jerk her out and move her somewhere else?
I’d have to work nights to make it work. Not to save for college, but to pay for her to stay at the home. I could not expect Jasper to continue my over-the-top salary because Heidi needed special care.
Jasper was right. It wasn’t fair at all.
“Okay,” I finally said. “What is fair?” I should discuss this with him in more depth, but I didn’t know what else to say.
“I asked around this week after I saw how much you were getting paid a month. The average for your job is $2800 with room and board. Ms. Charlotte was being paid three thousand when she retired and that was after sixteen years of working here. Considering you’ve been paid $6000 for the past six months I would hope you’ve saved up money. I think the fair thing to do here is pay you $2000 for the next six months to even out some of the exorbitant pay you’ve been receiving. This job can be harder at times. I’ll have more parties. There will be more entertaining that you’ll be responsible for. But you have been paid well. I expect you see that. Portia gave you that salary and like anyone else would, you accepted it. Can’t say I blame you. But it was too much. Entirely over the top.”
Two thousand. I’d need to somehow make $4000 more a month to keep Heidi at the home. How would I do that? It seemed impossible. All I could do was nod my head. I couldn’t argue with him. It wasn’t his responsibility to take care of my sister. He didn’t have to give me a job and he owed me nothing. Portia had felt some form of payment was meant for my mother, although I have no idea why. But Jasper knew as little about that as me.
“We are clear then. You are free to take your Sunday’s off. Starting at the first of the month your paycheck will be $2000.”
I nodded again. It was all I could do.
He gave me a tight smile. “Glad we can agree. You handle Portia well. She wants to keep you. That’s not easy to manage because she’s hard to please. I have no fault with your job. You do it well. No complaints. But I would like to add some things to your job description. Starting with having breakfast on the table for me at eight every morning. I’ll leave a list of things I prefer and I take my coffee black and strong. I also want my bedding changed every three days and my sheets should be pressed. I need you to keep my fridge stocked with the items I will also list. Check it daily, and make sure I’m not running low on anything. I am sure I will have a few more things to add. But we can discuss that later. For now, go enjoy your day off,” he said ending our conversation with a friendly smile this time.
Then he reached under the plastic wrap on the plate I was carrying and took a cookie. “I like cookies too. Leaving me some would be appreciated.” With that he walked into the main house.
I couldn’t move just yet. My stomach was in knots and my thoughts raced with how I’d make up the difference of that money. How would I take care of Heidi now? Would I be able to keep her in the place she was now calling home?
I turned to see Portia standing inside watching me. Her face was blank, lacking any emotional. She was simply staring my way.
Would she tell Jasper about Heidi? Was that even an issue? He had no reason to take care of my sister or give me a job. He was giving me a place to live and work. Heidi lived only ten miles from here. I had to find a way to make this work. The only answer was for me to get a second job. One where I could make the most money.
I’d have to leave Heidi early today to find out if any clubs were hiring nineteen year olds. A club would pay the best, even if all I could do was work as a hostess. The college clubs let nineteen year olds in with a band on their wrist marking them as too young to drink. I was pretty sure I could get a job at a club or maybe as a waitress somewhere.
For now, I had to visit my sister and smile. And pretend it was okay. That our lives weren’t holding on by a thread yet again.
THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OUTSIDE ROCKS on The Riverfront—an eighteen-year-old and older club that was located on the roof of a well-known hotel—seemed to be highlighting it as the most popular location for the college crowd in the area.
I had left Heidi at four that afternoon and spent an hour searching for places that were hiring and were open late night or all night. Rocks on The Riverfront didn’t get busy until nine in the evenings, and was open until three in
the morning. Those were perfect hours for me.
It wasn’t even seven yet. I’d called asking if they were hiring, and a girl had me speak to Mr. Carey Jones, the manager. He said he’d interview me at the club at seven o’clock. Mr. Jones went on to tell me that they had limited positions for someone my age, but he may have an opening for a hostess. I knew without him saying anything he wanted to see what I looked like. My appearance mattered at a place like this. I hated that, but I was desperate.
The short black skirts and tight black halter tops the girls were wearing when I walked in were expected, but seeing the uniform only made me more nervous. I never dressed like that. The most revealing thing I owned was cut-off blue jean shorts. This would be difficult to adjust to. If it paid enough that I could pay for Heidi’s care, I could live with it.
“We don’t open for another thirty minutes,” a redheaded girl with long-in-no-way-natural eyelashes said as she stopped in front of me. No one else seemed to notice me until her.
“I’m here to meet with Carey Jones,” I told her.
She did a quick scan of my appearance and nodded. “Of course. This way.”
Her hips swayed when she walked and the short skirt she wore barely covered her bottom. I imagined that got her a lot of tips. She was probably paying for her college. Or maybe she had someone she had to take care of too.
“He’s in there. Knock and wait. He’ll answer when he’s done.”
“Thank you,” I told her, grateful she had stopped to help me.
“Yep,” was all she said in return before leaving me standing outside Mr. Jones’s office.
I knocked on the door and waited. I heard voices inside, and I didn’t want to be rude by knocking again, but I wondered if they hadn’t heard me. One voice sounded female and made a high-pitched noise that sounded a little . . . Odd to be coming from the office.