by Jill Snow
“Happy?” he mouthed.
She smiled a “yes” at him. She was happy.
“After dessert, why don’t I show you the grounds?” Joseph suggested.
“Dessert? On a school day? Awesome.” Dominic’s eyes bulged out of their sockets as Maria placed a large apple pie on the table.
“You like pie, young man?”
“Yes ma’am. I love pie and whipped cream and ice-cream.”
“All together?” Joseph asked.
“Absolutely.”
“I’ll have to try that too. Give me what he’s having,” Joseph said to Maria.
“I will not. You heard the doctor. You have to stop with the sugar or you’ll get diabetes.”
“Come on, woman. A little bit isn’t going to hurt me, is it Dominic?”
“I don’t know,” Dominic said, looking unsure.
“See, I knew this boy was smart. He already knows who wears the trousers in this household.”
Declan ruffled Dominic’s hair. Zoe waited for her brother to protest that he wasn’t a child, like he did when she touched him. But he didn’t. He seemed happy.
“Maria, you can’t keep feeding us like this every day. You’ll have to roll me out of the house.”
“You need some fat on them bones. Girls these days have funny ideas of what a woman should look like,” Joseph said.
Zoe shifted in her chair. Brought up to be respectful to older men, she didn’t want to offend him. But she didn’t like him commenting on her figure either.
“Zoe is just fine the way she is. You stop being a rude old man and get back to work.” Maria chided her husband.
“Who you calling old? You’re at least a year older than me.”
“Go on, get. Or I will make you do the washing up.”
“Not on your life. Washing up is women’s work. Come on Dominic, lets get out of here while we still can.”
Zoe was about to tell Dominic to stay and help but a shake from Declan’s head told her not to.
“He can help tomorrow night. For now, let him get used to the place,” Declan said pulling out a chair. “Maria, sit down. I insist. You enjoy your coffee. Zoe and I will do the dishes.”
“But she’s a guest.”
“No, she isn’t. She can pull her weight just like the rest of us. Isn’t that right, honey?”
Zoe glowed. He didn’t see her as an outsider. She winked at Maria.
“I don’t know about that, honey. I think I’d prefer to watch you work.”
Her answer was a dishcloth landing on her lap. Thankfully it was dry.
“Come on beautiful. Do your chores and then I’ll take you somewhere nice.”
Zoe jumped up to help. She caught the smile on Maria’s face and the look of affection that passed between her and Declan. Maria didn’t stay sitting for long. “Plenty of time for me to be resting when I am dead. Zoe, is there anything you don’t like to eat. I want to plan out my menus for the next few days.”
“Dom and I eat everything and anything, Maria. Thank you for asking, though.”
Maria bustled about in her pantry, leaving Declan and Zoe alone with the dishes. She rinsed while Declan stacked the dishwasher. It would have taken less time to do it herself, as he kept stealing kisses in between jobs.
“Are you glad you came to stay?”
“Yes. Your friends are lovely and so kind.”
“They are. I was lucky to find them.”
“Do they live nearby?”
“They used to live a few miles away but I persuaded them I needed them to be close. I told them it was because I wanted them to wait on my every whim.”
She hit him with the wet dishcloth making him grab her and threaten to pour water over her.
“You made them live here because it’s nicer and safer, didn’t you?”
“Don’t say a word. I don’t want them to move out. They have their own house around the back. So we still have privacy,” Declan reassured her.
Zoe wasn’t sure how much privacy she wanted.
Chapter 46
After the dishes were done, they wandered outside hand in hand. Declan pointed out various security points to her but she paid little attention. She felt safe already. They found Dominic shooting hoops, Joseph standing nearby cheering him on. Then they walked toward the tennis courts. She admired the views, not only over the hills behind them but she could also see the ocean.
“You wouldn’t know that a couple of miles that way are busy streets full of ordinary people going about their business would you?”
“Ordinary people just like me, Declan. This is unbelievable. I didn’t even know places like this existed.”
“It’s just a place, not a home. Most of the time Maria and Joseph are here alone. I spend a lot of time on location and then back in Ireland. Tonight was the first time it felt like home.”
He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her. She lay her head back on his shoulder.
“Do you really believe that, or is it just your seduction speech?”
He kissed the back of her head in response.
Declan stood holding her. He wanted to run around and scream out how happy he was, but that would make him look like a nut job. Instead, he rested his head on her shoulder as they stared at the view. He meant every word he’d said. The house he had lived in for years only now felt like home. He hadn’t realized how much he missed laughter around the table, and people coming and going until now.
“Declan, what are we going to do? We can’t hide here forever,” she said.
“Why not?”
She turned to face him. Twining her arms around his neck, she pulled him into a kiss.
“You agreed to come here but you didn’t tell me whether you were coming to the premiere.”
She stiffened, her body no longer soft and warm against his.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Your public wants to see you.”
“But I want to show you off. You’re a gorgeous woman, Zoe, and I want the world to see you as I do.”
She turned away from him, staring at the ocean but he sensed she wasn’t even aware of it.
“Zoe, I’m not going to pressure you. This is a big deal to me, not just part of my job. Mixing with other people in the industry is one way of securing those opportunities you mentioned. I would love you to be part of it. But I won’t make you.”
He took her hand and together they walked back toward the house.
“It’s been a long day. Why don’t you go to bed and see if you can sleep. Tomorrow we can make plans for how to occupy you and Dominic. Now do you want anything before you go to bed? Cocoa?”
She declined and headed off to bed.
Declan headed back to the dining area. Maria was sitting at the table.
“She is a lovely young woman, Declan. You’ve chosen well.”
He sat down at the table. “I really like her, Maria. I think it’s more than like. But can I ask her to take a risk on me?”
“Why not? You are a good man. Kind, caring, wealthy. What more could a woman ask for?”
“Her freedom. She would have to give some of that up if she married me.”
“Marriage? Oh boy, you are in trouble. Well, it’s her decision. But judging by the way she looks at you, I don’t think she would find it too hard to make a choice.”
Declan hoped his housekeeper was right.
“I have a script I want to read through again and I should call Mark back.”
“Read the script, let Mark stew. You sacked him remember. That man is too big for his boots,” Maria huffed. “I’m off to bed, goodnight Declan.”
Declan retired to his den. It was quiet as usual, but it was nice knowing his house was no longer empty.
Chapter 47
Zoe woke late the next morning. Stretching, she couldn’t believe the time on the clock. The house was so quiet. She grabbed a quick shower, dressed and was in the kitchen twenty minutes later.
“Maria, it’s so late, the morning is almost over.”
“So? You are on vacation. Dominic and Declan left a while back. Said they will be home in time for dinner.”
“Where did they go?”
“Not sure, but they said it was boy’s stuff. What would you like to eat?”
“Coffee please.”
“And?”
“I can make something. I don’t want to put you out.”
“It’s no trouble, I love cooking. Want some blueberry pancakes?”
Zoe’s stomach grumbled making them both laugh.
“You sit there and chat with me while I cook.”
“Thanks Maria.”
Zoe took a seat. Although the kitchen was massive, it was homey too. It didn’t feel clinical. She guessed it was Maria, not Declan, who had added the flowers and other plants dotted around the room.
“So Declan tells me you are not sure about going to the premiere. Can’t say I blame you. That red carpet is a bit daunting.”
“You’ve been?”
“I didn’t walk down the carpet, but Declan got us tickets a couple of times. It was fun. You could always just go and watch the movie.”
“Yeah, I could. I just…well I feel like I’m letting him down.”
“Declan? He just wants to show you off to the world. He likes you.”
“I like him too, but I’m not one of those women.”
Maria laughed. “What do you mean by that?”
“Oh Maria, you know what I mean. They’re all so glamorous. They have the latest hair cuts and dresses and the jewelry. I can see the headlines now. I would embarrass him.”
“Now you put those thoughts out of your mind at once. You’re the best thing to happen Declan in a long time. You are a real woman. He needs reality. That life of his could be sucked out of him if he falls victim to all the traps Hollywood lays down.”
“I don’t think me attending the premiere will do anything for his career.”
“You could be right, but I think you might be wrong. Declan knows best. I think he’s nervous about his film and wants a friendly face beside him.”
“Oh, I never thought of that,” Zoe said. “But I have nothing to wear.”
Maria picked up the phone. Zoe didn’t want to eavesdrop, so she headed outside. The pool looked so inviting but she hadn’t brought a swimsuit with her. She would have to find a clothes store. She doubted Declan kept a supply of women’s swimsuits.
She came back in when Maria called her.
“All sorted, Clara will collect you in an hour.”
“Clara? Who’s that?”
“She’s Declan’s wing woman. Or at least that’s what he calls her. Her official title is executive assistant. She will know exactly what you need and where to buy it.”
“Oh.” Zoe didn’t want to be churlish, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to go shopping with a stranger.
“Would you come shopping with us?” Zoe asked as Maria put two fluffy pancakes on the plate in front of her.
“No, thank you dear. I’m not one for stores. But Clara is wonderful, and so friendly. You will like her.”
Zoe took a bite of the pancake. It was wonderful.
“She will find you something gorgeous.” Zoe’s lack of enthusiasm must have been obvious as Maria continued talking. “Clara brought us shopping on Rodeo Drive. All those snooty women who look down on anyone who isn’t Julia Roberts or one of the Kardashians. They didn’t know what to make of us, two Irish women being Declan’s mom and sister and me, the Spanish servant.”
“Declan doesn’t see you as a servant.”
“Those sales women aren’t like Declan. Most people don’t think the way he does. He paid for everything. I think they were jealous.”
“He buys you clothes?’
“Not usually but this was for a big film premiere and he insisted we look the part. It was fun. His mother, a lovely woman, felt the same way you do. His sister on the other hand, that young miss wanted to wear as little as possible. She thought it would be fun to have her picture taken in a barely there dress but her father would have a heart attack. Clara had a job persuading her to go with something more classic.”
Zoe smiled at the scene Maria painted. She wouldn’t wear a barely there dress for anyone. It wouldn’t sit right with her to display her body like that. Also, her aunt would kill her.
Chapter 48
The back door opened and a blonde-haired, perfectly made up woman walked in. She looked like she had just walked off a photo shoot. Zoe pushed her hair out of her eyes, wishing she were wearing something less casual than her jeans and T shirt.
“Morning Maria, any coffee? Oh those pancakes smell fabulous. You must be Zoe. So nice to meet you.”
She pulled Zoe into a real hug, not the air kiss she had been expecting.
Then the woman stood back and eyed Zoe, making her feel like a prize cow about to be auctioned. She ummed and sighed as she walked around Zoe, giving her a three hundred and sixty degree inspection.
“You have such a lovely figure, we’ll buy something to highlight your curves but it will hide things too.”
Hide things? Zoe wanted to run and hide.
“Clara! I told Zoe you would be nice,” Maria said.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be insulting. I just speak too direct sometimes. Do you have your own hairdresser, or should I book an appointment with mine? Some highlights or maybe lowlights would work wonders. An inch or two off the ends as well. And your hands. How did you get them all black?”
Zoe had enough. “I’m a mechanic. It happens when you work with oil.”
“Oh, I see.” It was clear she didn’t see.
“Zoe, go and change. You will have fun. I guarantee you Clara will have you in stitches. She’s really funny when she gets going.”
“Thank you for coming over Clara but I don’t need to go shopping. I’m not going to the premiere. Thank you for breakfast Maria. I think I’ll go to my room now.”
“Oh no you don’t. You are just afraid and letting the fear win. You can do this. If not for yourself, do it for Declan,” Maria wheedled but Clara stood back, watching silently.
“Clara, tell her.”
“Nope. I’m not going to talk anyone into going. She’ll only blame me when it all goes wrong.”
“Why should it go wrong?” Zoe was eager to know, despite having said she wouldn’t go.
“Well, you’re obviously not used to the lifestyle and your plans for Declan appear to be short-term so perhaps it’s best if you stay home. There are plenty of other women who would give their right arm for an hour in his company.”
Short term? How dare she? What right did this blonde bombshell have to come in here and talk about her like that? She was about to protest when she saw Clara’s eyes glittering.
“You’re trying to provoke me, aren’t you?” Zoe asked.
“It worked, didn’t it? Come on Zoe, it’ll be fun. I’ll try to keep my comments to myself. I think you’re gorgeous. Don’t ever forget that. You just need a little polish. It’s easy to do that when you have a diamond to work on.”
“Listen to her honey, she’s been around Hollywood since before you were in diapers.”
Zoe’s mouth dropped. “I didn’t think you were much older than I am.”
“Thanks darling, but I’m nearing fifty. It’s a wonder what they can do with plastic these days. So are you coming? Or do I have to put up with Staci whatever her name is for the night? Please don’t inflict that on me.”
“You’re going to be there?”
“Absolutely darling, I never miss a premiere!”
Zoe couldn’t help laughing as the other woman put on her accent. Maybe it would be fun. And the little girl inside of her wondered what she would look like with an expert makeover.
“Okay, just give me a minute to change.”
“Put on a skirt and top if you can. Makes changing much easier.”<
br />
Clara helped herself to more coffee as Zoe ran up to her room, feeling more excited than she would have guessed.
Chapter 49
When she came back down, she realized the ladies hadn’t heard her steps. She was about to greet them when she realized they were talking about her.
“He’s mad about her. Had a huge fight with Mark over it. That creep is fuming, but I wonder Maria. Is he playing with fire? A mechanic? She couldn’t be further from his world, could she?”
“Clara, you’re forgetting where Declan came from. His parents didn’t have two brass pennies to rub together. We both know that.”
“Yeah, but it’s different for men. Even if they have lifetime’s worth of scandal behind them, the press will still treat them as heroes. But for women, well, they’ve already thrown her to the wolves.”
“Shush, she will hear you. She’s Declan’s choice.”
“I can see why. She’s a lovely girl and such a natural beauty but I wonder if she’ll survive La La Land?”
Zoe crept away silently, willing the tears not to fall. The women didn’t think she was good enough for Declan. Were they right?
“Zoe, are you ready?”
“Coming.” She pushed back the tears. She was going to show everyone that she could handle anything. She was a Clark. Her aunt would expect her to hold her head up high. She hadn't done anything to be ashamed of. Not having money or material things didn’t make you less of a person.
Declan stared at the text from Clara. She had taken Zoe shopping. He wondered how that would go. His executive assistant could be offensive at times, even though she didn’t mean to be. He only hoped Zoe hadn’t packed and left.
“You ready to go back yet?” he asked Dom.
“Yeah. But can we come back tomorrow?”
“Maybe not tomorrow but we’ll come back. What did you like the best?”