No Long talks

Rayna's POV.

Just as I expected that it would before I arrived here, my house was now in perfect shape and order. The decors were a sight to behold not to mention the lighting that snaked across the walls. It was everything and a little more than I ever imagined. Fortunately for me, I wouldn't pass the night out in the cold streets of New York but in my own house. All the while I checked out every corner and room in the house, Sera was with me throughout. In the meantime, I ambled towards the sitting room and then settled on the couch across the room, crossing my legs and spreading my arms out wide on the headrest.

“Thank you for your hard work today, Sera.” I said, with a meaningful look in my eyes and a smile on my lips. “I do appreciate it.” 

“I am only doing my job ma'am.” she said, holding a tab in her grip. “However, I am glad that you like it.” 

“Like it?” I asked, letting out a laughing scoff. “I will tell you that it's an understatement to say that I like it. I love it.” 

If I got to live for another day just by staring at the decors then, I would live for eternity because I would do so every minute and hour of the day. But, there was so much more to do than stare at the decors all day long. I didn't return to New York for that. If there was one thing I needed to avoid, then it would be any form of distractions. 

“Here, ma'am.” she said, extending a hand towards me with the device in her grip. 

“And what is this?” I asked, with a raised brow. “Don't tell me it's what my schedule looks like for the rest hours of the day, or is it?”

“No, ma'am. It isn't.” she said, laughing low in her throat. “It is actually the profile of the man who'd be working as your cook.”

Well, you would think that it's funny, but I had to be sure because I wouldn't mind pushing whatever appointment or meeting, as the case may be that I have next on my schedule to the following day. If anything, I've had enough stress for the day. Not just any day, but on the day of my return to this city that reminds me of nothing but a broken life. But on the bright side, it would serve as a reminder of the very reason why I returned. 

“Alright then, let's see who we've got here.” I said, receiving the tab from her. 

As I did, I turned it around as it ought to be, and then I glanced at the profile of the man which included his personal information.

“Hmm, Jason West. Doesn't sound so bad.” I said, barely breathing the words as I swiped up to see more information about him. “He has got a wealth of experience which is actually nice.”

I lifted my face to her.

“I think I like him already.” I said, returning the tab to her. “He seems like one who would be diligent in his job considering the comments from his previous workplaces.”

“Alright ma'am, but why do I feel like there's a but coming.” she asked, narrowing her gaze at the words. “Is there something you don't like about him.” 

One wouldn't even believe that Sera hadn't been with more for more than two years now, but she was able to tell when I didn't like a particular thing. Like I said, there was nothing wrong with him. And personally, I would have hired him since I would be focused on the very reason why I am here. But, after that experience with Jared, and my uncle, I've come to dislike men. 

Every one of them just seem to remind me of my experience with my uncle and Jared. So, I'd rather do everything in my power to avoid them. At least, for the time being. Until I'm certain that I can handle the hurt. One would expect that after six years I would be good as new. Well, they aren't entirely wrong. But I'm human and healing takes a very long time which makes the payback even more poetic. 

“No, not really.” I said, shaking my head. “Like I said, he seems cool, and I would have hired him but for some reason, I don't want a male. So, can I get a female? I'd really appreciate it if you could find me one who also has the same wealth of experience as him.” 

“Well, I figured that you'd say that, so I came prepared.” she said, receiving the tab from me with a smile playing on her lips. “Just a minute ma'am.” 

Using the touch interface, she navigated through the device with a finger as she sought to bring out the profile of whoever she had prepared as a backup option should I reject the first which I have. After a few seconds, she lifted her her face to me.

“Here, ma'am. I think she should do.” she said, extending a hand to me as she gave back the tab. “Just as you requested, she's the same wealth of experience as the first.” 

Dropping my gaze to the soft glow of the screen, I noticed the name first.

“Maggie?” I called, narrowing my gaze at the name. “How small can the world be?” 

“Is there a problem ma'am?” she asked, her voice laced with concern. “Is she someone you know?” 

I could have answered yes to that question since I was seeing her picture right on the screen, but it would ruin the fun even before it begins, and I don't want that. If anything, it would be so nice to have her in my house. I bet you'll definitely agree with me that fate is full of surprises. 

“No, I don't.” I said, lifting my gaze as I returned the device to her. “She is perfect, just the kind of person that I want.” 

“Are you sure about that ma'am?” she asked, the words seemed to drag themselves from her throat. “You sure you don't want to know more about her?”

“Of course, I am.” I said, flashing a smile across her worried face. “She is hired.” 

“Pardon?” — the retort sprang from her lips on their own accord as a look of confusion seemed to mask her face.

“You heard me; she's hired.” I reiterated, with a note of firmness in my voice.

“Even without an interview?”