Chapter 4

JOHN

It’s like she’s looking right through me. The intensity is almost violating. Her energy is on the ceiling. “What makes you think you’d be a good fit for running a castle? It’s a lot to handle.” She’s not the right fit.

“I bet. You’ve got a groundskeeper that doesn’t speak a lick of English, a maid that doesn’t clean behind the art in the corridor. No chef, and no butler. By the looks of it, you’ve also got unpaid bills on your desk, and suitcases under your eyes. You’re in over your head.” I’m slightly surprised she picked up on that, “How do you know I don’t have a butler?”

“Because your suit’s not pressed.” She quips. “Even if you were right. What makes you think you could handle it all?” I wonder. “You know what? You’re right. I can’t do this. It’s too much, you’re too much.” Her eyes widen. “Thank you for your time. I’ll see myself out.” Wyatt slings her bag over her shoulder and turns to walk out.

Ernie walks in with my next interview. Another old man who looks like he couldn’t keep up with me on my worst day. Wyatt walks by Ernie and sprints down the hallway. Something in my gut makes me want to chase her down.

The old man reaches out and I shake his hand. “Mr. St. Jacks. It’s so good to finally meet you.” He takes a look around the room. “Would you excuse me sir?” I beg of him. “By all means.” He furrows his brows as I run out of my office.

Ernie tries to keep my pace. “Sir you shouldn’t keep this man waiting too long. He was highly recommended. He may be the one.” I stop and put my hand on Ernie’s chest. “The next time you pass through here with your mop, don’t forget to clean behind the sculptures.” He rolls his eyes at me, “Yes master.”

I make my way to the middle landing on the grand staircase where I can see Wyatt at the door. “Ms. Hendricks.” I call to her. “Mrs.” She says. I walk down the steps, “I thought you weren’t married?” She puts on her coat, “Don’t you have a man to interview upstairs?” She steps out and closes the door.

I shake my head. She’s feisty and I rather like that about her. I walk outside just as she reaches her car. “Wyatt, wait!” I yell to her. “What do you want?” That’s a good question, “I want someone who’s just as stubborn as I am.”

The man that was just in my office walks out with a scowl. He waves me off with a bah and drives away. I look at Wyatt, “I’d like to finish our interview.” She rolls her eyes at me, “Do you always chase women out of your house?” Pieces of her long brown hair fall from her bun into her face. “Quite the contrary actually.”

“Should I feel special?” She says sarcastically. “I’m not used to women who oppose me. I kind of like that about you.” I reluctantly admit to her. “Oh, so you’re a masochist?” She clearly hates me, “Why are you so angry with men?” She looks at me condescendingly, “Not men. Just you.”

“So now I’m the special one?” I grin at her. “Why are you smiling?” This is kind of fun now, “Because you think I’m special.” I play along. “Listen, I don’t have the time nor the desire to pick up after your messes.” Her tone becomes more serious. “I have a maid for that. You would be supervising the staff, budgeting, paying bills, organizing events, and such.”

“Would, being the operative word.” I drop my act, “Will you?”

“Why do you think I’d be a good fit for this, Mr. St. Jacks?” What can I say to her to make her want to stay? She’s already made up her mind. “If you put half as much passion into your distaste for me, as you would with this position. You’ll do just fine.”

She stares at me for a moment, then looks up at the castle. I’m patiently waiting for her to answer me. My lips are pressed. I know she won’t throw herself at me like most women do. That would complicate things. She’s not my type anyway. Wyatt is beautiful, but she’s nasty on the inside. That’s not attractive.

“I can’t work for a man like you Mr. St. Jacks.” God dammit, “Johnny. Call me Johnny.” I try to charm her. “Johnny, I will never work for you. Have the day you deserve.” She turns towards her car. I almost had her there for a second.

“What if I increase the salary by twenty thousand?” She stops and turns to me, “Try it for a month, no contract. If you can’t stand me then you can leave.”

Wyatt ponders for a moment, “No thank you. I’m gonna head out. It was wonderful to meet you. Truly.” She steps towards the car.

“Can you really afford to turn down this offer? I know your house is in foreclosure.” I really don’t want to play this card. But it’s my last ditch effort.

“You’re a despicable, chauvinistic, masochist, stalker.” Wyatt is pissed off now, but she’s still not getting in the car. I think I’ve got her where it hurts.

“So when can you start?” I ask her confidently.

“You can’t afford me.” She’s wrong, “Try me.” Wyatt rolls her eyes, and smirks at me. “Double the salary. You provide me with a car, good health insurance and four weeks paid time off.” So demanding. I play along, “Anything else? A baseball field, an island or maybe a yacht?” I laugh.

She’s not having it, “I stated my requirements Mr. St. Jacks. If you don’t want to hire me, I’m sure you can find another old man who’s better fit for the trade.” I debate that thought, “I’m not sure I want to. I’ll raise the salary by fifty thousand. You may have access to a car for the duration of your employment. I will give you three weeks paid time off, and insurance.”

“Deal.” She says. Excellent, “See you tomorrow.”