Chapter 5

WYATT

The country roads are quite peaceful. My mind is in a fury. How the hell am I supposed to start tomorrow? I can’t fucking pack my life up in one night. The offer was too good to refuse. But this man is going to take my sanity.

My house looks like shit. I should pull the weeds along the walkway before I leave. The last thing I need is for people to think I let everything go. I guess I did just that. Fuck it. This isn’t my home anymore. It hasn’t been since Tim died.

Maybe working for Mr. St. Fuck Face won’t be so terrible. It seems like a fairly decent position. I hope I don’t have to deal with him much. I’ll just hire a good butler to pamper his sorry ass.

I pull some empty boxes from my pantry. The doorbell rings. Whatever they’re selling, I don’t want any. I open the door and I’m shocked to see her, “Harper! What are you doing here?” She hasn’t around in a while. “I got off early today. Figured I’d come check on you.”

She stands tall in a gray pantsuit and sneakers. Her long blonde hair is tied back in a sleek bun that shows off her trendy undercut. I welcome her in with an awkward hug, “It’s so good to see you.” I’ve missed her. We got drunk and hooked up the last few times we hung out. “Were you ever gonna call me back?” She asks.

There it is, “I wanted to. I just didn’t know what to say.” Harper smiles at me, “You could have just said hi.” Right, like that would have been easy for me. “I’m not-” She interrupts me, “Gay. You’re not gay, I know.” She laughs, “It’s totally cool Wyatt. We can just be friends. Like we always were.”

I sigh in relief, “Thanks for that. I could really use a friend right now.” Harper takes a seat at the island counter. “What’s going on?” She asks me. “I’m leaving here tomorrow morning. I took a position as a live in house manger for a repugnant man out in the country.”

Harper raises her eyebrows, “Tomorrow?” She looks around. Speaking it out loud sounds crazy, “Yeah. I’m packing what I’m taking with me tonight.” Then the bank can have everything else. “Do you want me to stay and help you?” Help would be fantastic, “Really?” Harper nods, “Absolutely.”

I can’t believe how fast things are getting done. Harper is quick and efficient. We load boxes by the door. The dumpster outside is now pretty much full. I’m exhausted. “How are you getting there tomorrow?” Harper asks me. “I was going to rent a small moving truck.” She points to the driveway, “We can use my truck.” Harper is a fucking godsend. “Are you sure?” I double check.

It’s almost midnight, but the truck is loaded. Harper is passed out on my couch. I lay a blanket over her. How am I supposed to sleep? My mind is racing. I lie down on my mattress that we threw on floor. Staring at the ceiling, all I can think about is Tim.

My eyes pop open at the sound of my cell phone alarm. I smell bacon. Harper must be cooking. I wash my hair and get ready. This is fucking crazy.

Am I insane?

Harper hands me a plate of food as I walk into the kitchen. This is amazing, “Thank you.” She made eggs with french toast and bacon. “Of course.” We eat in silence. Harper washes our plates and heads for the door. “You ready?”

I’m not sure, “I guess.” I take one last look around at my almost empty home. We got so much done. I feel much better about leaving the house like this. Thunder rolls in the distance. I lock the door and tuck the key in a manila envelope with the deed. I hand it to Harper to drop off for me.

Rain begins to fall as we drive to the castle. I’m freaking out inside my head. Harper blasts some 90’s alternative rock music. Tears stream down my face as I stare out the window. I feel like I’m leaving Tim which is stupid. He left me five years ago when he had to go and fucking die.

Harper pulls the truck up to the castle gate. The security guard waves us through. We pull up to the front. The rain is now pelting down as we carry boxes to the front stoop. I drop my suitcase in a puddle of mud. The groundskeeper comes outside to watch. She smiles as she sees us struggle.

“Where’s the man?” Harper asks. “Not here to help as I expected.” I’m already mad at him. Harper and I stand at the top of the steps under the overhang. “If you ever need me to come rescue you from the beast, don’t hesitate to call me.” That makes me smile. “Thank you for everything.” She hugs me.

Harper stares the groundskeeper down. “No problem. Take care of yourself.” She runs down to her truck. I wave back at her before she hops in.

“Mrs. Hendricks, welcome home.” John St. Jacks announces behind my back. I cringe at the sound of his voice. My best face is on as I turn, “Wyatt will suffice. Good morning sir.” He motions for me to go inside, “Please call me Johnny.” I bend to pick up a few boxes. He puts his hand on my shoulder. I’m even more angry now.

“The staff will bring your belongings to your quarters. This way.” I follow him up the grand staircase. He takes me to the upper left wing. We reach the end of the corridor. He smiles as he opens the door, “This was my uncle’s suite.” I step into a land of luxury that makes me feel oddly uncomfortable.

“I can’t live here.” I blurt out. “Nonsense. It’s been vacant for some time now. My uncle had it renovated about ten years ago and spared no expense.” Clearly.

“I don’t want it. Don’t you have a room in servant quarters or something?” He laughs at me, “I’ll let you get settled. Meet me downstairs in the dining room for brunch at eleven.” I shake my head, “I’m not very hungry.”

He looks angry, “You will join me for brunch.” He leaves and closes the door behind him. Great. We’re off to a good start.