Minutes after I got back, Kate came in as well. I tried to be cheerful so she wouldn’t worry.
“How did the meeting with your dad go?” I asked, hoping to keep things light.
“It went well. However, I had to leave in a hurry because of an arrangement I had planned out. He promised to meet me again later,” Kate replied, sounding slightly distracted.
We were still engaged in the conversation when her phone rang.
“Hello, Dad,” she answered, her tone instantly softening. I could tell it was her father on the line.
“You’re leaving? So soon? Did you finish up what you came for already?” Kate paused, listening to whatever her dad was saying.
“Well, if that’s the case, I really wanted to spend some time with you and for you to also meet my new friend and roommate. But it’s fine; we can always get to see each other. Safe flight, Dad, and send my regards to Jake.”
Kate hung up and sighed.
“Your dad is leaving already?” I asked, sensing her disappointment.
“Yes, it turns out he just came for something and it’s done already,” she said, trying to sound upbeat.
“Well, it’s a good thing you got to see him at least,” I offered.
“I know, right,” Kate replied, though there was a hint of sadness in her voice.
“What are we having for dinner?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Pasta. I’m craving pasta,” I said, trying to match her mood.
“We should make that then. Our little baby needs to eat and grow fast,” she teased, her playful tone lifting the atmosphere.
I laughed at her remark as I joined her in the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Afterward, we went to bed, but my mind was occupied with how to find a job. There was no way I could go back to the restaurant after the encounter with Ray, so that option was off the table.
Scrolling through my phone, I came across a job post for a caregiver. It wasn’t exactly what I wanted, but the description didn’t seem too bad.
I set my alarm for 6:30 a. m., determined to make a good impression at the interview the next day.
Waking up, I got ready to leave. I dressed casually yet decently, wanting to look presentable for the interview.
—
I arrived at the location on the map. It was a mansion-a French-looking mansion in a somewhat remote area. There weren’t a lot of houses nearby, and at one point, I considered turning back. But something urged me to continue. The walk from the gate to the house felt like a journey in itself.
I rang the bell at the gate and pressed the intercom button.
“Hello, how may I help you?” a woman’s voice responded.
“Hello, ma’am. I’m here for the interview,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Move closer to the camera so I can see you,” she instructed.
I scanned around and spotted the camera. Walking closer, I made sure it could capture my appearance. A moment later, the gate opened automatically, and I stepped in, taking in the surroundings. The property was stunning-flowers, trees, and an overall atmosphere that made me feel like I was in another world.
At the entrance of the house, an elderly woman was waiting for me.
“Hello, ma’am,” I greeted her, offering a polite smile.
“Hello, dear. You must be…?”
“Nora. Nora Grey,” I introduced myself.
“Hmmm, your English is so good. You aren’t an indigene, are you?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“No, ma’am,” I replied.
“That’s good. The Boss uses English most of the time,” she said, nodding in approval.
“The Boss?” I asked, curious.
“Yes, he’s the one you’ll be looking after. Join me; let’s have tea together, and I’ll put you through what you’re required to do.”
She led me inside, and I couldn’t help but admire the house’s grandeur. It was vast and beautifully furnished, but there was a loneliness to it that made me uneasy.
“As you can see, this is a huge house. I’ve been working here for years, but I’m too old now and need to rest myself,” the woman explained as we sat down in a cozy sitting area.
“Mr. Beaumont- that’s the Boss-doesn’t speak much. After his family died in a plane crash, he’s kept to himself. So, you won’t have any issues with him,” she continued, her tone becoming more somber.
I nodded, absorbing the information.
“A cleaner comes once in a while to tidy up, as well as a gardener. Your job is to keep him company, engage him in conversation, and check up on him, especially with his diet,” she added.
I listened carefully, realizing this job was going to be more challenging than I had anticipated. But I was determined to make it work.
“Well you seem to the a good pick and I doubt anyone better will be coming by soon, you aren’t allowed to bring in outsiders and the old man likes his privacy, no partying, no smoking just be decent.” She said
“I understand ma’am.”
“Good then, You’ve gotten the job! It’s a full-time position, as I mentioned in the advertisement, so you’ll need to move in. I’ll show you to your room as well,” she said, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement.
A full-time job? I thought to myself, surprised I had missed that detail.
“You’ll be getting $5, 000 monthly, and everything you need will be provided as well,” she added, her voice steady.
“If you don’t mind, you can start up by the weekend,” she suggested.
“Alright, ma’am, that will be great,” I replied, my heart racing at the prospect.
“The boss is asleep right now, but I’ll introduce you both properly when you move in,” she promised.
“I’ll be looking forward to that, ma’am,” I said, a smile spreading across my face.
Leaving the mansion, I was ecstatic. Initially, I didn’t like the idea of a full-time position, but the pay was far better than any office work. I wouldn’t have to pay rent or worry about meals; I just needed to live.
This way, I could save up for the arrival of my baby.
I knew being pregnant might make the work challenging, but hopefully, they wouldn’t mind. I intended to do a good job, and I was relieved it wouldn’t be too tedious.
I couldn’t wait to break the good news to Kate, she’d be so happy.