“I can do those things,” I told Evan firmly. “Haven’t we managed fine so far?”
“We’ve done okay, yes. But this is an enormous house, Anna. With extensive grounds. To be honest, I’m used to having far more than a cleaning lady coming in one time a week to help keep it all up. I have my work, and you have yours. This will free us up a little to not only do it, but to do other things as well.”
I noticed the sensual gleam in his eyes, and knew he was referring to the idyllic day spent together yesterday. It was unfair on his part, alluding to it, no matter how subtly. He knew I’d be partial to that line of argument. He sounded so reasonable that I felt hysterical by contrast. For a strained few seconds, we just stared at each other.
“Excuse me. But does this mean the job isn’t available after all?”
Evan and I blinked at the small voice. We turned our attention to Valeria. Her awkward uncertainty went through me like a lance. I suddenly saw myself through her eyes. She really must think she’d landed herself in the midst of a very unpleasant domestic situation.
“Of course it’s still available,” Evan said.
Valeria looked relieved. “Oh, good. Because I really need the work.”
I cursed under my breath, feeling like an absolute bitch.
“I’m sorry, Valeria. Really. I’m not usually so rude. I misunderstood Evan’s intent.” I glanced at him. “But I still don’t appreciate you doing this without telling me about it,” I told him quietly. He just nodded once, and I knew he’d gotten my message.
“I see everyone’s met.” We all turned to see Wes enter the room. He looked disheveled, slightly sweaty, and out of breath. With a sinking feeling, I realized I owed him an apology as well, storming off and leaving him up there on the overlook.
“I’m sorry for running off like that,” I said as he approached, sounding like a broken record of an apology. “I misunderstood when you told me about Valeria and the interview.”
“I assumed there was some kind of mix-up,” Wes said, his light brown eyes wide and sincere. There was a pregnant pause.
Evan gave a bark of laughter. I turned to give him a repressive look for laughing at such a tense moment, but noticed the hint of a smile on Valeria’s lips as well. Embarrassment over my behavior swept through me. I must have looked ridiculous, exploding into the room like my head was on fire. Laughter burst out of my throat. Valeria gave me a wary glance, but then she started to chuckle, too. Wes appeared perplexed at our strange behavior, but after a few seconds, he grinned. He reached for Valeria and patted her back. Her long hair covered his hand, but I thought I saw him stroke her warmly.
Familiarly.
“So… difficult interview, Valeria?” Wes asked her cheerfully.
“Well…”
“She aced it,” I interrupted, stifling my laughter. “Didn’t she?” I asked Evan.
“Without a doubt. I already called all your references before you came, Valeria. According to them, you’re hardworking and highly trustworthy. I’d be happy to offer you the job… if you’re still interested?”
“I am,” she said, glancing sideways at me. I rolled my eyes, and she laughed. She really did seem like a nice person.
“Then the job is yours,” Evan said.
“Can I show you around the house and grounds?” I asked her, eager to give her a better impression of myself.
“I’d like that.”
“That’ll give Evan and me more time to catch up,” Wes said amiably.
I wondered if Wes would confess to Evan what he’d told me up at the lookout about Elizabeth.
Valeria and I toured the house and the stone paths around the grounds. I found her to be warm and friendly. She was two years older than me, and lived in Tahoe Shores with three younger siblings, an older brother, and her grandmother, who was sickly.
Valeria had been working as a waitress at one of the North Lake casinos while attending college part-time. When the news had broken that the casino would be closing, it’d been a hard blow. She, her older brother, and a younger sibling were the breadwinners for the Caro household. I could tell she was very relieved about getting a new job, and one that worked with her busy life.
“This beach is fantastic. Look how calm the water is,” Valeria enthused a half hour later as we walked on the white sand of the protected little harbor. “Do you paddleboard or kayak?”
“I’ve done both before, yes.” I’d forgotten my sunglasses, so I shielded my eyes against the bright sun as I looked to the south at a gray stone building situated a ways down the rocky, natural portion of the beach.
“I’m pretty sure we don’t have paddleboards, because Evan has talked about ordering some. But I think there are kayaks. I’ve never searched for any because I’m usually at the beach alone, and the idea of going out by myself didn’t appeal. But I’m thinking they might be stored in that boathouse? I’ve never been in there. Do you want to walk over and see what’s inside?”
Valeria nodded eagerly. We made our way down the beach, walking between, and sometimes over, the massive granite boulders along the water’s edge.