Mary, who does the cleaning. She’s a sweetheart. Has six
grandkids she’d love to tell you about if she corners you. For
hours.”
“Sounds good. I’d love to hear about them.”
“She’ll be in this afternoon. As for the rest of the hours, I’m
not sure what to say. The water is nice, but cold this time of
year.”
“I thought it would be.”
“Tennis isn’t much fun with one person, but you could go
for a walk or a run. The yard is nice enough.”
“Yeah. A walk would be good.” Haley was too embarrassed
to say that running would probably kill her. She’d always
hated it. Of course her highness would go for morning runs
and drink shakes with kale. How cliché of her.
“There’s also a library and a home theater.”
“Really? I love movies!”
Jean’s smile was contagious. “I live here, so I know how to
work everything. The only place that’s off limits for us staff is
Miss Finley’s office. She won’t even let Mary in there to
clean.”
“She keeps it locked?”
“Oh, no.” Jean leaned on the counter. He looked like he was
scared to be telling secrets. “No need for locks. We all know
not to touch it. I’d steer clear, if I were you.”
“Noted. I guess everything else will come in time. Fall into
place or whatever. I’ll get used to being here and everything
will be fine.” She sounded far more certain that she felt. She
slid her empty plate away and Jean took it, setting it in the sink
to rinse it off. “Thank you for everything, Jean. For the
wonderful breakfast and for being a friend. You have no idea