Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25367 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 127(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 85(@300wpm)
"I would rather you didn't leave trails of food behind you." Niles is every inch of what you'd think a butler would be, but he informed me he’s actually the house manager. Tomato tomahto.
"You know what would be crazy fun in this house?" I ask Aurora as Niles leads me down another wing on this house tour. The hallways are massive. You could stand six people shoulder to shoulder across it. Well, maybe only three of Kellan.
"What?"
"Hide and seek." Aurora's face lights up with excitement at the suggestion.
"That would be fun." Going off Niles’ expression, he doesn’t agree.
"This is Aurora's bedroom," Niles tells me, while Aurora opens the door and bounces right in.
It's as massive as the rest of the house, and there’s even a fireplace. I hope I have one, but I’ll probably be placed in a maid's corner somewhere around here.
"You can swim in my tub," she informs me.
"The pool will open in April," Niles tells us as if to discourage us from swimming in the bathtub.
"There's a pool?" Maybe they’ve got a bowling alley or a small coffee shop too? Who am I kidding? Nothing is small around here.
"Yes, but it's heated. It can open earlier."
That's pretty cool, but I don't see myself being here in five months. I'll be shocked if I make it one. Kellan’s demeanor was a bit stiff when talking to me.
I take in all of her room and decide this isn't for a young girl. It's very much for an adult, and I wonder if Kellan would let us make a few changes. That could be something Aurora and I do for fun to help make this place feel more like her own home.
“Shall I show you to your room, Ms. Galloway?”
“Nova,” I tell him for the third time. He really doesn’t want to use my first name. “I would love for you to show me."
"This way,” Niles says. "Chef Carl has prepared you a snack, Ms. Aurora. Dinner won't be for a few hours."
This place has a full running staff. Kellan mentioned needing extra help, but there seems to be plenty of people around for that already.
"Okay," Aurora tells him before she grabs a book off the nightstand to head downstairs.
"I'll see you in a little bit," I tell her. "Unless I get lost."
Aurora giggles, the sound sweet and what I was after. I'm sure the past month has been a lot to deal with, so seeing her happy feels like a win.
Niles leads me across the house to another wing. "Bet you get lots of steps in walking around this place." I tap my watch, and he only nods at my question. "Wouldn't it be better if I stayed in that wing?" I point my thumb behind me from where we came. I’d prefer to be closer to Aurora.
"Your room selection has already been made. If there is an issue, you'll need to address that with Mr. Eve."
"Okie-dokie." Yeah, I won't be doing that. I'm already on thin ice with him, and I haven't done anything.
"Here we are," Niles tells me when we're almost to the end of this wing. I glance toward the doors at the very end that gives the impression that it's the primary bedroom. But I don’t know anything about mansions this size, so it could be a room where Kellan stashes all his money, Scrooge McDuck style.
Niles opens the door for me, and I look around the space. It’s a nice-sized room, bigger than I’ve ever stayed in before. It matches the rest of the house, screaming wealth with simple furniture and muted colors. My trash bags and the one piece of luggage I could find sit in the middle of the room, appearing as out of place as I am.
"I'll leave you to unpack. Dinner is at seven."
Does that mean I'm eating with them, or will they have a plate ready for me? I guess I'll find out when I go downstairs, because I don’t want to ask Niles and make things more awkward.
"Thank you," I tell him.
Niles seems to get stuff done quickly. It’s rather impressive. I thought my bags were still back at the office, but I was told my truck and things would be brought over.
"Also, Mr. Eve alerted me about the possibility of a uniform. I'll have them brought up when they arrive."
I only nod this time because that comment actually burns. A uniform? Jeez, were my clothes that bad? I’m a nanny, not a doctor.
Niles shuts the door behind him when he leaves, and my smile drops. It was hard to hide my emotions since they always show on my face. Normally I don't care, but if I didn’t feel less than suitable before, I really do now.
Doing my best to shake it off, I explore the room. There’s a small bathroom and closet, but something about the room doesn't appear complete.