Page 50 of Day Break

“It appears we’re going to have more for dinner,” George said with a sigh. “Tell me there isn’t enough for everyone, and I’ll turn them away.”

I thought about it, then answered, “There is plenty of food. I was going to use the leftovers for lunch meat this week.”

George nodded. “You’d best take your meal in your rooms. You can clean up after everyone’s left.” He turned and greeted the new people.

I tried really hard not to stare at his family.

Besides Phil and Derrick, who looked so much like Lane it was uncanny, there were two older men. One looked almost identical to Lane. The other was blond and looked nothing like the others. Of the two women, one had Lane’s warm brown hair and features, and the other looked nothing like the rest. I assumed one couple was Phil’s parents and the other Derrick’s.

I wondered vaguely if Lane’s parents would be joining us soon as well.

After setting the large dining table and making sure the food was all ready to be served, I stood around and helped out where needed.

For the most part, the family treated me as if I was invisible. I was thankful for that.

Only Lane and George really talked to me. Everyone else barked orders in my direction.

I was pouring one of the women a glass of wine—I think her name was Reba, the blonde that didn’t look like the rest of the family—when she jerked the glass slightly, causing me to spill a few drops of wine on her blouse.

“Really, George. Where on earth did you hire this woman? You really should vet your workers better.” She glared up at me.

I stood there shocked and unsure what to say or do. “I’m sorry,” I heard myself croak out.

The woman sighed and ran her eyes over me. “You know, there’s an agency you can hire from. I’m sure they can send someone more suitable.” Her eyes moved over my clothes as if they were rags.

I felt my spine straighten.

“Cheap labor is only good for one thing,” Derrick said, his eyes zoning in on my breasts.

“Enough,” George said. “Leave her be.” Then he turned to me. “Thank you.” He nodded towards the doorway with a slight smile.

“We’d better keep our eye on this one,” Phillip said as I turned to go. “She snuck in under the radar. For all we know, she’s just here to get her hands on the family money.” His eyes narrowed at me.

Without saying another word, I set the wine bottle down on the credenza and rushed into the kitchen. I feared they would hear me, so I stepped into the pantry as the first wave of panic overtook me.

My hands gripped the shelf, my nails dug into the soft wood as I took several deep breaths, trying to settle my nerves.

“Hey.” Strong arms rested on my shoulders. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, not wanting Lane to see what that woman’s words had done to me.

“She’s a bitch. They all are,” he said softly. “Besides, everyone at the table saw my aunt jerk her glass away.” He turned me until I faced him. “She’s not worth crying over. My cousins are snakes and idiots. None of them are worth the tears.”

“I know that,” I said, dashing the tears away and cursing myself for it. How many times had I promised myself that I’d shed my last tear? Too many. I was an emotional fool, and I had no clue why.

“Why the tears then?” he asked.

I closed my eyes and shrugged. “I suppose I’m just tired and hungry.”

“Go, take a plate for yourself and head up to your rooms. We can pour our own wine and get our own dessert,” he said with a smile. “Hell, if it will get me away from my family, I’ll even do all the dishes myself.”

“No,” I jumped in. “Don’t. I won’t have them thinking I’m not doing my job around here,” I said quickly.

Lane’s smile grew. “All right. But don’t bother with any of it until after you’ve had something to eat yourself.”

I nodded, then held in a gasp when he leaned down and brushed his lips softly over mine. He turned and disappeared.

Since I didn’t want to be gone too long, I made myself a plate of food and ate it in the pantry. I could hear the voices raise several times and was almost curious enough to poke my head out to hear what they were arguing about.