She’s Gregory’s Sandy… kind of.
‘It’s nice to meet you,’ I offer.
‘Here, let me help you with that.’ Like a pro who’s very familiar with the kitchen, Amy opens the front of the coffee machine, takes small pouches of coffee from a cupboard, fills a jug with water which in turn fills the machine, then pushes a button, springing the filter process to life. ‘How do you take it?’
‘Just a drop of milk. I can do it,’ I say, feeling completely inept.
Amy jumps into action, locating a mug and milk then pouring in coffee. ‘Nonsense, that’s why I’m here. Now, what would you like for breakfast?’
She takes two cartons of eggs and a huge pack of smoked salmon from one of her bags, then herbs and a fresh carton of milk and places everything in the fridge.
‘Gregory likes eggs on a Monday once he’s done with the gym and his run but I had a sneaky feeling he might have company for breakfast so I bought bacon, granola, yoghurt and fresh fruit. Oh, and bagels.’
Holding my coffee in two hands, I glance at the items on the bench and to the open fridge. ‘I, erm?—’
‘Listen to me. When I talk too much, just say, “Amy, you’re talking too much.” You might not want breakfast yet. Do you get ready first? However which way is fine. You just tell me your routine and I’ll work around you.’ She stands in front of me, smiling expectantly.
‘Okay. Coffee is good for now. I’ll get dressed then maybe I’ll eat with Gregory.’
‘Oh, no, not on a Monday, he likes to get started early on a Monday.’
‘Right. Okay. So maybe I’ll have strawberries and yoghurt when I’m dressed, is that all right?’
Amy chuckles, a sweet sound that makes her nose scrunch and her cheeks widen. ‘Yes, yes, yes. Off you pop. It’ll be ready when you come back down. If you need anything doing, washing, whatever, just let me know. I’m here every day during the week and sometimes on a weekend if Gregory needs me.’
‘How come we haven’t met?’
‘Well, I’ve had some time off. I was ready for a break and Gregory was keen for me to take some time off, too.’
He was keeping you safe.
‘My kids had holidays from school. He’s good like that, lets me have time off when I need it for the kids. Then any time Ihavebeen here, I’m told you’ve always been at work.’
‘Sounds about right. Thanks for the coffee.’
Gregory holds his mug part way between the breakfast bar and his lips and stares at me as I make my way down the stairs towards him, my hair hanging across one shoulder as I fasten pearl earrings in place. He’s already dressed in a navy suit with a white shirt and crisp, powder-blue tie, his hair damp with product. Casual weekend Gregory is hot but Gregory in a suit… I could take him right here and now.
‘Scarlett, hop up here and get your breakfast,’ Amy chimes.
I slip onto the stool beside Gregory, adjusting my black skirt to make sure the lace tops of my stockings are covered.
The ringtone of a mobile breaks the peace of the room.
‘Ryans!’
I eat my strawberries whilst Gregory takes his call and I’mwrapping myself into my knee-length black coat when he returns.
‘Are you sure you’re ready for work?’ he asks me, dropping his phone into his inside pocket.
‘Yes. I’m fine.’
‘By that, do you mean you’re burying your head in the water?’
I laugh, genuinely, grateful for the short relief, and take a step towards him. ‘Ithinkyou mean burying my head in the sand,’ I say, cheekily biting my bottom lip. He moves closer to me until I’m wilting under his scrutiny and the feel of his breath on my skin.
‘In South Africa, we might say putting your head in the Great White’s jaws.’
‘I’d love to.’
