“Yes, sir,” he says, and I end the call.
The manager doesn’t ask why I’m removing the door, which is good. I wasn’t about to tell him why I wanted it gone and what I plan on doing with it open. I’m telling myself that keeping an eye on her is a good thing, but deep down, I want to watch her.
Nova might have been hired to help take care of my niece, but I’ve got needs too.
Chapter Five
NOVA
If I thought the building was fancy, this house is a whole other level. Although maybe this is considered a mansion. I’ve babysat for rich people, but this is wealth. I need to google Kellan Eve. I should have done that before. My brothers would kick my ass if they found out about all of this, but I’m not rushing to tell them. If one person in Cheerful knows, then everyone does.
"I could get lost in this place."
"I did once," Aurora says, making me snort a laugh. Of course she did.
"I’ll have to Hansel and Gretel my way around," I tell her, but Niles clears his throat from behind me.
"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.
