“Anyway.” Jim used the single word as some kind of interruption. He addressed his housekeeper now, “Are we in the dining room?”
“Yes. It will be all set for half seven.”
“Thanks.” Jim smiled then turned to Sandra again, “What do you think of the floor in here?”
“I don’t know, it’s just a floor.” She was clearly confused by the question.
Tasha blushed as she stared at Jim, unsure if she should say something or just ignore his obvious torment of her.
“I’m not sure, I may change it. Bet the floors aren’t like this in England, are they, Tasha?” He grinned at her, his grumpy demeanour having lifted.
Tasha resisted the temptation to laugh so simply smiled with a shake of her head. “No. I’ve never seen a floor quite like this one.”
Jim’s expression changed with the sudden knock of the door and it was definitely annoyed rather than amused.
“That will be Juan and wonder boy.” Jim strode off to the door.
“Is Philip in trouble? Should I make myself scarce?” Sandra asked, wary, having seen or at least heard people on the receiving end of Jim’s telling offs.
Tasha shrugged. “I think Philip and I are jointly in trouble for our partying last night, but Juan appears to be in the clear. I have been put in my place already, but Philip hasn’t seen him since we went out.”
“Oh dear. I’ll go and lay the table in the dining room then.”
“I’ll watch the bacon while you’re gone.”
Jim appeared with Juan while a very ill looking Philip followed.
“Morning,” called a relieved looking Sandra as she left.
“Morning, Tasha,” said Juan as he kissed her on the cheek.
“Will you two give us a moment?” Jim was curt as he looked at Tasha and Juan.
“I said I’d watch the bacon,” explained Tasha.
“Fine. You two stay here. Philip. Office. Now.”
Philip headed towards the office but not before delicately saying, “Morning, Tash.”
Tasha called to Jim as he walked past her. “Jim, don’t be mad with Philip. It’s not his fault and I am fine.”
He shook his head. “I’m not discussing this. Juan was in the bathroom and by your own admission he had already spent most of the night with you. I assume Philip was supposed to be watching you in his absence.”
Juan looked at him, nodding and shrugging at the same time.
“As I thought. Natasha this doesn’t concern you.”
“I think it probably concerns me more than anyone, James.” She blanched as soon as the James was out.
“You really do like things doing the hard way, don’t you?” He left to follow Philip to the office, slamming the door behind him.
“Oh dear,” said Juan, understating the situation. “Jim knows about Alex then?”
“He knows a guy accidentally ripped my dress. I didn’t say names, but Alex, the idiot left a bruise on my leg when he grabbed at me, so he was far from happy and because I didn’t tell him until I had no choice he was really pissed with me.”
“Are you okay? He seems really mad with Philip. Am I next?”
“I’m fine.” She giggled slightly. “I’m getting used to Jim being pissed with me.” She turned more serious, “However, he does seem very mad with Philip, but you are safe.”
