William smiles, but I don’t know what he’s thinking. I pause as I’m about to leave. “May I ask a question, William?”
“But of course.”
“Has Harrison, you know, dated much? Or does he have a girlfriend?”
William looks unsure if he should share private information. He crosses his arms and smiles back at me. “Miss, Master Harry has never had a girlfriend.”
“What, so this year?”
“Ever.”
“No, that’s just weird,” I say.
William starts to flip through mail that has come in. I’m unsure what has gone on, but something feels strange about Harry.
“William, is he alright?”
“That is rather private,” William says, turning to me, “but you did already sign a confidentiality agreement, correct?”
“Yes,” I say, remembering the large clause about privacy.
“Samantha, years ago, Harry lost his young sister, and his parents in a private airplane accident.”
“Oh, God,” I say, my hand over my mouth.
It suddenly starts to make sense. Him being extra reserved. Having a heavier energy. And generally being less light, positive, and free.
“And it hit him hard?”
“It hit us all hard, Samantha. Before that, he was lighter and, well, another man. A happier man.”
My heart hurts for the sexy, refined brute.
“Do you think he has abandonment or some kind of commitment issues?”
William pauses while looking at the stack of mail. “I’m not at liberty to say, dear.”
We exchange a look, and I feel for the damaged grumpy hunk.
“So, he doesn’t let anyone close?”
I look at the caring older man in his seventies, but he gives away nothing.
“Poor bastard,” I say, feeling sick.
“That is not entirely accurate, my dear. Technically, a bastard has no mother. Harry’s mother was a divine, classy, and well-balanced woman. An incredible woman, in fact.”
“Oh, I didn’t?—”
“I know.”
I sigh and now understand. I know it will be hard for Harry to find anyone good enough. As good as his amazing mother. Sighing, I start to realize just how complex his world is.
“Well, nice talking, Miss Samantha.”
“Thanks, you too, William.”
William heads out, and I sigh. I then wonder how I should feel about the hot grump upstairs. If I should feel pity. If I should remember him as strong, powerful, and commanding.
