“Those two boxes are for the kitchen,” Andy said.
When Newt went into the kitchen, he saw a woman in her thirties opening and closing cupboard doors. He put the boxes on the granite island. She didn’t turn to look at him. When Newt went back into the hall, a tall, pencil-thin guy with a shaved head, dressed entirely in black, strode over.
“We require four guest rooms.” This guy was English.And rude.
“There are only three.”
“That’s not acceptable.”
I’ll just magic one up then, shall I, dickhead? Along with room service and a chocolate on your pillow?Newt shrugged.
“Ms Fox needs me close by at all times. I’m her dresser.”
She can’t dress herself?
“She also needs her personal assistant and her cook nearby, along with her bodyguard. One room for Ms Fox. Her PA and cook can share. One for Andy and one for me. Four rooms.”
Newt hadn’t missed that Dila was not intending to share with River, but sadly, that didn’t mean Newt could.
“There are only three rooms,” Newt said. “Can’t you share with Andy?”
The guy looked as horrified as if he’d just been told his dick was hanging out.
“No. Utterly impossible. This won’t do at all. Jesse! Where are you, Jesse? I need you to solve this. Now!” He flapped his arms, looking like some huge malevolent crow.
Bloody hell.
Max, Dila, River and presumably Jesse came into the hall.
“What’s happening, Xander?” Max asked.
Dila clung to River’s arm as they snuck upstairs.
“We require four rooms. I’m not sharing with Andy. He’d kill me in my sleep just for breathing too loudly.”
Andy slammed the front door. “It would be tempting.”
Newt smiled. He liked Andy.
Xander turned to Newt and scowled. “Are you using a bedroom?”
“Yes.”
“Then you’ll have to move out and travel in.”
“No,” Max said. “There’s accommodation over the garage. Could you use that for a couple of days, Newt?”
He didn’t see the point in being awkward. He was the hired help after all. “Okay.”
“Sorry to push you out. I’m Jesse, Dila’s PA.” She held out her hand and Newt shook it. She was American too.
“I’ve not been up there since River moved in,” Max said. “If there’s any problem, Newt, let me know.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine. So… You still want me to work with River while there are guests in the house?”
“Absolutely. Whatever you’re doing is working. Everyone here is aware of the situation with River. You’re all under the same NDA.” He looked round at those in the hall. “No photos that give any hint of where this house is situated. Is that understood?”
“I’ll sort out the bedroom.” Newt headed for the stairs and as he reached the top, Dila and River were heading towards him. The moment she saw him, she took hold of River’s arm. River had changed clothes. He was in tight grey jeans and a white T-shirt. His hair had gel in it. Newt didn’t like the gel. But he did like the little smile River shot him as he passed.
