“Yes.”
“And the secondary access chip?”
“In the envelope beside it.”
I nodded again.
Ben remained standing in the doorway. “You’re excited,” he observed.
“I do not know what you mean.”
“Mhm, right.” Ben smiled. “I’ve never seen you reorganize the house for someone before.”
“Changing an unused room into an office could hardly be considered reorganizing the house.”
“So we’re not going to talk about how you spent last night cleaning the entirety of the first floor?”
“That was necessary.”
“I’m sure.”
“I am ensuring he will be comfortable and has what he requires to excel at the job,” I said.
Ben crossed his arms loosely. “And what do you require?”
“That he succeeds here.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
I turned toward him, ignoring his comment to instruct, “Do not approach him unnecessarily.”
Ben laughed, dimple popping out on his cheek. “I wasn’t planning to.”
“I am serious.”
“I can tell.”
“If he initiates conversation, you may respond,” I clarified. “If he requires assistance, you are to provide it immediately.”
“Of course.”
“But otherwise,” I said firmly, “leave him space to acclimate.”
“He’ll be fine, Tobias,” Ben tried to assure me.
“I know. I just… want him here already,” I confessed.
Ben already knew about my displeasure regarding Cove’s refusal to stay at the house. I just couldn’t understand why Cove hadn’t wanted a room here. I had everything he could possibly need. And if he didn’t like something, I’d just change it.
What was so wrong about my home that he didn’t want to stay?
Or was it not about the house, and more about something Cove had found wrong withme?
“Stop worrying,” Ben chided, interrupting my thoughts.
It was not phrased as an order.
Ben rarely issued those, and not to me. No. To me, he offered suggestions.
