3 This Feels Strange (2/2)

Oh, wow. He suddenly sounded so standoffish at the mention of his kid. Wondered what's the problem. Maybe he had a broken marriage and he only had visiting rights to the child? But according to the contract, my duty was needed within weekdays that meant he had the child's custody. So where was the kid now? Maybe the ex-wife only had the visiting rights which would be during weekends? I silently nodded to myself. Maybe. I wondered why I wanted to insist of Mr. Lombardi having a broken marriage.

I whipped my head from side to side. Was there anyone else in this huge place? Gardener? Butler? But even the house helps I thought earlier didn't come out from the corners of the house when they should be the one answering the door. This was beginning to feel strange to me.

But all of my negative thoughts were temporarily whisked away when I saw the pool through the floor to ceiling awning window at the side of the house. The window was obviously a one-way glass because it was tinted in such a way that the sunlight outside wouldn't stream inside the house. Another weird thing I noticed. If I hadn't known better, I would've thought Mr. Lombardi was a vampire. The silly idea actually made me smile which in return made the man in question hiss.

My eyes flew at him and caught him staring right into my smile. No, I didn't think he was actually looking at the smile. He was looking down my mouth as if he wanted to devour it. His eyes were hooded, his teeth were bared between his thinning lips and a tic on his jaw was pulsing like a tic-toc of the clock.

I looked away again and cleared my throat. ”Will it be alright if I come back tomorrow? I didn't bring anything with me other than my wallet. I really thought we'll just be going on an interview. I didn't bring change of clothes.”

”What if youre not coming back?”

”I need the money I'll get from this job, Mr. Lombardi. I'm definitely coming back.”

”I'll give you money now but you have to stay. There's a room at the second level that has a closet full of clothes. They're new so you don't have to worry if you want to use them.”

I gawked at him in disbelief. I wanted to ask if why would he have a room with new clothes that didn't belong to anyone? But I held my tongue because I knew he would only give me another of his reticent response again.

”I know I stated in the contract that you'll be going home during weekends but I need you now.” He paused to scan my entire body that made me shiver before he settled his gaze back to my eyes. ”I hope it'll be ok if you stay until the next weekend comes.”

”Well...” I shrugged and thought that if I started early, the more money I'd be paid even if I haven't started my work. ”Of course. I've got nothing to do at home, anyway.” I gave him a smile and a nod.

He blew a ragged breath before stepping to the side away from me. ”Thank you. And while my kid hasn't come, will it be alright if you act as my aid around the house? My cook left me. I had someone cleaning the house but only during Wednesdays. I don't really know how to make my own meal. I've been living with cereals for days now.”

”It's alright with me. That if its also alright with you eating non-Italian cuisine. I've no idea making one other than pasta.”