But she noticed his confidence, which exuded from his walk, his posture, his appearance, something that drew her gaze. While she was contemplating, the young man returned to his car and, with a screech, drove away. She looked after the car with a sense of regret, but was taken aback when she noticed it turning around and coming back her way.
Driving by at a decent speed, it splashed her with dirty water from a puddle. The car disappeared, leaving Tiffany feeling hurt and disappointed. She tried to tidy herself up as best as she could.
The pleasant impression she had when she first saw the guy vanished at that moment. The next day, Tiffany came to work, and Ms. Jennifer seemed unhurried, which was quite unlike her. This surprised Tiffany.
The woman was leisurely sipping aromatic coffee, sitting on the couch in the living room. Greeting her hostess, Tiffany asked. Good morning, Ms. Jennifer.
Why are you alone? Where is your son? He’s sleeping. Don’t clean the second floor today. Just dust the first floor and wash the dishes left from yesterday’s dinner.
And basically, you’re free for the day, Ms. Jennifer replied with a nod. Tiffany agreed and headed to the kitchen. But as she passed through the dining room, she saw the same bouquet on the table that she had seen when she was washing the dishes.
Ms. Jennifer’s son had woken up and come downstairs. Turning off the tap, Tiffany unintentionally overheard part of their conversation with his mother. I don’t need advice, mom.
I’ll live my life the way I decide, the young man said in a not very pleasant tone, coming across as somewhat rude to Tiffany. To her, he seemed somewhat impolite. I am your mother, and I believe I can share my point of view with you, Ms. Jennifer sternly retorted.
Believe what you want, but you shouldn’t do that, he snapped back and headed towards the kitchen. Seeing Tiffany, he stopped abruptly at the doorway. Tiffany was now convinced that he was the same rude guy from yesterday with the bouquet.
And who are you, he asked, his tone unfriendly. I’m Tiffany, she replied modestly. I’m your mother’s assistant.
I see, he said, and she thought she detected a tone of disdain in his voice. Opening the fridge and glancing at its contents, he asked. Can you make an omelet? Well, of course.
But I’m not. She was about to say that cooking wasn’t part of her duties, but he didn’t let her finish. Great.
Whip one up quickly, he said, I’m short on time. It wasn’t Tiffany’s plan to ruin her relationship with her hostess’s son on the first day. So, she silently took eggs and milk from the fridge.
She often cooked omelets for Pamela and herself, and they turned out quite good, even restaurant quality. It’s delicious. Michael praised, enjoying his breakfast.
I’m pleasantly surprised. Thank you. Tiffany replied.
Tiffany couldn’t deny that his praise flattered her. When Miss Jennifer entered the dining room, Tiffany was already composed. I guess I don’t need to introduce you to each other, she smiled.
Thank you, Tiffany, for feeding Michael. Once you finish with the dusting in the living room, you’re free for the day. After work, Tiffany decided to take a walk to the institute.
She reflected on what might have been wrong in the relationship between the mother and son. Something didn’t add up. She couldn’t put her finger on it, though.
True, she had to admit that the guy was handsome, but there was something in his behavior and way of speaking that repelled her. He seemed attentive, buying his mother a bouquet upon his arrival. Yet, there was that rude tone during their morning conversation.
Tiffany vividly remembered how Miss Jennifer had been looking forward to his arrival, how she had prepared for it. But now, they acted like two complete strangers. There was no love felt between them, and this question kept bothering Tiffany.
What had come between them? After all, they were supposed to be the closest people to each other. Need a ride? A familiar voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts. Tiffany startled.
She turned her head and saw Michael sitting behind the wheel of the same car, sporting an imperturbable smile. Tiffany quickly noted to herself that she had seen such a dazzling smile only in Hollywood movies. While she was contemplating her response, the young man asked again.
So, do you need a ride? Are you going far? No, thank you. I’m almost there. It’s not necessary, she replied.
Well, suit yourself, he shrugged, accelerated, and promptly disappeared around the corner. Tiffany continued working as a housekeeper, and each morning she noticed that Michael was still asleep during that time. One day, Miss Jennifer shared with her that Michael came home every night just before dawn, and she was very worried that he might get involved in some shady business.
In general, Tiffany noticed that after Michael’s return, Miss Jennifer became more silent, withdrawn, constantly lost in thought. She couldn’t figure out the reasons behind such changes in her behavior. If she had eagerly awaited his return, she should have been fluttering, laughing, and enjoying life.
Instead, it was the exact opposite. But Tiffany had no intention of prying into her hostess’s affairs. She decided that if Miss Jennifer wanted to share, she would start the conversation herself.
Every day, she silently took care of all the household chores and then went to the institute. One day, she arrived at work, but Miss Jennifer was not at home. After finishing the cleaning, Tiffany got ready to leave, but she was stopped by Michael.
Where are you going?, he inquired. Home. Tidy up my room, if it’s not too much trouble.
As she was cleaning on the second floor, Michael closely watched her, making Tiffany feel uncomfortable. Am I doing something wrong?, she clarified. No, everything is simply splendid.
I enjoy observing people at work, he replied. Have you ever tried working yourself? Tiffany asked. Michael grimaced and answered.
How audacious. And let me remind you, you are just a housekeeper. It seems like you have quite an unusual demeanor.
As I noticed. It seems like you haven’t completed an etiquette school either, Tiffany didn’t back down. With your permission, I’ll finish the cleaning and go home.
Permission granted. You have to work for your money, he arrogantly declared before leaving the room. After finishing the cleaning, she descended to the living room and saw Michael sprawled on the couch.
When he noticed her, he immediately got up. You cleaned everything so quickly? I hope thoroughly, he said. Well, check it if you like.
If you’re not satisfied, I’ll redo it, she retorted with a smirk. Smirking, he went upstairs and called out a couple of minutes later. Fine.
It’ll do for the first time. Perfect, she replied and headed toward the exit. But there’s one thing I don’t understand.
Why did mom take you in, he called after her. You’re always in such a hurry. For instance, if I need you in the evening, how will that work? I perfectly suit your mom, the girl remained composed.
And perhaps you should hire your own assistant? You talk too much, for a servant. His voice showed clear irritation. Well, then, when you look for an assistant, consider someone deaf and mute.
That way, she won’t hear your rudeness and won’t be able to respond in kind, Tiffany fired back before leaving the house. This encounter deeply offended Michael, and he spent the whole evening in a bad mood. No one had ever dared to speak to him in such a way, especially a housekeeper.
Who does she think she is? A clumsy, miserable girl. He couldn’t shake off the thoughts of her audacity and bravery. But before going to bed, he caught himself thinking that not everyone possesses such courage.
She is quite something. Didn’t back down, he admitted. The next day, when Tiffany arrived for work, she found Michael already awake and rummaging through the fridge for something to eat.
Ms. Jennifer, sipping her coffee, was giving advice to her son on what to eat and what to avoid for breakfast. Maybe she could make something for me? Michael nodded in Tiffany’s direction. The young woman looked puzzled at the young man and then turned her gaze to her employer.
Capturing the full bewilderment in her look, Ms. Jennifer said. Tiffany dear, please be so kind and prepare something for my son. I’ll adjust your salary at the end of the month.
Tiffany silently tied an apron and started cooking. Meanwhile, Ms. Jennifer said her goodbyes and left for work. After making delicious pancakes for Michael, Tiffany proceeded with her cleaning duties.
While she was dusting the office, she felt someone’s gaze on her back. Turning around, she met Michael’s eyes, who was intently observing her every move. Do you need something? she asked.
Yes. I wanted to say thank you for the delicious breakfast, he replied. I’m glad you liked it, she replied.
Tiffany wanted to get back to work, but Michael didn’t move. Is that all? she inquired. No.
I was thinking that you make breakfast for me, so I’d like to treat you to lunch in return, he said. That’s unnecessary. I have lunch at the institute after work, she replied.
Of course. But where do you get the money to eat at a restaurant? Just so you understand, if you didn’t get it, I’m inviting you, which means I’m paying. Come, let’s have a proper meal, he insisted.
It’s remarkable. Tiffany nervously chuckled. It’s supposed to be an act of gratitude, and you’re still being offensive.
I don’t need your restaurant. I trust the institute canteen much more. Oh well, don’t take it to heart, Michael tried to play it down.
I just can’t understand why you’re so stubborn. Is it really that difficult to accept my invitation? It seems you’re not used to refusals, she retorted. Others would be over the moon to be invited by you.
If I offer to spend time together. Well, then, invite them, Tiffany countered. I’m content with my interactions within this house.
And yes, I know my place. A servant is a servant, no matter where. I think I should have lunch with those who match my status.
Fine. Do you have dinner at the institute too, he persisted. We can go to a cafe or the canteen.
I’m not that picky, he said with a smirk. I haven’t tried their food, though I meant the canteen. But maybe I’ll start going there after our lunch.
I doubt it, Tiffany replied. Everyone should have their meals where they’re used to. You can enjoy a restaurant, and I’m happy with home-cooked cutlets and pasta.
Understood, Michael said grumpily. But if you change your mind, let me know. Working at Ms. Jennifer House was becoming increasingly difficult for Tiffany on a moral level.
It seemed to her that Michael was constantly following her every move, monitoring her every step. She didn’t want to complain, it wasn’t her habit to do so. Besides, Ms. Jennifer would be even more upset if she found out.
But Michael was trying his best, constantly criticizing her work, giving her additional responsibilities, and constantly inviting her on dates. Tiffany couldn’t figure out what he was trying to achieve, whether he was mocking her or trying to draw her attention to himself. Regardless, she felt uncomfortable in his presence, and avoiding him was impossible.
Rushing again, he intercepted her at the doorstep when Tiffany was about to leave for home. Why isn’t my room cleaned?, he asked. Well, you were asleep.
I decided not to disturb you, she replied. I really need to get to the institute. I can come and tidy up after my classes to Fanuro.
Well, please do, he said sarcastically. The next day, after her classes at the institute, she went to work. Ms. Jennifer was not at home, but Michael greeted her with joy.
I had almost lost hope. Thought you had forgotten about me, he said, teasingly. Ignoring his remarks, she quickly changed and went upstairs.
Upon entering his room, she was astonished. It was perfectly clean. Everything sparkled, and things were in their places.
Tiffany turned to him and asked. Who cleaned up everything? Was it you? From your perspective, do you think I’m incapable of doing that?, he replied, answering her question with a question. No.
That’s not what I meant, noted Tiffany. Then why did you invite me? Well, I just couldn’t think of another reason to invite you for dinner, explained Michael. Dinner? Tiffany asked, not hiding her disappointment.