Jewel

Chapter 2: The Job

She regretted it. The instant the words left her mouth, she regretted it. The look of surprise and mortification on Linus's face added to that regret, but Eileen was never one to back down— only double down. Perhaps it was the stubbornness in her nature, or perhaps it was the bitterness in her heart. She didn't know.

After a few moments of stunned silence, Linus gathered himself. Slowly, he stood from his seat.

"I've imposed on you long enough," he began softly, with no trace of malice in his tone. "I will be returning to the reception now."

Eileen didn't meet his eyes. She just stared out the window behind where he had been sitting. Linus slowly made his way to the door of the library.

"Miss Jones," he called quietly from the door.

Eileen didn't turn or give any indication that she had heard him at all, but he knew that she did.

"It is an honor to finally make your acquaintance," Linus continued. "I— I hope that I might... speak to you again... someday."

With that, he was gone, and Eileen breathed out a sigh, her eyes closing in shame. There was little doubt in her mind that Linus was an honorable man, but perhaps that was the problem. She didn't know how to adjust her behavior. Anyway, she was highly doubtful that she would ever speak to Linus Patterson again, whatever his hope was. Tucking her book under her arm, she made her way back to her room.

It was four days after the wedding. Linus locked the door of his law firm and strolled down the street toward his favorite diner. It was a small place conveniently located within the six blocks between home and work. He often dined out, as he employed no cook at home and was a bit clumsy at cooking for himself.

Entering the establishment, Linus headed straight for his usual seat by the window. He was very much a creature of habit, and he had no doubt that his usual waiter, Tom Bailey, would be by in a minute to take the same order that Linus placed every meal.

He wasn't certain how long he had been staring out at the street when he heard someone clear their throat impatiently.

"Sorry, I—" Linus quickly looked up at the server and nearly choked on his own saliva. "M-miss Jones!"

"Good evening, sir," Eileen greeted him as if she didn't recognize him at all. "May I take your order?"

Linus's eyes quickly swept her attire. He had never seen her in anything but the finest dresses, as Clement always insisted she have the very best. Now, however, she wore a plain dress with a long, pinafore apron. Her hair appeared to be pinned up much tighter than usual.

"I— I— wh-where's Tom?" Linus stammered.

"I don't know any 'Tom'," Eileen replied shortly.

"And you... work here?" Linus asked with an air of stupidity.

"Do you imagine that I'd ask you for your order if I didn't work here, sir?" she shot back sarcastically.

Linus just gaped at her.

"Should I come back later?" Eileen asked in irritation.

Linus shook his head. "No, no. I'll have the usual... I mean, uh... the chicken, please."

Somehow, Linus managed to sputter out the rest of his order, all the while staring at Eileen's crystal blue eyes. She didn't glance at him once, simply taking his order.

"Does Clement know you work here?" Linus blurted out the question without thinking. He did not mean anything by it; he was merely surprised that Clement had never mentioned it before.