Hand in hand, we walk into McDonald's, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze. Dave orders first, then I follow. We pick a table and sit to wait for our food. I lean in and whisper, "Is everyone staring at us?"
"So what if they are? Being one of the wealthiest in the world doesn't stop me from enjoying a hamburger," he retorts.
"True, but the staring..." I murmur.
"They're just curious about what a wealthy man is doing here with such a beautiful woman," he chuckles. We share a laugh as the server arrives with our order.
"Is it good?" I ask.
"Damn, it's been too long since I've had one of these," Dave declares, biting into his burger. The woman next to us looks on in shock.
"Don't take it too hard, ma'am. But, fuck, this burger is delicious," he comments.
The woman gives him a look of distaste and departs, shaking her head.
"That was quite inappropriate," I note.
"But it was funny. Reminded me of my college days."
"Which college?"
"Harvard. My parents wanted me to study in America, whereas I would have preferred England. However, had I not gone to Harvard, I would never have met Arthur."
I arch an eyebrow at Dave. "Arthur the DJ? Stephanie's boyfriend?" I ask, incredulous.
"Yes, he was in the same classes as me, but we never abandoned our shared passion. We devoted countless hours to student parties. He was always the standout."
Dave takes a sip of his Coke, and I observe the straw between his lips. When our eyes connect, a subtle smile appears on his face. He's used to such attention. How have my feelings shifted from disdain to desire so swiftly? Have his charisma and good looks finally swayed my judgment?
"Lost in thought?" Dave asks, placing his cup down. I feel my cheeks warm and turn my attention to my cup, playing with the straw, moving it up and down through the lid's hole.
"Is everyone attending the staff party this weekend?"
"The gardener won't make it, but Linda will. I believe my driver might come too. Why do you ask?"
"Just curious." Dave gives me a probing look.
"Should we head home, Vanessa?" he suggests after a pause.
"Sure," I reply, a bit abruptly. He collects our trays and discards the waste before stacking the tray atop the bin.
"Vanessa, do you still view us merely as employer and employee? You're my girlfriend, which makes you the co-host of this party."
"Um, aren't I on track to become your personal assistant soon?"
"That's one way to put it. But let's not complicate things," he advises as we enter the car.
"Alright. I'll try not to."
"Good," Dave replies with a smile.
The staff party day arrives all too quickly. Nerves fill me as Dave and I enter the banquet hall, where only the catering service is present. As the first guests trickle in, a wave of nervous sweat washes over me. Dave notices and attempts to calm me, "You look stunning in your golden dress. The things I'd like to do when we're alone are not meant for others' ears."
"Dave, that's not helping," I respond, my cheeks warming.
"It did distract you from your nerves," he murmurs, then turns to welcome an arriving guest.
YOU ARE READING
Housekeeper (Lavens Family, part 1)
RomanceWhat if you are forced to move? Reason: You have caught your boyfriend with your sister, and you are staying with a friend, but do not want to be a burden to her any further. Would you, like Vanessa, take the opportunity to accept a well-paid job...
