CHECKLISTS

Official

I ran to the living room when I heard David's distant voice even though my hair was still dripping wet. I found them eating at the kitchen, Henry was leaning against the fridge, eating a banana while David was seated and making himself a PB&J. I slowed down as I reached them.

"Sorry. I, uh, forgot to set the alarm," I said, looking down.

Henry chuckled. His eyes crinkling on the corners. His brown hair was sleeked back and he was wearing ties. He looked so professional and I felt out of place with my black leggings and hoodie.

"Mm-hmm. I can see that. Sit down and have a breakfast," David said, patting one of the stools near him.

I sat and started making my own sandwich. Lois suddenly appeared out of nowhere, reaching for my food.

"Hey, buddy. Come here," Henry pulled Lois away. He set him down on the kitchen island and started feeding him banana.

"Where was he last night?" I asked. I forgot Lois was supposed to be here.

"The neighbor heard him whining on the door and called the security. The security called me and I allowed them to open the flat so Lois can get out. The couple volunteered," David said patting Lois's brown little head.

I stopped short. "The... Couple?"

"Yep," David answered, swallowing the last bit of his sandwich. "Abigail and Gerard Baker."

I let out the breath I was holding. Not Nessa, thank God.

"Anyway, I take it you two have met already?"

I looked at Henry and I caught him staring but he was quick to avert his gaze. I blushed.

"Yeah," I said, my tone a little higher than normal. "Yeah, he was already here when I got home."

He looked at me for a second before answering. "Okay. Since you've already met," he reached for  his briefcase on the floor and reached inside it to pull out a folder. "I just want you both calibrated with what will be expected of Kristen."

I nodded. Henry set Lois down on the floor and the dog ran away from the kitchen, as if understanding that this conversation does not concern him.

Henry stood near me, also facing David, his arms crossed.

David opened the folder and turned to a page then he resumed. "Basically, you will just have to run errands that we can't do when we're busy with showbiz commitments or if it's urgently needed. You're not a maid, ok? We pay other people to do the cleaning and laundry." He smiled at me.

"You've been ticking off some checklists on your first week and so far I'm happy with how you get things done quickly. Now that Henry's here, from discussing what your job is, we now go to what is expected, and not expected from you."

I nodded, letting him continue.

"You are not to talk to the media or anyone about anything concerning Henry, me, and your job unless we allowed you to. Treat this as you would with other jobs out there wherein confidentiality is part of your top priority. If you breach the contract, we can a file a lawsuit against you. I hope you understand."

I swallowed. "I do."

He smiled at me. Henry said nothing.

"Second, it's almost the same as the one I just mentioned but it concerns the internet. What you can't divulge verbally to anyone can't also be posted online. Again, confidentiality."

He skimmed the papers one last time then closed the folder and handed it to me.

"Those are just the dont's actually. You can pretty much do anything. Talk back to Henry if you must, he deserves it most of the time."