maid in the am

7.

"I know...I mean I'm sorry that was rude, I just, like, I know who you are sorry." She says in a sheepish way. "I'm Rose by the way, I work for you, but you probably knew that, ok I'm just gonna stop talking, sorry." Her face has shifted to a bright shade of pink. The flush brings out the faintest hint of freckles, and I can't help but be in awe of her. She just looks at me expectantly, god she probably thinks I'm such a dick, I keep just staring at her instead of answering. I need to say something but my brain isn't firing as fast as it should be thanks to my hangover. I finally manage, "Hey Rose, nice to meet you. Sorry if I scared you this morning. Are ya hungry?" What the hell? Who asks that straight off the bat? She probably thinks I'm such a weirdo. My god, why am I so flustered. I'm not usually like this. She starts talking, "Oh no I already ate, I made breakfast I'm actually surprised I didn't wake you up, I did all the dishes too. I know Halle said you liked a really clean house. That's also why I cleaned up the mess you must've made last night. Also I left the stuff out for you, I figured you were pretty smacked last night. Sorry, I didn't know if you would like that or not. Are you hungry? Do you want me to make you breakfast?" She looks flustered too, but I feel like she's just trying to be polite. Maybe it's also because I'm standing here in my underwear. I feel like such a div right now, I bet she thinks I'm a proper asshole. I feel so bad I don't want her to have to cook for me, I'll just go get something. Oh! If she won't eat anything, I'll get her some coffee. Hell, I'll just ask if she wants to come with me. I really like to get to know the people who work around me. Also, I just feel really bad about what happened this morning. "Oh no no, you're not obligated to do that for me, I'll just go out grab something. Fancy a coffee? You can come with me if you'd like" I say. She looks at me, her gaze is so intense, but I see reservation in her eyes. She replies, "No thank you, I need to stay here and wait for your clothes to be done. The tags say not to let them sit while they're wet, and I would hate to ruin your clothes." She speaks with such authority, finally feeling comfortable enough around me. I decide not to push it, don't want her to hate me even more. I can tell she's not my biggest fan already, and I haven't helped her perception of me much either. "Ok, I'll just pop some clothes on and be out of your hair then. I'm gonna go grab some coffee and breakfast. I'll be back in a bit" I say, turning to get to my room. She just smiles, nods and then shuts the door behind me. I feel like such an idiot really, but at least I'm alone with my thoughts now. Honestly I have no idea what's come over me this morning, I just can't control myself. I need to get some fucking clothes on, I can't just be walking around naked while I'm supposed to be her boss. It's so unprofessional, god I feel so bad. I shut the door and head over to my closet. I grab my Nike athletic shorts, a white T-shirt and my favorite navy hoodie. I slide my clothes on, then go to my sock drawer, and grab some black ankle socks and put them on. I grab my black Titleist hat, and get my Ray-Bans from my sunglass cabinet. I like having brown hair again, no one notices me anymore. It makes for an easier existence for me, and allows me to actually go out. I throw on my trainers and I'm ready to go. I walk past her room, trying to listen to what she's up to, but I'm met with just the roar of a blow dryer. Ok, at least she's made herself comfortable. I go through the living room to grab my wallet, sure enough it's smushed in the cushions of the couch. I also snatch up the keys of one of my cars, and head out to the garage. I pass by what I assume is Rose's car and unlock my Range Rover. I back out, and start driving to the local coffee shop. I like going there because they never make a big deal about me being there, I'm pretty sure they just don't know me to be perfectly honest. I decide that I'm going to apologize when I get back again, and I'm gonna bring her a coffee any way. I just can't believe Halle hired someone so good. I then get an idea, I know how I'll spend more time with her. I'll be extra "boss-man" acting and say she has to do a run through of how I like it cleaned. Then she can't decline. Sure, it may be misusing my authority, but it will lead to a better work environment for the both of us. I pull into the parking lot of the coffee place and text Halle. I ask her for Rose's phone number so I can take her order. She gets back to me creepily fast, I swear she just sits and waits for me to text her. I text:
"Hey Rose, this is Niall. I'm at a coffee shop and I'm getting you something, I won't take no for an answer. What would you like? If you don't respond I'll just surprise you :)"
I go to order what I want, sit down and wait for my food and coffee. I'm waiting for a response, but thinking about what I'll get her if she doesn't. She seems intense and bold, but at the same time very reserved and sweet. Maybe I'll get her a vanilla latte? I feel like most people like those, and won't be surprised if she does too. I get my coffee and food, then get back in line to place her order when I get a beep.
"Hi Mr. Horan, I'll have a cappuccino but please make sure it's has no sugar because some places make an Americanized one that is sugary and gross. Thanks so much :)"
Well, at least she's a woman who knows what she wants. I appreciate that really, I don't like people who are too easily pleased. I truly just want to get to know her better, there's something so intriguing about her to me. I can't put a finger on it, but I know she's someone worth deciphering. I place her order and wait for it. The barista hands me her cup and I go back to my car before anyone notices me. I speed home, wanting to dig into my breakfast sandwich. I don't even bother pulling into the garage, pop out of the car and go into my house. I'm met by the sound of the vacuum, and the sight of Rose sucking up all the crumbs from the couch cushions. As she sees me, she turns off the vacuum. I hand her the drink with a smile, and go to the kitchen to eat. I practically inhale my food, but savor my coffee. She saunters into the kitchen with a cheeky little smile on her face. "I think this was meant for you, someone seems to have a crush" she says coyly extending her cup to me. I read the side, and there's a note saying that I'm cute and a number is listed next to it. This is a little awkward. "Huh, maybe it was meant for you, like they could feel you would be cute" I say trying to make a joke. I should really stop trying to do that, the look on her face says so too. I see the shock, and the confusion wash across her face before she gains her composure again. Again, I'm sat there feeling like a dick for making her uncomfortable. I'm being so unprofessional. "Sorry, I meant it as like a joke" I try to laugh it off. "Oh yeah, it's ok" she mumbles back to me, I can see the discomfort on her face. I break the tension, "I'm gonna go have me a shower, I'm sure I smell from last night still." Oh yeah Niall, tell her you smell, that's going to make her want to hang around you. I swear I'm such an idiot sometimes. I take care of my mess, then head to my bathroom for a shower. I get naked, turn the water on and hop in. I let the warm water cascade over my back and neck. It relieves the tension in my back muscles, and I feel a little bit more like myself. I take some shampoo and start to lather it up into my hair. I hear the suds popping near my ears when the sound is broken by a much more unsettling noise. A bloodcurdling scream.