Chapter 6

“Which room is mine?” I asked as Nathan showed me down the hallway of him mansion.

“It’s the one right next to mine.” He replied stopping at a door. “This one.”

He opened the door and showed me inside. The room was very beautiful and spacious which I liked. I needed lots of room.

“The closet is to your right and the bathroom is strait ahead of us behind that door. “ He points. “You can find any of the clothes you need for any events we may go to in your closet. I already picked some things out for you in case you didn’t have anything like that. If you’re not satisfied with them I can always have my personal shopper come by and help you find something you like.”

I shook my head. “That’s very thoughtful Nathan, thank you. I’m sure they will be fine.”

As much as I wanted to be mad at Nathan I felt it was better to remain civilized for the sake of us living together and I didn’t want our time to be spent fighting. Life is to short for that.

“What about Abbot?” I asked before he left to show me another room.

“Who is Abbot?” I inquired.

“He’s my Pomeranian. Allison is taking care of him while I’m away.”

He let out a small chuckle. “You’re afraid of dogs.”

“No I’m afraid of big dogs.” I defended. “Abbot is just a little thing.”

 He looked at me with amusement before taking out his phone to text someone. “I’ll have Carl get him. Anything else you need?”

You mean besides my life back?

“No.”

“Come on I’ll finish showing you around.” He smiled turning from my room.

“And lastly this is the pool.” He said opening his back door showing me the back of the house.

I was amazed with its size. It’s definitely the biggest pool I have ever seen. I wasn’t much of a swimmer but I have to say I’m very much looking forward to now. After all, as of now I’m currently unemployed since I’ve just had to move so looks like I’ll have some time on my hands. I should do some job hunting as soon as I can though. Maybe in the morning is a good time to start.

“Anything you need just ask and if I’m not here, Carl will assist you in whatever you need.”

“Ok.” I nodded.  

“Now, I need to go make a few calls. I’ll meet you at seven for dinner. I’ve trusted Wanda to prepare us something we’ll enjoy.” He said.

“Ok.” I repeated.

I furrowed up his eyebrows at me before speaking again. “I think this the least you’ve spoken in all the years I’ve known you.”

“I’m just trying to take it all in, Nathan. This is still a big change for me.” I stated.

He studied me for a minute before letting it go. “Alright, well make yourself at home. After all it’s your home to now.”

It doesn’t feel that way. I still feel so out of place in his big world. This isn’t the life I thought I’d end up in. Sure Mason had money but this is taking it to a whole new level. I liked the more simple life myself. But I guess that isn’t going to be happening anytime soon.

Nathan pulled out his Blackberry and began typing away on it as he left the room. I can already tell he’s workaholic. This is very weird seeing him this way considering he wasn’t anything like this is high school.

Hmm high school….it’s been a long time since I’ve thought about that. I wonder what everyone else in our graduating class is doing now.

Even Anthony. I haven’t seen him since our big breakup four years ago. I mean not that I care about that now.…I’m just….wondering.  No harm in that right?

I stand looking around the large and very spacious room trying to decide on what to do next. I did recall seeing a library in here so maybe I’ll go read a book. That seems like a good way to pass the time.

“Payton, I’ve got to run out to the office for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”

“Take your time. I’m alright here.” I smiled.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.”

He looks a little reluctant to leave but smiled anyway. “Ok, just call if you need anything. Carl will be around if you need to go anywhere or do anything.”

“Thank you.” I said before he turned to leave.

I let out a long sigh after he was out of sight. This was not my Nathan. Not the one I had became friends with so many years ago.

I turn on my heel and face the direction Nathan and I had just come from and tried to remember how to get back to the library.

Following down the hallway till it came to a spit I couldn’t remember if it was a right or a left. Hmm…I think I’ll go with a left.

I followed down the rest of the way until I came to a bunch of unfamiliar doors. Ok, well I guess I was supposed to take a right. He didn’t show me this side of the house. I wonder why. I stare at the wooden door wondering what was behind it or if it was locked. I guess there is only one way to find out.

Twisting the handle I quickly find that the door is unlocked after all. Well, today is my lucky day.

An office? That’s all? I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t an office. I let myself enter into the room and maybe get an idea about what Nathan does in here.

There were various painting and pictures on the wall, nice tan carpet on the floor and a small leather couch with two chairs beside it that sits in front of a large desk. Overall very spacious.

I instantly noticed Nathan and I in the picture that sat on his desk in the wooden frame. I picked it up to examine it closer. It was the last picture we took together. It was our graduation and I found it kind of odd. We were in our gowns and had our arms around each other lick we normally took picture but that wasn’t the weird part. The weird part was that Nathan wasn’t even looking at the camera. Instead he was looking down at my face smiling not even paying attention to the person taking the picture. Why was he smiling at me like that? How had I not noticed this before?

The sound of someone clearing their throat startled me and my head snapped to the door.

“Is there anything I can help you with Mrs. Holbrook?” Carl asked politely.

I blushed at feeling like a kid that just got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. “Um…no Carl, thank you. I just got lost on my way to the library.”

“It’s quite alright ma’am would you like me to see you there?” He offered.

“That would be wonderful.” I smiled exiting the room, closing the door behind me.

Was I not supposed to be in there or was he just checking up on me? Hmm….

We traveled down the long hallway to until we came to the same familiar door as before. It was the library, this time I knew for sure.

“Thank you Carl. This is an easy place to get lost in.”

“It was my pleasure ma’am.” I said before leaving me at the door.

Well that was odd.

I found myself inside the library once again and began looking through his selection of books. I was pleased when I saw he had a collection of the classics.

The Tales of Huckleberry Finn. It’s one of my favorites. I took the book in my hands and sat in one of the many chairs in the room. The couch looked the most comfortable so I was happy to choose that one.

I opened the book to the first page and began reading.

“Peyton.” Someone said softly stroking my hair.

“Peyton wake up.” He whispered.

I gently rubbed my eyes before opening them and looking into the eyes of Nathan. I looked down to see I had the book opened lying in my lap and realized I must have fallen asleep.

“I came to wake you for dinner.” He said when he realized I wasn’t saying anything.

“Thank you.” I mumbled laying the book a side and standing up.

Nathan and I walked to the dining room and took our seats at the table. When our food was brought out to us I immediately starting eating. It had been a long day and I was starving.

“How are you liking it here so far?” He asked.

I grinned at his attempt to make small talk with me. I don’t think we have ever had this much trouble trying to keep up a conversation. It was kind of amusing to be honest.

“It’s nice. I kind of got lost and wound up in your office though.” I admitted.

“Oh?”

I figure Carl might have said something to him anyway.

“Yeah. It’s a nice office.”

Nice office? Really? This is Nathan here. Just try to pretend like nothing’s changed since high school. Or better yet try to pretend you’re not married. That’s still going to take some getting used to.

“You know if you don’t want to spend your day’s inside the house you could always join a country club or something. You would like it. I can get you a membership where I go. We’re married so it would only make sense we go together.”

I resisted the urge to make disgusted face. All country clubs are is a way to flaunt your money in front of other people and tp pretend you have a perfect life. No thank you.

“Maybe. “ I smiled the best I could. “But I really wouldn’t have much time for country clubs once I start working again.”

“You don’t need to. I can support us both.” He said like that was the most ridiculous thing in the world.

“I appreciate that but I can take care of myself. I like to work.” I said as nicely as I could manage.

What I really wanted to do is splash my drink in his face but that seems to much like something the wealthy like to do. Nathan knows me well enough to know I like to be independent.

“I’m just suggesting you take the time to enjoy the things that you would if you had the time to.”

Or resources to you mean. 

“Actually I’ll begin job hunting in the morning.” I stated.

“Already?” He asked a bit taken back.

“Yes.”

“Then at least have Carl go with you. I don’t want you hounded by the press.” He said.

That can also be translated into you need a babysitter.

“Fine.” I sighed before standing to my feet. “I’m tired I think I’ll call it a night. Goodnight.”

With that being my last words I left the dining room and headed back to my room. That is not how I would have preferred dinner have gone but I can see know we are going to butt heads on a few things in the future. He wants me to be a good little stay at home wife and go to country clubs and shop and take spa days while he works and takes care of the business. Well I have one thing to say about that. He’s got another thing coming. I’m not that kind of girl and never will be. Apparently he’s forgotten what I like. I suppose it’s time to remind him then.

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