Chapter 5

Mary remained closed off from Nathan on the ride back to the estate. He was hardly on his phone and adopted silence for the first half of the ride. She appreciated the headspace and spent most of her time texting her sister. But fifteen minutes was the best he could do before he infiltrated her consciousness. "Mary."

She stiffened immediately and forced her eyes to meet his, fighting the shock of shattered silence.

"I have a lot of apologizing to do," He began warily. "Who you saw at the party was not me."

She looked at him steadily. It wasn't necessary that he apologize, but if he wanted to, he wouldn't skirt responsibility. She switched to her note app. That WAS you.

He scratched his brow, biting back the anger opening his mouth before closing it. He thought more carefully and tempered. "Look, I just want to say I'm sorry for hurting your feelings and being insensitive."
Mary eyed him suspiciously. It sounded like it was the best apology he could whip together. She typed again, and his time he watched and sighed frustratingly while reading. I'm coming back because I need the money to help my family. And I still need our agreement in writing.

"Alright," he said pointedly, turning to his window and rubbing his chin.

What else did he expect? She knew what an apology was, and she knew they were for the apologizer. If he wanted her to see him as a good person, he would have to ditch the excuses. After an hour in traffic, they returned to Queen View Haven and drove a few miles to the gates of the mansion. Mary followed him into the kitchen. Belle had her back facing the southern entrance, slowly chopping peppers on a large cutting board.

"Hyvää iltaa (Good evening), Nathan," Belle announced coldly.

Mary saw him prepare himself with a deep breath. He shocked her when he answered, "Hyvää iltaa. Käänny ympäri. (Good evening. Turn around.) Please."

Belle paused before laying down the knife and turning. Her dulled eyes lit up with joy. A tearful sigh escaped her when she glanced at the woman beside him.

"W-w-what is she doing here?" Belle gasped. "Mary?"

Mary returned a half-sided smile and approached the island. Quickly, Belle staggered to the sink to wash her hands and dry them on the towel around her waist.

"I'll get your bag," Nathan grumbled before disappearing quickly.

Belle returned to Mary, raising her hands in disbelief. "Your bag? Have you changed your mind?"

When the new live-in help nodded, Belle squeezed her fists and looked to the ceiling with joy. Mary was shocked by the hug.

"I'm so sorry. I've been trying to figure out the best way to send my apologies, but the emails and texts didn't capture the magnitude of my–"

Mary held Belle's hands, and she felt a squeeze back. To push home her message, she typed. No more apologies, please.

A big smile formed on her face while she caught her breath. Belle's joy was contagious, sparking a bigger grin on Mary.

The next morning, Mary was up before sunrise. She didn't think she'd sleep well in the guesthouse, but once she sank into the memory foam mattress, she was out cold. They stocked the kitchen with enough supplies and ingredients to make herself a small breakfast. They provided for her, but she already missed her family. Luckily, her sister called shortly after Mary begged to talk.

"I haven't been able to sleep," Nellie admitted. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, but I'd be happier if you quit that job."

"C'mon Mary, I don't want to talk about me right now."

"We have to! You were right, and I'm sorry. We don't have to worry anymore. I told you I'm getting paid more now. Promise me you will quit."

Nellie sat up in her bed and shook her head, but Mary pleaded again.

"Okay, okay. I will quit since mama's coming home in a couple of days. She's still in a lot of pain and will have to use a walker for a while." Nellie looked away and forced air out of her mouth before asking to confirm the day their mother returned to request time off.

Before they ended the call, Nellie reassured Mary. "I know it seemed like I didn't care about your feelings, but you know that's not true. It's been a long time since you've let people get under your skin, and it pisses me off I couldn't be there to defend you. This job isn't forever, it's just to help us get out of this undying debt, so maybe one day we can work jobs we enjoy.

"What about singing at the bar?"

Nellie's face dropped. "You know I won't ever do that. I can't."

"Don't be scared," she teased.

"I'm not scared." Nellie's face made her a dreadful liar.

Not wanting to see her sister upset anymore, Mary ended the call with promises to stay in touch throughout the day. She trailed along the dewy grass, through the outdoor living, and into the kitchen to find Belle sipping a cup of coffee.

Belle exhaled with a smile. "I'm thrilled to have you back."

Mary nodded and concealed a small grin.

"That man is still trying to give me a heart attack with surprises like this," she chuckled to herself before sliding off the stool.

Mary showed her phone. Are you by yourself all the time?

Belle shrugged. "Yes, but it gives me a chance to read and craft when I have time. Now that you're here, maybe I can take a day off and visit a park with peace of mind.

Vacation?

"Oh yes, I have but not in a long time away from the family."

And what does he do when you're away?

"He stays with Ms. Burke." Belle's eyes shifted to the side before she turned around.

Mary nodded. It made sense. Still, it was strange to have such a huge, underutilized house. If he didn't plan on living in it, why did he?

Agenda for today?

"Nathan has a few days off and will have a guest join him this afternoon." Belle walked to the pantry and informed, "Nathan has surprised us with a casual lunch in the outdoors with his friend, Chaz Sullivan."

This was Mary's chance to start over. Now that she had a more intimate understanding of Nathan Vanderbilt, she prepared for the worst.

Belle checked her watch and straightened her back. "Groceries are on their way soon. Let me show you where we accept them and where we store the ingredients. After that, will be a formal tour of the property."

Mary looked at Belle's legs in question, but she returned to see a grin. "Don't worry. I will take extra strength painkillers in a moment."

An hour later, Mary was almost cross-eyed with information overload. Not only did she confirm there was a chef's and a general kitchen, but the west wing had a kitchenette. The house held separate living quarters on every floor. She almost slapped herself when they entered the lower level and saw a wine room next to a wine cellar before the massive gym linked to a sauna and shower. A village could live here, she thought. All it was missing was a garden, but she spoke too soon when Belle took her to the roof and pointed to the turned over land next to a medium-sized greenhouse. Apparently, learning there were golf carts accessible for traveling around the estate wasn't the cherry on top she thought it was.

Looking under their feet, Belle remarked wryly, "This roof we're standing on was meant to become a putting green, but that's where Nathan decided it was going too far."

Mary's glazed over expression brought an unrestrained laugh out of her boss. It was a delightful sound, and it made her giggle. They returned, and Belle gave her the list of security applications to download on her phone with the passwords and permissions. When connecting to the door and window surveillance, Belle peered at the notification and opened the live feed. "Oh dear. He's here."

Mary watched discreetly as the two men relaxed in the outdoor seating lounge. From what she could tell, his Chaz friend was jovial and seemingly just as suave as his companion–dark blonde hair, with a matching haircut.

But as hyper and chatty as the visitor was, Nathan didn't seem at all receptive. His eyes heavy and spending more time on the TV above the fireplace.

"Mary, please take these refreshments out to them," Belle said, carrying a tray of frosted glasses and a pitcher of freshly squeezed lemonade.

Once closer, she heard Chaz saying, "Man, Nate, I'm really sorry I wasn't in town for your party. You finally got that award after three years."

"Yeah, well, you shouldn't have been dickin' around in Punta Cana," Nathan egged, but his tone was flat.

Suddenly, his dark eyes turned to Mary, and he quickly removed his ankle from his knee. He looked much more relaxed in his plaid button up with three-quarter sleeves. The dark washed denims didn't hide the muscular tone to his legs, and Mary had to pull herself away from the visuals and place the tray down on the short table in front of them.

She poured the lemonade, breathing heavily but quietly through the simple task. She could feel them watching. Handing each their drinks, Nathan thanked her with a nod and Chaz waved his brows with a sordid grin. She walked away quickly, and the guest's eyes focused solely on her backside before Nathan straightened his posture and cleared his throat aggressively.

Tilting his head and leaning back, Chaz caught her before she could disappear indoors. "What's your name, sweetheart?"

Mary stopped mid-stride and slowly turned around. Nathan sighed and shook his head at him, "Her name is Mary."

Chaz leaned back in his seat, appearing pleased.

Nathan gestured gently that she ignore his guest. He turned back and threw a darting glare, silently daring Chaz to say something else. He knew his vulgar friend too well. Anything terrible could spill out of his friend's mouth at any second.

"Those eyes... Jesus! I'm a sucker for bright eyes!" Chaz smirked. "And already I know why you're speaking for her."

"No, you don't. She–" Nathan began, but Mary returned with cloth napkins.

"Mary is mute. I-I mean a person who doesn't speak," he finished in an undertone before looking to her for confirmation. "I'm not sure that was the best person-first way to say it."

She lowered her eyes. Whether he was right didn't matter. Talking about her in front of someone else, especially as crude as Chaz, already stiffened her up.

Chaz clapped his hands together once and cheered without restraint, "Fuck the political correctness. The point is she's even better than I thought!"

Mary gasped before she disappeared into the kitchen. His friend was ruthless.

"Stop," he demanded. "I can't afford to have her leave again."

Once she was out of earshot, Nathan complained, "What's the matter with you?"

His friend laughed, "What?! That's a fine piece of ass right there."

"She's not here for that," Nathan corrected.

"What, Nate? Live-in-pussy? Where your only commitment to her is a paycheck?" Chaz questioned with a thumb pointed to the open doors.

"Belle wanted some extra help, and she hired her," Nathan stated firmly.

"I've gotta give my props to Belle for hiring young, they're easier to fire when they get too attached. How long has she been here?" he asked, letting his eyes wander back to see if he could catch a glimpse of her.

"Why does it matter?" Nathan grumbled.

"All of my attractive help got the offer of a formal introduction with a little extra money," he smirked, gesturing his cupped hands up and down over his lap. "You can't touch them at first, though. These bitches out here are so quick to accuse us of shit."

Nathan twisted his face. Yet, his lack of amusement made Chaz lean forward on his armrest and whispered, "You mean to tell me you haven't fucked her yet?"

"No! What's going on with you?" Nathan spat.

"You have, haven't you?" Chaz asked, beaming with his mouth wide open.

"Actually, I haven't! And I don't plan on screwing my help." Nathan retorted, but Chaz lifted his hand between them.

"No, no... don't go all gospel on me, bro. I know you. Our college days aren't that far behind us. You were slinging that around left and right," Chaz said, pointing to Nathan's crotch.

Nathan cleared his throat.

Chaz held up his fingers, "Let's see, shall we? There was Duchess, Miranda, Ezra, Yolanda, Aaliyah, Dedra, Frankie, Adrian, Danicka–"

"Alright, alright, just shut the hell up already," Nathan complained, switching his ankles and knees.

Chaz lifted his hand up in forfeit. "I know you, man. Plus, how is that model doing? Popped the question yet, though she's practically already your wife?"

Blue eyes glazed while thinking back to their last encounter, or at least what he could make of their drunken sex, two nights before.

"Well?" Chaz asked, lacing his fingers together.

Nathan shot him an annoyed glance. "She's fine, and I have little interest in marriage."

"You sure about that?"

"I don't know."

"Yeah, marriage at our age is for losers," his friend scoffed.

"But you were engaged to Trish. Have you heard from her lately?"

"Eh, whatever, and of course not. My point is you can have a wifey to make you look good, and keep your whores," Chaz shrugged without remorse. "Excuse me, that was so crass. I meant mistresses. "

Nathan asked cautiously, "Do you hear yourself?"

Chaz ignored the question and pulled out his phone. He shared a picture of him and a long-haired brunette holding a liquor bottle. They looked hammered with red eyes.

Nathan rolled his eyes at his friend. "Is that what you were doing in Punta Cana? Why you missed my party?"

"Yes, that's what I was doing in there, and she's a wild one." Chaz smirked, looking at his phone and taking a few swipes.

"Why bother pushing me to get married? Why can't I just be a bachelor?"

"Like I've said every time you cry about this subject: it shuts your family up, makes you look good, and keeps you in the will. You keep up the appearance as though your life is perfect. I know Bernadette is still up your ass about marrying Karina."

Nathan sighed, "I know."

"But you don't want to," Chaz added factually.

"She's great when she wants to be, but I just don't see the point of getting married," Nathan admitted. "The way we are now is just fine."

Chaz leaned forward again and grimaced at his friend, "You're going to be thirty soon, man. How much time do we have left to keep drawing out this shit? You're going to end up giving them what they want, anyway. Karina's not getting any younger, and I know how big the Vanderbilts and Burkes are about breeding. "

"That just makes me want to really have kids now," Nathan said with disgust. "Let's just pop out kids just because we're supposed to."

Catching their attention, Mary returned with two large plates of sliced fruit.

Nathan looked after her with a heavy sigh, but he soon scowled, hearing, "You know you're gonna bend her over soon."

Mary entered the haven of the kitchen, but now without rolling her eyes.

"I see Chazlin has taken a liking to you," Belle said, frowning.

Mary turned her head back and saw him chortling before tossing another glance her way. Was that his actual name? She had never guessed the name Chaz had more to it. It seemed too sweet for him. As the next hour passed, the man watched a golf match before hollering at a basketball game. In the meantime, Mary learned about the next house calendar, how to contact maintenance, the areas to sort groceries and general supplies.

When they drifted into the kitchen, Belle asked Chaz if he would stay for dinner. He declined and promised to entertain them next time. The new help dropped her head and continued to read a recipe off a tablet, but not without a scoff.

"Oh god," Nathan groaned, coming back from the front doors. "I could use a drink."

"Of water?" Belle suggested.

"Sure Belle. Hardened aged water," Nathan answered sarcastically.

Belle complained, "You've been drinking more lately. I don't like it."

"Fine! I'll say it, Nathan. You drink heavily when you're around your friends."

Mary swallowed hard before walking to the fridge. She closed her eyes when the cool air hit her face. It was soothing against the argument that was more familiar than she liked.

"Belle, I don't want to have this fight with you again."

"Then don't fight me. Drink anything else, please!"

He hissed, "Fine!"

Mary opened her eyes. Nathan charged in her direction and excused himself before snatching a water bottle from the opened door.

Belle's attention followed him, storming down the hall into the house. Mary turned and approached the red-faced woman.

"Something is going on with him." Her voice wavered. "He doesn't talk to me anymore unless I'm yelling."

Mary rubbed Belle's back and signed with one hand, "You'll be okay"

Belle finally revealed a smile. "Show me how you say that again."

Mary showed her two ways to say it. It wasn't a challenging phrase to learn, but Belle appeared alive again.

"It's time for me to take my medicine." Belle sighed. "I'll be back shortly."

Mary returned to the tablet to continue collecting the recipes.

Within ten minutes, Nathan came back with a stomp. "Where's Belle?"

She pressed her middle finger down into her left palm and gently rocked her right hand. "Medicine."

"Okay." Nathan stared at her hands before glancing at her mouth. "What's for dinner?"

Mary showed him the tablet, and he chuckled, "Oh, I thought you were going to tell me."

She bit the inside of her lip and looked at the marbled counter.

"Did I fuck up again?" He grumbled, anchoring his head back, but she gestured he hadn't.

He examined her face. "Doesn't look like it."

Suddenly, she grinned, and his brows flashed. He was in the clear, for once, he realized. Mary took the tablet back and peered at it before navigating to the spice rack.

"So, you have a son?" Nathan asked, taking a seat at the counter.

Mary turned to shake her head and correct him. She signed and carefully mouthed, "Nephew."

"Your nephew?" He asked, and when he received a nod of confirmation, he stuck out his lower lip. "Well, normally I'm better at holding a conversation, but today's been a weird day. I'll return when dinner's ready."

Nathan pushed from the island. But before he could turn away, Mary waved to catch him. "Are you okay?"

"Wow," He scoffed, blinking rapidly. "Aside from Belle, you're the first person to ask me that in a long time."