Chapter 13 #3
"No? Otherwise, I’d just double your salary," Gabriel says so dryly that I stare at him in shock. "Just kidding."
Him and his jokes. I clear my throat.
"Especially with Rosie, I want to be sure about this. This little girl will rely on me, and I don’t want to let her down by leaving after just a few weeks or months.
At this age, kids often see you as a mother figure.
If I take on that role, I want to be there for a long time—at least until she’s eleven or twelve and slowly starts to understand what happened.
Even then, it’s tough, but easier than at four or five. "
"Yeah, puberty’s going to be exhausting," Gabriel says, smiling as he takes another sip of tea.
"So that’s at least six, maybe eight years I’d have to work for you."
"Get to," he corrects, winking at me.
There it is.
Is he flirting? Hard to tell. Maybe he’s just being playful to lighten the mood. But… does Gabriel even understand what a wink means to me? Or any woman? I swallow hard and try to keep my feelings in check while my heart starts pounding.
I swallow and try to steady myself while my heart races.
"Of course," I say. "I also need time with Rosie. Give me a few more days to get everything settled and learn the ropes."
"You’ve got it. I was just curious." Gabriel raises his cup, and I do the same. "But you like it so far?"
"Yes. Very much. It’s truly my dream job."
Gabriel nods, satisfied.
Suddenly, the light outside switches on. We both look through the kitchen window toward the gate at the same time, though it’s barely visible from inside. Too bright for comfort.
"Probably just a cat," he reassures me. Still, I feel a chill.
"The delivery person was supposed to call ahead," I say, checking my phone. He should be here in about half an hour.
"Something’s moving out there," Gabriel says, getting up. "Only my sister has a key." He looks at me apologetically. "I’ll check quickly. Just a moment."
I nod and watch him leave. Thinking fast, I grab my phone, stand, and move toward the kitchen door. If it really is his sister, I should record this.
Gabriel opens the door. He doesn’t notice me standing a few feet away, watching.
"It’s late," he says. I start recording, staying as hidden as I can. "Why didn’t you call first?"
"There wasn’t time, don’t make such a fuss," Catherine snaps, pushing Rosie into his arms. The little girl is asleep and doesn’t notice. "You’re home, aren’t you? You texted you’d be here. What’s the problem?"
"Not so loud, you’ll wake her," Gabriel says calmly. "It would help if you arranged it with me before bringing Rosie over. I’m flying to Rome Friday—what if I hadn’t been home tonight?"
"But you are home, so stop making a fuss," she complains. "I’ll be gone all week. Can you take her until Sunday?"
"Where are you going?" Gabriel asks.
"None of your business. Stop meddling in my life, okay? You’re not dad."
She sounds incredibly pissed.
"I’m just worried about you. What should I tell Rosie about her mom when she asks?"
"Working. Make something up. Be creative."
"What about Rosie’s passport? I will need to bring her along to Italy."
"Don’t have it. It’s somewhere at home."
"Then at least give me a key so I can find it."
"No. Forget it. Just stay here then."
"I can’t cancel this appointment. Unlike you, I actually work."
"Then…oh, fuck. Just apply for a new one."
"I can’t. I’m her uncle, remember?"
"I’ll bring it to you by Friday."
"Thursday. We’re flying Friday."
"God, you ruin everything!" Catherine shouts so loud that Rosie startles awake, blinking around in confusion. Gabriel immediately takes her in his arms to comfort her.
"Hey, little one. You’re with me. Everything’s fine. We didn’t mean to wake you."
Rosie still looks scared and sleepy at the same time. "Your mom forgot something. She’ll be back soon with some luggage, your favorite toy, and your passport. Do you know why? Because we’re flying to Italy Friday, isn’t that great?"
I can hear Catherine sighing in the background as Gabriel speaks.
"Italy?" Rosie yawns and rubs her eyes.
"Yes. That’s why your mom’s going to run home quick and come back soon." Gabriel looks at Catherine, who rolls her eyes in annoyance.
"I’ll be right back. An hour or two." Catherine just leaves without saying goodbye to Rosie. Gabriel takes a deep breath then smiles down at the girl. She watches her mom leave, then clings tightly to her uncle.
"Where am I?" she asks sleepily, yawning.
"At my place. You’ll be staying here all week." As soon as Gabriel says this, Rosie’s eyes light up. He quietly closes the front door and carries her toward the stairs.
"Is that a really long time?" she asks, a little more awake than before.
"Oh yes. You’ll get to sleep here at least five times before your mom picks you up. And you know what? Guess who’s here."
That’s my cue. I lower my phone, stop recording, and set it on the sideboard by the door. Then I walk toward Rosie slowly. When she spots me, her eyes go wide with excitement, she beams and calls out: "Kim!"
"Hey, Rosie. Well? This is quite a surprise..."
Now she’s wide awake. I stretch out my arms, give her a quick hug, and then Gabriel takes her back.
"Are you here visiting?" she asks excitedly. "Can I show you my room?"
"I’m sort of visiting, yeah. And I’d love to see your room."
Gabriel sets her down. She’s in pink pajamas and socks, probably already asleep when her mom decided to drop her off. Gabriel and I exchange a knowing glance before I take Rosie’s hand, which she offers to me.
"I have a big bed and lots of books. And stuffed animals. Even a huge unicorn with wings. It smells like strawberries," she tells me excitedly.
"It smells like strawberries? Really?" I marvel in amazement.
"I’ll take care of dinner," Gabriel whispers to me. I nod and take the first few steps upstairs with Rosie.
"I definitely need to see that," I say to her, and she immediately dashes up the stairs. I can barely keep up. Kids just have endless energy. Unbelievable.
Over the next half hour, Rosie shows me everything that stands, lies, or hides in her white-pink-fuchsia bedroom.
She’s got endless art supplies, children’s books, stuffed animals, princess dresses, and board games.
A healthy mix of toys that kids adore—and practical ones the parents love.
Motor skills and creativity, all encouraged through play.
Rosie proudly shows me her drawings, dolls, and crafts with no trace of tiredness.
She yawns here and there, but she’s too excited to have someone to play with and talk to, so she fights to stay awake.
By the end of the hour, though, she can barely stand. She yawns again and rubs her eyes.
"It’s gotten late. You should’ve been in bed ages ago," I say gently. Rosie nods, yawning once more.
"May I have something to drink?" she asks shyly.
"Of course. Want to go to the kitchen together, or should I bring you something?"
"I want to tell Gabriel... I would like... I would like to say goodnight to Gabriel too."
How sweet, that little correction.
"That’s a lovely idea. Let’s go down together. Want me to carry you?" She nods, yawning again as I lift her up. Rosie nestles against me as I carry her downstairs. She’s such a sweetheart. An absolute cutie pie.
When we reach the kitchen, Gabriel’s unpacking the food.
"That smells delicious," Rosie says, her eyes fixed on the beautifully packaged platters.
"Are you hungry?" Gabriel asks, and she nods hesitantly. "What did you have for dinner today?"
"Mommy didn’t want to cook anything."
"And for lunch?"
"She was still sleeping then, but I ate some cookies."
I shoot Gabriel a serious look, but his expression is far sterner than mine.
"You only ate a few cookies today?"
"Don’t be mad," Rosie mumbles, looking down sadly.
"I’m not mad at you. But I am angry with your mom for not cooking for you."
"If you’re hungry, we’ll eat together. How’s that sound?" I chime in.
"It smells really good," Rosie says as I set her on the counter so she can get a better look at what’s been delivered.
"Oh wow, what’s all this?" I ask, amazed, while Rosie perks up immediately. The whole kitchen is filled with the aroma of food, and it looks like a feast for the eyes.
"So, here’s the appetizer: saffron yogurt topped with sautéed shrimp and pistachios." Gabriel sets the dish aside. "She used a lot of garlic, but the yogurt and fresh herbs balance it out perfectly. A skillful combination," he raves.
"I love shrimp," Rosie says happily, then glances at me. "Do you like them too?"
"Oh yes. I could eat them every day." We both giggle.
"The salad looks delicious too." Gabriel nods with approval. "We’ve got a mixed salad here—pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and a vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, saffron, and honey." He tastes it, then nods. "Not too salty. Very good."
"And what’s that?" Rosie asks.
"Lamb chops with pistachio crust and saffron rice."
"I like saffron. It’s such a beautiful red," Rosie gushes.
"True, it does look very pretty," I agree with her.
"She even sent dessert: honey–pistachio baklava with saffron cream. Crispy phyllo pastry. Honey. Brilliant."
Gabriel is thoroughly impressed, and I have to admit—I’ve rarely seen so many delicacies at once. Everything’s arranged so beautifully that I can easily imagine him falling for Merzedes Gonzales. If he hasn’t already.
We eat and Rosie is so hungry she practically wolfs down her food. We have to remind her over and over that there’s plenty and she doesn’t need to rush but she’s so exhausted she nearly nods off between bites. Gabriel and I exchange knowing glances.
"Alright, bedtime. Tomorrow you’re back at school," Gabriel says. "I’ll drop you off before work."
"Kim won’t be here anymore?" Rosie asks sleepily.
"Yes, she will. Kim’s staying overnight with us." Her eyes flicker open with a brief spark of joy before they close again. Moments later, she’s out cold in Gabriel’s arms. She just couldn't stay awake any longer.
"It’s fine. Her levels are still normal." I’ll keep an eye on her meter along with mine and give us both an injection if necessary. "She’s just tired."
And no wonder—it’s pretty late. I take her from him and whisper: "Her mom’s coming over soon. Better make sure she doesn’t ring the bell, so Rosie can keep sleeping."
"Okay." Gabriel takes a deep breath and shuts the door. Shaking his head, he sets the document on the sideboard and turns back to me. I’ve already lowered my phone and stopped recording—he never noticed.
"At least she can come to Italy. Rosie’s going to be thrilled about that."
He looks drained, worn out from the endless arguments with his sister.
"I’ll teach her a few words. She’ll love that."
"Yes…" Gabriel’s still brooding but makes an effort to stay pleasant.
"You’re off duty for today. Let me finish up the rest, okay?"
He nods and heads upstairs while I pour the tea water and tidy up the kitchen. There’s not much to do, so I’m finished in a few minutes. Then I take a bottle of water up to my room and finally reply to Chloe, who’s been texting me.
Chloe: Should I be worried? You’re so quiet…
Me: No, everything’s fine :) Honestly, I’m just swamped. I’ll fill you in this weekend, promise.
Chloe: You’re building up the suspense. But I’m glad you’re okay :)
Me: And how are you? How’s Tony?
Chloe: Haha, very good. Very, very good.
And… yeah. He asked me out again. I said no.
He doesn’t give up. It’s sweet, sure, but how do I make him understand nothing’s going to happen between us?
If this keeps up, I might need a new job soon.
I doubt he’ll put up with rejection forever—he’ll fire me eventually…
Me: I don’t think it’ll come to that. He needs you. Why not give him a chance? Tony’s really cute. Maybe you’re misjudging him?
Chloe: Did he pay you to say that? Haha ;)
Me: No. Would he? I’ll ask him :D
We chat a little longer before I’m too tired to type and wish her goodnight. Tomorrow’s going to be a tough one—Rosie will be at daycare most of the day, but afterward I’ll have her at the office with me. It won’t be easy, but I’ll manage.
Somehow.