Chapter 15
Alessia woke from a dreamless sleep, sat up in bed, and pulled back the curtains. She watched the quiet street outside for a moment, lost in thought. Eventually, she picked up her phone to check the time–9:30 a.m.
Just as she was about to set the phone down, it buzzed with an incoming call.
“Hello?” Alessia’s voice was soft and a bit husky with sleep, carrying a lilting note that sounded almost playful.
On the other end, Cole fumbled his pen, dropping it noisily on his desk. His ears flushed pink, and the tough tone he’d planned evaporated in an instant!!
“You just woke up?” His voice was low, tinged with exasperation, but something about it made Alessia want to curl back under the
covers.
“Mmm.” She answered lazily, eyes half–closed.
“So that’s it? I help you out and then you ignore my messages? Is Miss Morton really that busy?” He sounded more like a big dog left out in the rain than an aggrieved executive.
“I was busy talking things over last night. By the time we finished, it was nearly moming. so I just crashed.” Alessia yawned, not bothering to hide it
Cole frowned “Anything serious going on?“”
“Nothing major. Oh, I need to head to Mr. Dawson’s place the afternoon after tomorrow, and rll be taking Zachary
“The old man’s going to complain you only call on him when you need something, Cole said with a sly grin.
Alessia just tapped her nose and didn’t deny it!
“By the way, I’ll send you a list later. Can you drop the stuff off for me?
“Seriously, Miss Morton? I’m a CEO, not your personal errand boy. Is this what I am to you–a delivery guy, at your beck and call?” Cole’s protest was mostly for show.
Come on, Cole, you know the drill. Opening day–got to stock
- up.
He sighed with mock resignation. “Alright, fine. Your order will be delivered within the hour, madam. Please remember to sign for it
Alessia laughed, tossed a half–hearted insult his way, and hung up, feeling more awake than she had just minutes before Cole, meanwhile, was still smiling as Larkin walked in with a fresh cup of coffee; even Larkin seemed less annoying than usual.
Alessia left her room and wandered into the kitchen, where Karen was busy assembling sandwiches and rolling up seaweed wraps. When Karen saw her, she waved cheerfully, then popped a piece of sandwich into Alessia’s mouth before she could even say good morning.
“Well?” Karen’s eyes shone with anticipation, though she seemed a little nervous.
Alessia chewed, swallowed, and nodded. “Perfect. Not dry, not tough–just right.”8
“Try this, too.” Karen, relieved, sliced off a piece of seaweed roll and offered it to her as well.
Alessia’s eyes lit up, and she happily accepted another bite.
“We got everything fresh at the market this morning–your dad and I went early. I had a chat with the vendor, and they give us a better bulk price from now on.” Karen looked proud, clearly pleased with Alessia’s approval.!!
“That’s great,” Alessia said, nodding. “By the way, where’s Dad?”
“Zachary and your dad went out early to pick up the car. Zachary dropped it off and then headed to the shop, and your dad’s downstairs cleaning the cart.”
“I go check on him.”
“Alright. Oh, and take some water and snacks down for him, will you?”
“Got it,” Alessia replied, grabbing a cup and heading downstairs.
Sbe’d only been in this house for two or three days, but already, everything felt so natural–like she’d always belonged.
At the front door, Brendan was hosing down the small cart, scrubbing away the last stubborn streaks of grime. The metal gleamed in the moming sunlight.
“Dad, Alessia called, “Take a break and have something to eat?!
Brendan glanced up with a smile, turned off the hose, and walked over. He took the water from her and drank deeply, finishing half in single go.
“Well, Brendan, who’s this?” A woman carrying a trash bag appeared at the doorway, her tone warm and friendly!!
