The Billionaire’s Housekeeper

“This can’t all be a coincidence. There’s a reason this happened. The universe doesn’t make mistakes,” Jose had said. He nodded his head in the way he did when he felt proud of something wise he had said.

Rita couldn’t help but agree with Jose. He was right, and she knew it. If she didn’t tell George, there would always be the thought in her mind, and she would never know if he felt the same way. But there was the other side of her that thought there was no possible way the feelings were mutual. Even with all that had been happening between them since the morning they were married, Rita was still so unsure.

Her ex-boyfriend had made her doubt any feelings about herself or anyone in her life. But she hadn’t seen him in years. George was nothing like her ex, and she wasn’t that scared young woman anymore. It was time for her to be brave. It was time for her to tell the man in her life that she cared about him, and wanted this to mean something more than a very important favor.

The trouble was, she didn’t know how to say it. She hadn’t been bold enough to let her feelings known to anyone before. She was more turned off by the thought of being humiliated if her feelings for him weren’t reciprocated more than anything else. Rita didn’t know how she’d be able to face him after something like that.

Rita heard the front door open, and she cringed. She was sipping on her coffee, and her mind wasn’t in the mood to entertain any company until her breakfast with Anne. George was still upstairs, and that had given her some time to think. Rita half expected to see Julie sauntering in, but instead, in popped Anne Ainsworth. She looked very chipper for how early in the day it was. She had a bottle of wine in one hand and a squash racket in the other.

“Well good morning sunshine. Or should I say bonjour?” Anne said with a delighted smile. “You’re ready early.”

“You look nice,” Rita said. She returned the smile, but it was a bit weak. She wasn’t expecting company, and she was still in a bathrobe. “And bonjour.”

“How is that son of mine doing? Is he ready yet? I wanted to bring you both some wine as a little gift. I figure you guys would enjoy it after we spend the morning together. You guys may need it after being in my company for long enough. Wadya think? Think George would like it?”

“I’m not sure,” Rita said. George’s mother put the bottle of wine down on a counter, and turned to face Rita. She leaned on the counter and folded her arms over her chest. Rita had been alone with Anne before, but to see her now as her mother-in-law made her feel a bit strange. She didn’t know what to talk to her about. She secretly hoped that George would walk through the door and that they would go to breakfast together.

“Is everything alright?” Anne asked. Her expression turned serious as she eyed Rita.

“I’m not sure,” Rita said again. She was being honest. It wasn’t that there was anything wrong, but the thought that something could be in the future made her anxious. “Are we playing squash?”

“No, not at all. I played after pilates and just before I came. I’m now positively famished, and I’d give anything for George to be down here. Can you imagine? We’re the women and we’re the ones who are ready before him,” Anne said with a scoff.

“Now, Rita. I know we don’t exactly know each other, but we’re family. Family can always tell when something is the matter. You know that you can talk to me about anything,” Anne added.

“Thank you, it’s just that…”

“Good morning, ladies,” George stepped into the kitchen. He looked extremely handsome this morning. The color of his shirt brought out the brightness in his eyes, and his hair had a beautiful wave to it. He kissed his mother on the cheek, and then ran his fingers along Rita’s arm. Rita stood very still when he touched her. She could feel his warmth when his fingers brushed against her skin, and a small smile formed on her face. She looked down as he passed by behind her. When she looked up again, Anne was looking at her.

“Ready to go?” George asked.

“Yes we are. George, why don’t you bring the car around?” Anne offered. George sighed and agreed. He stepped out of the kitchen and walked outside to start one of his cars.

“Rita, will you stay with me a minute?” Anne asked. Rita was just about to follow George, but she stopped and turned to wait with Anne.

“I think I know what’s on your mind,” Anne said. Her mouth curled up in a mischievous smile. Rita didn’t say anything, but now her heart was racing.

“It’s about George isn’t it?”

Rita didn’t know how to answer that question.

“You don’t have to be shy about it; it’s written all over your face. You really love him, don’t you?”

“I don’t know,” Rita said. She couldn’t bring herself to lie to Anne, but she had already been found out.

“I knew it! I wasn’t sure, but when I saw the way you looked when he just touched you. Oh this is wonderful!” Anne said. She clapped her hands together.

“Why is it wonderful?”

“Because you’re such a lovely girl, Rita. You’re bringing out something in George too, something I haven’t seen in a long time,” Anne said with a smile.

“What do you mean?” Rita asked. She could barely hear herself over the sound of her beating heart. If Anne knew, then there was no doubt that it was obvious to George as well.

“Have you told him? Are you guys an item? I mean, other than the fact that you’re technically already married, that is.”

Rita replied with a shake of her head.

“Well, I can tell there’s something there. I can see it in the way that he looks at you…and the way he just touched your arm. I haven’t seen him look at someone the way he looks at you in a long time. He seems happier. There is definitely something there, Rita. This looks like something magical.”

“How can you tell?”

“Because a mother knows,” Anne tapped the side of her head with her finger and smiled again. “A mother always knows.