Thirty-Six: Harlow

THIRTY-SIX

HARLOW

Sasha

Soooo you caught whatever Olivia had?

The twins did, too.

They got better and I didn’t, though…I think it’s the flu…

Did he offer to cover your medical bills?

Worse. He gave me a whole week off to recover.

“ F eel better soon, Miss Hawthorne.” Jerry held the back door open for me. “Get rest like Mr. Dawson suggested.”

“I’d rather recover back at the condo,” I said. “Take me back, Jerry.”

“I have orders.” He looped his hand in mine and escorted me to the front door.

“Mr. Dawson is sending dinner shortly, along with two members of his medical team.”

“I’m fine, I promise.” I coughed. “There better be a driver here to pick me up for work tomorrow morning.”

“I can’t promise you that, but security will watch to make sure you don’t leave until the doctor checks you out.” He smiled. “Close enough, right?”

“I guess…”

He waited until I stepped inside before returning to the town car.

I hit the lights, and my jaw hit the floor with my purse.

My living room was no longer bare.

Filled with gorgeous grey and cream-colored furniture, it beckoned me to run my hands against its artwork.

Golden framed recipes and photographs of vintage kitchens complemented the new rustic rose drapes that hung from the windows. Hints of my hardwood floors sparkled beneath plushy cream area rugs.

Wandering to the kitchen, I sucked in a breath and took in the freshly painted walls and stainless steel range. My new glass cabinets resembled the ones on Pierce’s yacht, and a khaki-colored apron hung from a hook.

The pocket bore my name in bright pink cursive.

I rushed to the bedroom and stared at the rose and grey theme in awe.

The sheets on my bed felt like butter, and I couldn’t wait to dive headfirst into the pillows.

Taking off my shoes, I noticed a handwritten note on the new nightstand.

Harlow,

Thank you for caring for my children while they were sick.

Now, let me take care of you.

Pierce