Chapter 6

Chapter Six

Maple

I break away from the ass as soon as I can and come up by Eddie's side. I didn't think his grandson could get any more odious, any lower, but he certainly did. And look at the hypocrite in the party! I'm one to talk to Caspian about love when I don't know a damned thing about it myself. This man has probably had hundreds of women falling over themselves to satisfy his every sexual whim and here I am telling him about love.

I didn't lie though. I do love Eddie for all he has done for me when he didn't have to. I love him for who he is and the soul he has. Just not in the way his grandson thinks I do. There is nothing but daughterly affection towards Eddie and I know Eddie well enough that I can tell it's the same on his side. He looks at me as a daughter to dote over and worry about, someone close to him he can give all that love to.

I wonder if it wasn't me would Eddie do the same for any young lady? Eddie is like a father figure to me but maybe… maybe he's just a really wonderful person and would treat any girl like he treats me. Which makes me not as special as I had felt before his grandson paid him a visit and started questioning everything and in so doing, making me question everything. Damn it!

"What's on your mind, dear?"

"What?" Eddie is the one who pulls me out of my moroseness. "Oh, nothing. I was just…"

"Maybe she's worried about her apartment, Gramps."

My mouth falls open and I shoot the bastard a horrified look. Why? Why would he say anything?

"You're apartment. What's wrong with your apartment?"

"Not a thing, Eddie. Not a thing. There's nothing for you to worry…"

"It's about to be condemned and they want everyone out by the end of the month."

"You bastard!" I immediately slap my hands over my mouth and look over at Eddie with big, worried eyes. I didn't mean for it to fall out quite like it did. I don't want him to think badly of me because I can't stand his grandson.

"She didn't tell you about it?" He looks like he is completely unphased and not trying to create chaos in my world.

"Why didn't you say anything, Mae?" Eddie looks at me with worry and concern in his eyes.

"I… I didn't want you to worry… I still have a couple of weeks to find something new and pack. It won't affect my work or my ability to be here with you, Eddie. I just wanted you not to worry."

There is silence as I maintain eye contact with Eddie and completely ignore the ass close by.

"Well, I guess if that is how it is, dear." I let the breath I was holding trapped inside of my chest out and my shoulders droop in relief. "Now, you won't have any reason to tell me no when I ask you to move into the guest house as it is the perfect place for you."

"What?" The word trembles off my lips as stare Eddie down. "No! I…I told you; I don't want to be a burden on you or make you think…"

"Nonsense. You will come here." The old man gets a certain look in his eyes and worry takes root deep inside. "And Cas can help you move everything."

"Absolutely not!" Damn, I say it as a gut response before I can think about saying it. "I… can't come here, Eddie. And I don't need any help, really. I…"

"I think that is a great idea, Gramps. Having Maple close by will make things much easier…on everyone."

Why do I think the only person it will help will be him? What's he up to? Why would he do this? Is he trying to throw me at his grandfather?

"Ah! Good, then it's settled. You start packing dear and Cas will help you when you are ready for him."

I don't want Eddie to think I am ungrateful for all he has done for me or all that he is offering me, so all I can do is sit and wait, swallow down the instant venom I want to spew at Caspian. Eventually, I have the opportunity to be alone with him when Eddie suggests we all take a walk down to the dock. I hang back enough to be able to carry on a whisper/scream conversation with the asshole.

"What the hell are you doing? Why would you tell Eddie about my building? I purposefully didn't tell him because I didn't want him to worry. Why would you do that?"

He answers one of my questions with one of his own, "How many times did Gramps ask you to move into the guest house?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" We eye each other until I finally give in. "A couple of times. Why?"

"I was just wondering how long it will take… before I get you to tell me yes."