Welcome

It was a very large room, with a four-poster bed, more like a room for royalty. Wow, if that was the guest room, I can imagine the main room. Everything was perfect. The chandelier. The wallpaper. There was even a bathroom with a splendid shower, all spotless.

- Well, I hope it's all right for you. This is one of the best rooms in the house. Lunch is served at eleven o'clock, if you feel like coming down. If not, I can ask them to bring you here, I know you must be tired from your trip.

- Oh, yes, of course, that would be very kind of you. - I sat on the edge of the bed. - I can't thank you enough for all your kindness. - I smiled at her as I smoothed out the floral silk sheet.

- Mr. Colleri asked that you be given the best possible reception, he should be here in the evening, since he's in town on business. Well, take the day to rest, tomorrow I can familiarize you with the services.

- Yes, thank you.

After Maria left, I felt relieved. At least part of me did, since I hadn't met Mr. Colleri yet. As far as I could tell, he had instructed the staff to treat me well, which was a relief. I took a long shower, called Vivian and Alice to tell them all about the reception and, before I knew it, it was eleven o'clock. Just then there was a knock on the door. I opened the door.

Nicole, here's your lunch. - Maria brought me a tray. - Pumpkin soup, I hope you like it!

It smelled really good and I urgently needed something to eat. I took the tray from her hand and thanked her. They were all very good for me.

- I imagined she was resting and decided to bring it over.

- Ah, thanks again. It smells very good.

As soon as I entered the room, I sat down at the corner table and devoured the food, which was delicious. I brushed my teeth and then went to rest. When I finally lay down on the bed, I felt enveloped by a cloud. My body needed it, that bed was so soft, so big. I slept like a baby. When I woke up eight hours later, the room was filled with darkness. It took me a while to get my bearings, as I was still waking up. Then I remembered my dramatic life story and got up. I decided to change and go downstairs, probably Mr. Colleri would like to talk to me.

I followed the corridor a little lost. I had barely passed through, there had been no time to memorize the way. I heard voices and laughter coming from a room, kept walking and stopped in front of the door. Benjamin and Will were in what looked like a games room, playing pool in a relaxed way.

- Ah, good evening, Nicole. Would you like to join us? - Benjamin commented enthusiastically.

- Actually, not now, I'm trying to find myself. Where's Maria?

- I think she's gone to bed, she sleeps early. - Will said, putting down his bat and approaching. - Do you need anything? Are you hungry? She wanted to serve you dinner, she even knocked on your door, but you didn't wake up. Mr. Colleri himself ordered her not to be disturbed.

- That's very kind. Would he be available to see me now?

- Oh, I'm sorry. He didn't have dinner with us, he just had a quick shower, got ready and left for a last-minute meeting.

- Of course.

I don't know why I felt a bit disappointed. I think deep down I just wanted to thank the person who was saving my life.

- Okay, could I get something to eat?

- Of course he did. I was just going to go downstairs. I'm already tired of losing.

- Ah, Will! You didn't look tired the tenth time! - Benjamin scoffed.

- Wait for me, Ben! There'll be a rematch! But not before I get Nicole fed. - He smiled as he led me into the kitchen.

Needless to say, the place was just as fascinating as the rest of the house. Every detail was perfect, with majestic finishes.

- Well, what we have for now is a turkey breast sandwich and orange juice. - He propped everything up on the counter. I smiled back.

- So! What's your story?

Was he talking to me?

- Nothing interesting," I said, not wanting to pursue the subject.

- Okay - came the reply, as he handed me the sandwich.

- Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. There's just nothing to tell.

- It's just that no one can enter this fortress without Mr. Colleri's complete trust, and until last night we'd never heard of you. We really need a new housekeeper, Maria isn't old enough to take care of everything, even with help. Mr. Colleri thinks of you as a mother, and what kind of son would want his mother working like that? - You drank your juice in one go.

I let out a small smile.

- You're right, but there's really nothing to know. I was living in Tennessee, I was graduating, I had some family problems and I had to move away temporarily. Thank God an uncle knew Mr. Colleri and knew that he needed someone he could trust for the job. Then I offered. Now here I am. - I put on my cleanest face so that he would buy the lie. I had no plans to stay there for long, so I wouldn't go around telling everyone about my life.

- Okay! Don't be surprised, it's just force of habit.

- Everything's fine. - I smiled.

- Look, you can go upstairs if you want. Tomorrow Maria should start giving you a better orientation. And you'll have a lot to learn, since Mr. Colleri is hosting a dinner party in a week's time.

- Of course. - I looked at him, who was gently collecting the dishes and putting them in the clean sink.

- Oh, don't worry about it, I'll wash it myself. As a welcome.

-Thank you. Good night, Will.

- Good evening and welcome, Nicole.