Chapter 8 – New Life

Knock, knock.

“Mr. Gideon, I know Miss Burne told me to let you sleep in, but it’s getting quite late,” Timo called out to him from the other side of the door. “We’ve also scheduled you to see someone for physical therapy.”

Eric barely managed a groan as he stayed in la-la land.

Timo opened the door. “Mr. Gideon… You must have been exhausted.” Not that he could blame him; the past few days would be a lot for anyone to take in. He shook Eric’s shoulder. “Wake up!”

“Who… Oh!” Eric shot up and pain spiked in his ribs. "Ow..."

“I’m sorry, but you wouldn’t wake up, Mr. Gideon.”

“Call me Eric, please.” He wasn’t used to being referred to by his last name.

“Alright.”

“Ugh,” Eric held onto his ribs, trying not to take too deep of breaths as he swung his legs over the edge.

Timo set up a tray in front of him with a plate of scrambled eggs, buttered toast, and a glass of orange juice.

“Thanks, but I thought you were Char’s personal assistant; shouldn’t you be helping her at work right now?”

“Normally, yes, but since we’re already acquainted, and she’s worried about leaving you to one of the others. I’ll help you until you finish your physical therapy, and can move around easily on your own. Possibly longer, until you settle in; time will tell.”

“Why would she be worried?” I know I’m a bit socially inept, but I don’t think I’m ‘that’ bad.

Timo faltered. Eric set his fork down and stared up at him.

“What is it?” Eric asked.

“Well… She was worried they might be jealous of you or try to sell photos.”

Eric laughed. “Photos of me won’t be worth much, but I can understand being jealous of someone being pampered like this. All she wants in return is someone to greet her when she comes home and listens to her. I’m almost her pet.” Aside from her grooming me, I might as well be. A slight flush formed on his cheeks.

“You don’t understand your position, do you?”

“…Obviously not, if you have such a grim expression.”

“Charlotte Burne is one of the most powerful women in the industry. People are always looking for a scoop on her, especially since she’s keeps a clean image. Most of that is because she keeps to herself. She’s normally quite careful about who she’s with, how she acts, and who is around her. And now, you’re living with said, unmarried woman; people will be itching to get a story on you.”

“But how would anyone know I’m here?”

Timo sighed. “While she wants to trust her staff, and treats them well, there’s no saying who might turn on her for the right price. And there’s always blackmail…”

“Oh…”

“So, are you up for some physical therapy at home?”

“They’re here? I thought I’d have to go somewhere.”

“Considering your condition, Miss Burne thought it best for them to come to you. That said, you will have to come downstairs to the gym.”

“She has her own gym?”

“Yes, though she hardly finds time to use it. It’s also open for the staff to use as well; one of the perks of working here.”

“Geez…” Richer than I thought I guess… Kinda scary.

Timo picked up the empty tray. “Do you need help getting changed?”

“I think I can manage, thanks.”

“I’ll be back in a moment to show you to the gym.”

“Okay.”

Timo gave him a small bow and left.

Eric groaned at every movement, pain spiking through his body as he got changed into the t-shirt and sweatpants that were left out for him. “Should I really be going to the gym in this state?”

Timo appeared with the wheelchair.

“You know what? I don’t think I should start this yet.”

“Oh, don’t worry; it’s more for the wrist movement and they’re talking to you about recovery for now. We’ll get to the other exercises soon enough, though.”

“Oh, then I guess I should wear something else?”

“I thought this would work for lounging around the house doing nothing, anyway. You don’t plan to go outside, do you?”

“Maybe a little, but not much I suppose… Can I get some fresh air while staying near the house at least?”

“Not a problem; I’ll wheel you around the garden after the checkup, then.”

“Okay… Thanks…” I don’t think I paid enough attention to the outside when I got here; I’d probably get lost wondering around. I wonder, though, how much land does this estate include?

After Eric’s exercise with the physical therapist, and talking over his future recovery, Timo showed him around the mansion and they made their way outside.

“I think it’ll take a while before I don’t get lost in this place,” Eric sighed as Timo pushed him into the garden area, lush with greenery and colourful flowers. Not that Charlotte would want him wandering around on his own yet; partly for his own safety, and partly because she couldn’t truly trust him yet, despite how much she wanted to. “Wow,” Eric couldn’t help but marvel at everything. Timo stopped by the bench at the fountain.

“This is one of Miss Burne’s favourite places to relax; not that she gets to enjoy it often…” Timo sighed and reached out to lightly touch a red rose.

“I can see why she’d want to, though; it’s so beautiful and peaceful here. It’s away from the busy world.”

“Exactly,” a small smile played on his face.

“I understand the allure, but why does a single lady have such a huge… mansion, estate, or whatever you want to call it?”

Timo froze. “Well… Some of that you will have to hear from her, herself, but what I can tell you is that she wanted everything she might want available without the crowds. When you’re as well known and as well of as she is, it’s hard to go places, and to know who to trust.”

Eric took a deep breath of the flowery air. “Such a mixture of scents here.”

“Indeed.”

“So…” Eric struggled to think of anything to say. “Is Charlotte really not married?”

“I’m afraid not.” Timo couldn’t help but think that if she had someone, she wouldn’t be able to have this arrangement with Eric.

“Is she seeing anyone… or anything lone those lines?”

Timo smiled sadly. “No, and she hasn’t even been on a date in a long time now. Miss Burne is quite busy… and finds it hard to trust people. She hasn’t had any resemblance of a real relationship in quite some time.”

“Oh…” But she’s gorgeous, rich, nice, and smart… The whole package. “I find that hard to believe.”

“Is that so?”

“Did I say that out loud?”

Timo chuckled. “Yes.”

“So… Um…” Eric scratched the back of his head. “Does she have a favourite food or dish… or dessert?” He didn’t cook much, but he liked to bake when he could afford to.

“Certainly, but why do you want to know that?”

“I… I figured when I’m well enough to move around without wanting to keel over in pain, I could make her something as a thank you. Oh, but I guess she has a personal chef, so anything I make would fail in comparison…” Eric sighed, his shoulders slumped.

“She does, but I think she’d appreciate something you made for her specifically,” Timo held back a chuckle.

“That so?” She did want me to make her omelettes sometime.

“Yes, but can you actually cook? I don’t want her getting food poisoning.”

“Hey! I’m not fancy, but I’ve been cooking simple dishes for myself for years and… haven’t poisoned myself yet.” He lived more off of frozen dinners, but when he had a bit more time, tried to cook.

“Okay,” Timo chuckled. “I believe you. If you want, we can make cookies today.”

Eric touched his ribs. “I don’t know…”

“We have a stand mixer, which will help with the stirring, and I can assist you with anything else.” As per Charlotte’s instructions.

I guess it beats lounging around like a useless lump. “Sure, we can do that.”