Changing Roles

“She didn’t… Okay, fuck, she bloody well did. I’m glad she’s gone. I should have listened to you and got rid of her months ago.”

“Yeah, you should have, but it’s done. I think we’re rid of all the dead weight your last management team had you saddled with before me. Now, we’ll find you a new housekeeper.”

“I can look after myself.”

He snorted. “Right.”

I glared at him, but he was probably correct. I was rather hopeless when it came to the house or keeping myself on track. And the last time I had tried to fire someone, they had sold their story to the tabloids, and it wasn’t pretty. After that, I agreed to let Everett handle staffing issues.

“I’m interviewing the next housekeeper,” I informed him.

Everett snorted. “Like you’d know what to ask them?”

I glared at him. “I’d ask if they can make cupcakes. What kind of housekeeper can’t bake?” That had always pissed me off about Marie. My own mum was brilliant in the kitchen and I liked that sort of stuff. I missed it, living here in LA.

“They need to be able to do more than bake, Liam. They need to be organized, trustworthy, run your house, and help keep you organized. We need someone with some experience.”

“I want to like them this time.”

He studied me for a minute. “I think I know someone who’d be perfect.”

“Who?”

“You don’t know her.”

“You do?”

He nodded and stood, walking to the window. He looked outside for a minute, not saying anything. “My sister, Shelby, is in a bit of a jam.”

“Oh?”

“Her fucking, no-good husband dumped her. And took all their savings and disappeared.”

“What a wanker.”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “She lost her job a month ago—the company she worked for did some downsizing, and they let a bunch of the executives and PAs go. Now the asshole pulls this shit.” He shook his head. “I never liked him.”

“I know. I think you referred to him as ‘the jackass’ most of the time.”

Everett nodded. “Shelby is strong and independent, and I only found out all this when she finally called me. He took everything of value and left her with nothing. He surprised her with a spa day, and when she got home, everything was gone. The apartment cleared out, their bank accounts drained. It was the last straw. She’s been struggling, trying to figure this out on her own, but it was simply too much for her. The bastard ran up all their credit cards, was behind on the rent, and then disappeared.”

“Good thing she called you.”

“I know it took a lot for her to make that call. But I’m glad she did. With her husband gone and no job, I thought a new start would help her. She looked after me growing up. Now it’s my turn to repay the favor.”

I nodded in sympathy. “Crap, Everett—that’s awful. What a stupid arse he must be. Good thing she has you for a brother.” Understanding dawned. “You want me to hire her?”

He sat back down in the chair. “She’s a hard worker, Liam, and a hell of a great person. She’s dealt with being a PA for years, so she would know how to keep you organized. She needs a place to live and a job. You need a housekeeper and someone here while you’re away filming, to look after the place.”

I hesitated.

“She’d be a damn sight better than Marie. And she isn’t remotely scary.”

That was a plus.

“At least meet her.” He encouraged. “I’m asking as a favor. If you don’t get on, no pressure.”

Everett rarely asked me for anything. Usually it was me asking the favors.

“Can she cook?”

“Like a dream. Always has.”

“My favorite thing is turkey sandwiches. I love turkey. And cupcakes. I love those, too.”

“I know that, Liam. I introduced you to both of those things. What does that have to do with Shelby?”

“I want to meet her, and I want her to make me a turkey sandwich and some cupcakes.”

Everett shook his head. “Some interview.”

I thought it was a bloody brilliant idea.

“If I like her and her cupcakes are good, the job is hers.”

“Thank you, Liam. I’ll let her know.”

“Anything else I should know about her?”

He grinned. “Just don’t call her Beaker.”I met Shelby two days later. She wasn’t what I expected. Aside from the dark hair and blue eyes, she and Everett were polar opposites. He was tall, broad-shouldered, spoke loudly, and exuded confidence.

Shelby was short, tiny, her voice soft and pleasant, and she seemed quite shy. Her blue eyes were sad, filled with confusion and lingering hurt, but she smiled and shook my hand when Everett introduced us. I was surprised to find her last name the same as Everett’s, but she explained she had never taken her ex’s surname.

“Thank God for that,” Everett muttered as he left us alone.

As we talked, I realized she was intelligent and kind. There was an aura of gentleness around her that drew me to her easily. I knew I would be able to trust her as much as I trusted her brother. I had already decided to offer her the job before she opened the basket she had brought with her and presented me with a feast.