I cut up a chocolate cake I brought over and bring slices to the table for us. Katie eats hers with a glass of milk. I make coffee for Ben and me.
“I don't think I have ever had cake this tasty before,” he comments.
I smile proudly. After we are done eating, Ben remains sitting at the table. He listens patiently while Katie recites her colors to him. I wash the dishes and clean everything up but continue watching him from the corner of my eye. The lines around his eyes start to soften, and his jaw unclenches. My dinner seems to have worked. He is acting so different tonight.
“Okay, time for bed,” Ben announces once we are all done in the kitchen.
“I don't want to!” Katie protests while crossing her arms, cutely.
“Sweetie, it is time for bed,” her father repeats gently but firmly. The little girl gives him a cute little pouty face in response.
“Come on. I'll help you get ready,” I say as I take Katie by the hand. I lead her out of the kitchen, down the long hallway, and towards the stairs.
“Do I really have to go to bed?” she asks as we walk upstairs to her room.
“Yes, you do. I will stay with you until you fall asleep,” I say, hoping this will help convince her.
I turn on the bedroom light and get her bed ready. She changes into her pajamas.
“Let's brush your teeth now,” I instruct.
She follows me into the bathroom. I watch as she brushes her teeth carefully. We go back to the room, and she climbs into bed. I tuck her in.
“Will you sing me songs?” Katie asks as she lies down and looks at me.
“Of course, I will,” I reply sweetly. How can I resist those big brown eyes?
She grabs her favorite stuffed bear and cuddles it. I start to sing a lullaby while stroking her soft hair. I watch as her eyes grow heavy. Soon my charge is asleep, and I’m done with my workday. Turn off the light, I tiptoe quietly out of the room.
Heading back downstairs, I notice how quiet everything is. I assume Ben has gone to work in his home office as usual. However, I am shocked when I find him asleep on one of the sofas in the living room.
My boss looks so peaceful. His broad chest rises softly with each breath. Watching his lips move, I imagine him kissing me. I shouldn’t think such things about my employer, but it’s starting to be difficult not to. One of Ben’s hands twitches in his sleep, bringing my attention to his large palms and thick fingers. I have to turn away as I feel my face flush.
I turn off the light, being careful not to make any noise. I don't want to disturb him. I stand there and watch him sleep for a few seconds more. Then I realize that I have a problem on my hands. I don't know whether or not I am scheduled to work tomorrow. I really don't want to wake him up, so I decide to wait on the other couch.
He will wake up eventually, and then I can ask him. Besides, I'm not in a hurry to go back to my box-like apartment anyway. I don't mind waiting, so I get comfortable on the couch. Relaxed by the decadent dinner we ate, my eyes soon close, and I’m asleep.
Chapter 6 - Cece
I'm awakened by someone shaking me. Opening my eyes, I realize that it is entirely dark. It must be the middle of the night. It takes me a few minutes to realize where I am. Still at my employer’s, I sit up quickly.
Ben pulls his hand away from my shoulder. “Good, you are awake,” he says coldly.
I feel a little embarrassed. I didn't mean to fall asleep like that. I don't know what happened, probably the heavy dinner that we ate. That's one of the drawbacks of cooking that meal.
Before I have a chance to explain or even ask him about my work schedule, he is suddenly rude to me. “I think you are getting too comfortable here, Cece. It's best if you leave and don't come back.”.
Crossing my arms, I try to glare up at him in the darkness. How dare he speak to me like that? I've done nothing but be nice to him. I’ve worked hard. I treasure his daughter and do my best to take care of her and teach in all the ways he expects, so why am I not good enough? This is so frustrating. I'm so tired of this man’s mood changes. I don't deserve to be treated this way. Now is probably the only chance I will get to stand up for myself, considering that he pretty much just fired me, so I have to stand my ground. Who does he think he is?