Chapter 31: Chapter 31

Chapter Thirty — One

Ava's POV

This weekend was going way differently than I thought it would. To be very honest, I had not planned how I was going to spend this day. Neither had I made any plans nor thought about doing a particular activity today.

Overall, I did not give any thought to it. Maybe, until this very morning, when I thought about spending the whole day eating and catching up with the sleep that I had not been able to get during the workdays.

However, things turned out way different and there was a drastic change in the plan.

After we left the gym, we stepped right into the dining room together. Maria told us that the food would be ready in a few minutes and to settle ourselves down.

So, I decided to settle into one of the chairs in the dining table while Jasper excused himself for a quick shower because he was drenched in sweat and needed one immediately. I told him alright, and he disappeared outside the dining room.

With him gone, my mind began reeling up with all sorts of thoughts. And I allowed myself to overthink for a few minutes. Jasper had asked me to call him by his name and he was going to give me a house tour. I did not know why I was so excited to have a house tour. Maybe it was because it had been a while since I got to take some free time to actually enjoy myself with someone else. Even it was as small as a house tour.

When I was in college weekends were just as busy and heavy as working days.

Projects, files, tests, exams, and stuff that I hardly ever got a chance to relax and have some time for fun. Especially for me. Since I liked to stay in top students in my class. Therefore I needed to work just as hard to maintain the grade. Which had me sacrificing my fun time to good grades.

So, it was like a breath of fresh air, to finally have time for something apart from work, where I can just relax and enjoy the moment without worry.

Out of nowhere my nose picked up a very delicious smell and my stomach growled out loud in hunger. Reminding me how hungry I was.

Man, I was famished.

“Liked the smell of pancakes, Honey?” Maria asked in delight as I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. Her eyes twinkled as I let out a small groan.

“Of course, who would not like the smell of That? It smells delicious, I can't wait to dig in and have a taste of it.” I commented. Maria smiled like an adult smile to a child at me then placed the pancakes along with other things on the table.

“It does smell delicious Maria, thanks for making it.” Jasper said as he came and sat on the opposite side of the table.

Jasper had showered.

He had changed into casual blue pants and white t — shirt that fitted him perfectly. His hair was still a little damp from the shower he took, but he certainly looked refreshed and clean. And I could faintly smell soap's scent from him.

All in all, he looked good.

Gosh, I wish I could stop myself from noticing his good looks.

“Of course, Sir. Anything for you. Do you both need anything else?” She asked. I shook my head when she looked at me for an answer, then she turned to Jasper.

“No, Maria. This would be it. Thank you.” Jasper told her, politely. Listening to him say thank you reminded me that I forgot to say thank her too. So, I decided to thank her.

“Yes, Maria. Thank you for this lunch.” I said, genuinely feeling grateful for having pancakes for lunch. Maria gave me a big smile, looking pleased.

“And yes, Ava, later I will give you a tour of the house myself. You need to know the place where you live. Currently, I am a little busy at the moment.” Maria told me.

I felt deeply grateful for her offer. But Jasper had already offered the same thing to me, and I had already agreed. Plus, she just said that she was busy, and I felt it would be better not to increase that burden. So, I decided to ease the pressure a little.

Smiling, I shook my head at her.

“No, you don't have to do that.” I said then nodded at Jasper, “He had decided to give me a tour of this house. So, you don't need to worry about it. You should get your work done, it seems important.” I told her.

She glanced at Jasper, who gave a nod of confirmation before smiling at me. Maria gave me an encouraging nod.

“That's great then. If any of you need anything else, then let me know, I am in the kitchen.” She advised us. I nodded at her and with a final look at both of us, she disappeared in the kitchen. I hoped she had a life outside the kitchen. It seemed like she lived there.

Anyway, my stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I was famished and should hurriedly take a bite from the food. Henceforth, I picked up a knife and dug into it. The first bite had me moaning out loud, it tasted delicious. The taste was sweet and savory, which seemed to melt down on my tongue.

“God, this is good.” I let a tiny moan and closed my eyes to savor the taste for a little longer.

“It is. Isn't it?” Jasper asked. For a second, my whole body tensed.

Shit. I completely forgot that my boss was sitting right across from me. I swallowed the food from my mouth and opened my eyes. With embarrassment lacing my face, I stared down at my plate and nodded.

“Yes. It is good.” I whispered, mortified. Man, this was embarrassing. Why did I notice my surroundings before doing something like this? The mood of the environment changed, and it became heavy and awkward, quickly.

After that, none spoke for a while. We just ate in silence. Soon, the silence became too heavy for me to handle. At last, I gathered some courage and decided to break this awkward silence. I thought it would be better to start a normal conversation, to ease this heavy environment. So, I chose a neutral ground to start a conversation. I decided to ask that was brewing inside my mind for a while.

“Umm … not being rude, just curious.” I said, and Jasper raised his head and met my eyes.

“Why don't you have other employees than Maria? She seems to be taking care of everything in the house. Since you are the CEO of this big company, I know money is not a problem. You could afford more than one employee to take care of the stuff.” I said, pointing out.

Just as I asked this question, Jasper's face hardened. The moment his expressions changed I knew my curiosity had got me out of line, without ever realizing.

I hoped, curiosity — killed — the — cat scenario did not happen to me.

“I'm just asking because I think it must get tough for Maria to handle all the work of this house by herself. Since it's big.” I blurted out.

Trying to amend whatever I had screwed up. Right after the words left my mouth, I cringed at my words. His house was not as big as I said, and it may seem like I was taunting him. Like mocking him for being able to afford a big enough house but still settling for less, or doubting that he even had enough money to do that.

I cursed at myself internally. Why couldn't I think before I say.

“Why? Do you have any problems here? Or did you face any challenge while talking with Maria?” He questioned, his voice calm but serious. I could feel the tension that radiated through his words and the heaviness that relied on underneath his words.

That was it. I did it. The thing that I was afraid of came true. He was thinking that I was making fun of him when I was not.

I shook my head, rushing, trying to vanish any doubts that bloomed in his head because of my stupid questions.

“No. No. I think you are misunderstanding me. I was not trying to take a jab at you or Maria. From the very beginning, Maria had been anything but kind to me and treated me respectfully. I just thought that she was a little old to handle all these chores herself and wondered if it would be helpful if she had another helping hand. That was the only reason I asked you that question. I was just genuinely curious. Otherwise, insulting you or Maria was never my intention.” I said, all of it in one breath. Correcting myself. Hoping desperately that he understands, that I was seriously not insulting them. God, why was I so stupid.

“Sorry …” I drew it out. Feeling bad that I even brought this topic up.

“Forget that I even asked you about that.” I told him, not looking at him. I could feel the regret in my voice. Not only that, but I really was the worst sometimes.

There was a second silence.

“I don't have any more employees because she told me not to hire another one.” Jasper whispered. His voice is slow and quiet. When I raised my head, he was looking down at his plate that was half full of the remaining food. Few seconds passed and at last, he raised his head.

“She doesn't like anyone interfering with her work, plus there is no need for more. It is just me in this house, so there was no need for more.” He told me.

Oh. That was the reason? Well, he was right. What was the point of hiring more than one employee when there was no need for more.

I nodded my head in understanding.

He gave me one of his serious looks, one that made me think that he was pondering over something hard. He rubbed his chin and leaned forward. Likewise, he pointed a finger at me.

“But you have a point there. It is too much work for someone her age, plus all the stress of completing the work. It MUST be hard for her. Moreover, I am not alone in this house now. And would not be for a while, now that you are staying in this house with me. So maybe I should consider hiring one or more employees.” He said and jerked his head to my food.

“And about being this house 'Big', wait until you see it completely. Finish your breakfast fast, I need to give you a tour of the whole house.” He said, and the conversation was over.