Broken Hearts

Chapter 7

"I apologize, I knocked, and you didn't answer. I was just leaving your breakfast for you on the stand. I did not mean to obstruct your privacy. Please accept my apology."

By the time he finished talking, he had finished the clasps, but I wasn't totally listening. I was too busy focusing on the feeling of his warm hands against my sin.

"You're forgiven..." I whispered.

He let out a sigh as the hot breath blew onto my neck and shoulder, causing my body to respond all over again. Rather than making myself out to be a fool for the 3rd time in the last day, I walked back into my closet and quietly shut the door. Leaning against the door, I couldn't help but sigh. My heart was racing, and my breathing was heavy.

I decided that I needed to get things back on track. Starting with working in the garden. As I exited the closet, I saw the tray of food Justin had brought me. He had left the room and shut the door behind him. Taking a moment, I ate the eggs, biscuit, and sausage loaded on the tray. Justin must have talked to Mrs. Murray, because the plate was perfectly portioned.

Heading to the garden, I started working on the fruits that were ripe enough to be harvested. I was wearing black shorts and a dark green tshirt. They wer both covered in dirt by the time I finished harvesting the tomatoes and cucumbers. My legs also had dirt smeared on them. I was in the midst of looking at the carrots when Justin came walking into the garden. He stopped a few feet from me.

"Ashlyn, I really am sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

I looked at him confused. Did I have a bad look on my face? I couldn't think of why he would think I was upset.

"I'm not upset. It was a series of unfortunate events, but it wasn't that big of a deal. You will just have to remember to announce who you are before entering. And it was partially my fault. I should have asked if it was you or Mrs. Murray. No harm, no foul."

I went back to looking at the carrots. My mind was busy trying to figure out if they were ready to be harvested or not.

"What are you working on?" He asked.

"I am trying to see if the carrots are ready to harvest." I pointed at the plant life sticking up from the ground.

"How do you know?" He asked.

I looked up at him about to laugh, because there was no way he was interested in any of this, but he was very serious. Rather than explaining it, it was easier to show him. I motioned for him to crouch down and I showed him. Some of the stalks were barely out of the dirt and were lighter, compared to the taller stalks which were a vibrant green.

After that, we moved through each garden. Him asking questions and me getting to explain it. I was actually enjoying it greatly. He may be an employee, but I finally had someone to talk to. Mrs. Murray was much more knowledgeable than I and was the one who had taught me everything. Finally, having someone, besides her, to enjoy this with was nice. He was an eager listener and quickly picked up on how to identify when something was ripe or not.

By the time we finally finished, we had several baskets. Some were full of onions, potatoes, carrots, garlic, and celery. Another was full of cucumbers, radishes, green onions, cilantro, and corn. There was one large pumpkin in the midst of the baskets. Justin was kind enough to help me take them inside. Waiting for us on the counter were two tea cups with small saucers beneath them. Setting the baskets down, I went to inspect they were still very hot. Mrs. Murray was awfully quiet today, but she may have been busy with some extra chores my husband assigned her.

I don't know what that could possibly be, but it was a possibility. Taking a seat in the sun room, Justin and I talked a while. I learned he was born in Conneticuit. His mother and father had both passed on. He was an only child, and he came to New York to start new after a bad break-up. I talked a little about myself, but to be honest, it was a bit uncomfortable, seeing as how I don't normally talk about myself. I am a people observer. The few friends I had in life quietly went away after we lost contact. My main consistency has been David and Mrs. Murray. David worried I was going to be taken advantage of by people who claimed to be my friend, but just wanted me for my money. David even wrote off most of his friends for the same fears.

It becomes a lonely world when the only person you have is an old woman you pay to take care of your home. Don't get me wrong, I have grown quite fond of Mrs. Murray, but she isn't the same as a friend. She has her years and, therefore, is wise. It just wasn't the same though. I missed having friends. For many years, it didn't bother me, but now with David being gone all the time. It really bothers me.

We talked a while longer before heading to the kitchen to get things ready. I suspected David might be finally home tonight and wanted to make sure everything was perfect. He would want to see for himself how things were going with Justin. Minus the incident this morning, Justin was a wonderful choice. It may have been to keep me happy, but he held a meaningful conversation.

Justin and Mrs. Murray helped me make sure the house was absolutely perfect for David's arrival. I was pleased to see David drive up around 7:30.

Getting out of the car, I could see from the window that he was tired and weary. With each year he ran the company, it became evident on his face just how tired he was. So many people have to manage and had expectations to uphold. It is a lot on a person. I greeted him at the door and took his briefcase and small overnight bag. Surely, it will need to be replenished with clean clothes.