Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
“How long will you be staying?” Louisa asks. She’s obviously older since she has two grown adult children, but there is something youthful in her face. I think I could count maybe two wrinkles if I had a magnifying glass.
“Undecided.” Nick glances at me. “One day at a time for us.”
“We have the villa that overlooks the valley below set up for you. It’s… still in a bit of disarray, but I think it will suit you for now,” Louisa says.
Nick nods and looks at Lonnie. “Where are we on the construction of the new villa?”
Lonnie swallows hard, shifts his weight, but then answers, “It’s been slow. Getting the manpower here hasn’t been the easiest. But when you told us of your arrival, I called for every working body, and I hope to speed up the progress, sir.”
Nick is quiet. There is an awkward silence. I notice that eyes cast to the ground, breaths seem to be held. Everyone waits.
Nick finally nods. “Pay overtime wages to make sure they are all here working. Bonuses will be paid if I don’t have to wait long.”
“Yes, sir,” Lonnie says, clear relief washing over his face.
“All right, Louisa,” Nick says. “Lyriope and I have been up all night. Do you mind showing us to our villa so we can get some rest?”
Louisa nods to Lonnie to get our bags and says, “Follow me, sir.”
When we enter the small villa, I can see why Nick asked about the remodel of a new villa. We stand in a very small area that is large enough to house a queen-size bed, a small dresser, two nightstands, and a small water closet with just a toilet and a sink. It’s charming with its rustic decorations, countryside pictures on display, and the stone walls that are the same as the Morelli villa I was in. If it were just me, I’d feel these accommodations are more than adequate, but I know that Nick Hudson, Mr. White Mansion in Bishop’s Landing, is not satisfied with such a quaint and cozy abode.
The view, however…
No amount of money could buy a better view.
Nick walks over to the veranda to open the doors. When he does, it’s almost as if I can hear angels singing when I see the scenery shining back at me.
“I apologize that Lonnie was not more on top of the new villa you requested. We all didn’t expect your arrival so soon. If I remember correctly, you had told us sometime next year,” Louisa says, running her hands over the floral comforter, ironing out the bed to be absolutely perfect.
“No apologies needed,” Nick says as he stretches out his arms in the threshold of the veranda. I see him inhale deeply, close his eyes for several moments, and then add, “We’re going to need a bottle of Chianti and some meats and cheeses, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course, Mr. Hudson. It’s wonderful to have you here.”
He looks over his shoulder. “Victoria is going to college next year? Yes?”
Louisa nods her head and smiles. “It was extremely generous for you to pay for Columbia. She’s excited to head to the States.”
Nick smiles warmly. “Good. She’s a smart girl. I’m sure she will do quite well.”
Louisa turns on her heels, a look of happiness radiating from her face.
“One more thing,” Nick adds. “Harrison and Martha will be arriving soon. Are the villas in building one and two up to the standards?”
Louisa nods. “Yes, Lonnie had all the repairs made. The water pressure is still low, but sadly, that’s the way the entire town is right now.”
“Good. Please add some tulips in Martha’s room. They’re her favorite,” Nick says before returning his attention to the view out the veranda doors.
It’s interesting watching Nick with his staff. They respect him. Maybe fear him a bit. But more than anything, they truly seem to care about him. But with that said, it seems that he sees them as people, as part of his… team. Thinking of Harrison and Martha, maybe even as part of his family.
As soon as we are alone, Nick says, “Come over here and join me.”
Feeling as if I’ve been a fly on the wall, simply watching but not really being present, it’s odd to be reminded that I am indeed inside the room by his commanding voice.
“It’s beautiful,” I say as I walk up beside him. “I can see why you bought this entire town. For this view alone.”
He doesn’t say anything, but I can hear him inhale deeply again.
“I could think of far worse prisons,” I tease. I’m not sure why I feel like I need to lighten the mood of the room, but I do.
I see him give me a side eye. “There may be no bars but do know that you’re expected to stay put. Don’t leave and explore without me. Don’t even leave my sight.”