The Butler(66)

    “I did. He was a chef in wolf’s clothing. Or actually a very sweet mouse. I fired him. He made delicious croissants and was terrified of the workmen. He wants to be a chef when he grows up. It’s easier alone now. I wind myself up to be a bitch every day, and it actually works very well. We’re almost finished.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, and genuinely meant it, and it soothed her heart, although she wouldn’t admit it to him.

“Being a bitch is actually a very useful skill. It works incredibly well,” she said with laughter in her voice. She sounded pleased to hear from him, and she was being nice about it, which made him feel even guiltier.

“I find that hard to believe. You’re never a bitch, even when you should be.”

“I’ll be better at it now,” she said, and he smiled. “In two languages. My French has improved immensely.”

“I owe you an apology. I’m sorry about the things I said when I left. I was upset about my brother, and what I said wasn’t true. It was never just a job, I cared about it, and about you. I felt terrible about leaving, and we were friends. I just didn’t know how to leave, and I was worried about you and my mother.”

“Thank you,” she said softly. “It’s nice to hear. I thought you were right about it just being a job when I didn’t hear from you.”

“I didn’t know what to say, and I was sure you were angry at me, and you had a right to be. I didn’t know how to clean it up.”

    “It’s okay. I’m doing fine. I think we’ll even come in on time if I keep threatening them.”

“That’s a miracle. I don’t think even I could have done that. Would you ever do it again?”

“I’m not sure. I think I’d like to. Maybe a smaller home, and less time pressure. I’m trying to figure out if I want to extend my lease and stay. I love it here.”

“I hope you do extend. Maybe we could have coffee sometime,” he suggested cautiously, not sure what she’d say.

“Sure. I’ll send you pictures of the chateau when we finish. It’s going to be pretty spectacular. I hope Petrov loves it.”

“He will. I’m glad you’re all right, and that you don’t hate me.”

“Actually, I curse you a lot when something goes wrong I don’t know how to do, and then I figure it out.” He laughed. “You taught me a lot,” she said in a serious tone. “About being brave, and going on no matter what, and having the courage to do what you believe in. I was brought up by cowards, courage has never been my strong suit, until I came here.”

“That’s not true. You’re braver than you think, braver than I am at times. Actually, my mother is the bravest woman I know.”

“So I gather. I’m glad you called.”

He had opened a door, he didn’t know if he would ever walk through it again, but it was nice to know he could. He realized that that was what his mother meant when she told him to leave nicely.

“So am I. Take good care of yourself and send me those photos of the chateau when it’s finished.”

“Good luck with the House of Usher,” she said, and he laughed. They both hung up feeling better, and surprised by how easy the call was.

    He told his mother about it when she got up and he made her breakfast. She listened quietly, and then looked pensive for a minute.

“You did the right thing. And she sounds very gracious. She didn’t have to answer your call.” And then she looked hard at Joachim. “I’d like to meet her.” She sounded matter of fact about it.

“Maybe you will sometime,” he said vaguely. He didn’t feel ready to see Olivia again. The call had been enough, probably for her too. It had been a big step for him.

“I mean now,” Liese said with a determined expression. “?‘Sometime’ is fine at your age. Not at mine.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” he scolded her.

“Don’t be such a coward. She sounds like a nice woman. I want to meet her. For a cup of tea.”

“Why?”

“Why not? It’s always interesting to meet new people. I have questions in my mind about her. I want to see why you like her.”

“She was a good employer and she paid me well.”

“Nonsense. She was more than that. Please invite her to tea,” she said, sitting up straight, and he could tell that she wasn’t going to give up until he agreed. He felt foolish calling her again, but he did. It was easier than arguing with his mother.

Olivia answered his call again. “What’s up?” She sounded busy and he was embarrassed to bother her.

“My mother wants to have tea with you,” he said bluntly.

“That’s why you called?” She thought he was kidding at first.

“Yes. She’ll drive me crazy if I don’t at least ask.”

    “Actually, I’d like to meet her…Sure…Why not?…When?”

“Today apparently,” he said with a grin. “Name your time. Our schedule is free.”

“My place?”

“That’s too much trouble for you, and you don’t have a butler anymore,” he reminded her and she laughed. “Why don’t you come here at four o’clock? Jeans are fine. Don’t get dressed up.”