"So, tell me Olivia. Why did you choose to become a nurse?" Raphael asks as he cuts into a perfectly grilled, medium-rare steak and forks the meat into his mouth.
It's the third question he's asked me, right after asking the kinds of responsibilities I handled at the hospital I worked at and how many hours a week I had to be at work.
I pull the glass of wine I was sipping from away from my lips and set it down on the table before I answer.
"Well, when I was a kid, my mother worked in a hospital, but not as a nurse or a doctor. She was a cleaner and she used to set up patients' rooms, serve them food and clean up after them whenever they left. Some days she took me to work with her and to be honest... it was the most beautiful and thoughtful thing I ever experienced. I know it was her job to clean after the patients and take care of them, but she also did it with...a certain joy." I say, slightly aware of the mall smile forming on my lips as the memories slowly come to mind.
"I could tell she enjoyed being there for them and in a way that inspired me. I wanted to help patients in hospitals too but also on a medical level as well. So, I decided to be a nurse." I say, realizing I was more emotional than professional in answering the question, but Raphael just smiles at me, then drops his fork and picks up a glass of water.
"That's beautiful. You said you want to help patients as in plural... but for this job, I'm the only patient. Why would you choose to leave your old job then and consider this when it will deny you the chance to take care of more patients?" he asks, and I slowly let out a breath as I carefully think of my answer.
How about the opportunity to make five figures a month?
"Excluding the obvious increase in salary, of course."' Raphael says with a knowing raise of his brow, and I let out a chuckle, amazed.
I'm beginning to think he can read my mind.
"Can I be honest?"
"Please."
"As much as the pay wasn't very favorable at my former job, especially considering my years of experience, I really loved it. I loved my job, and I enjoyed treating and taking care of people. But it started to get a bit monotonous with the shifts and the routines, so when I got your offer, I was excited for the changed it offered. Taking care of a single person, learning a different medical routine according to your health and preferences, the change of scenery and the flexibility of being a stay-at-home nurse. It's an entirely new experience in general in this field and I'm excited to start it. Those are the reasons I took this opportunity." I admit and Raphael is nodding, unwavering eyes studying me.
"Interesting." He mutters and I return to my dinner, dragging my slice of juicy steak across the delicious gravy sauce and into my mouth.
Am I doing well or am I failing this interview?
"Your resume makes mention of a part-time job you had as an assistant chef?"
"Yes, I worked in that position for a couple of years to help with my college funds."
"That's amazing. And one of your hobbies is playing the piano?"
"Yes. My uncle worked as a pianist in a jazz club, and he taught me everything about playing a piano." I respond quickly, relieved for the change of topic.
"I see." Raphael says, then he sets down his cutlery and folds his palms on the table, a serious expression enveloping his face.
"Because to emphasize, the position I'm interviewing you for is not just a stay-at-home nurse, but also a caregiver. Meaning, I want you to also work as my cook, Miss Washington." He says and I blink, absolutely surprised.
"Oh." I manage to say, and then I glance down at the almost empty plate of food in my front, completely puzzled. "But..."
"I'm letting go of my current chef. Sweet lady, she is, but I'm afraid she's in dire need of retirement, even though she won't accept it. There are other chefs here, but I will be changing the terms of their contract to sustain them, and you will be my primary cook. Plus as my caregiver, you will have more expertise and knowledge on the type of meals I should be taking for my age and health, which makes it an added advantage that you have experience working in the kitchen."
So that's what he meant when he said 'other qualifications'.
"I understand, Raphael." I say with confidence.
Sure, I wasn't expecting this but I'm already here and I do have the experience. Also, the pay is more than enough for both jobs.
"So, are you up for both tasks? Let me not fail to include that I have a grand piano in my lobby and occasionally, I would appreciate if you played me some songs. Music, they say, soothes the soul." He says with that cheerful smile, and I nod.
"I assure you, I can handle it." I say and he unfolds his palms and sits back into his chair in a relaxed manner, his serious expression now replaced with a casual and satisfied look.
"I'm happy to hear that, Olivia. I'll have my medical file containing my medical history sent to your room, and--" He stops short as his phone starts ringing and he squints at it before picking it up.
"I have to take this, excuse me." He says and I nod while he leaves the patio and walks into the house.
At that moment, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as I lean back into my chair and observe the night stars, my heart beating rapidly.
He's sending his medical files to my room... Does that mean I got the job?
Well, he made mention of having other candidates, so I better hit the snooze button on that excitement—
"I can understand you not wanting to see me, dad, but ignoring my phone calls is just petty and careless at this point." An unfamiliar, deep voice is saying from inside the house, increasing with each word as the owner of the voice draws closer to the patio. "If you're going to stay alone in this house while shopping for a caregiver, the least you could do is..."
The voice trails off as its bearer steps through the doors leading to the patio, his towering height dragging and holding my attention captive as he turns and spots me. He stops immediately, eyes hidden behind dark shades but the look of surprise on his face in undeniable and I can't help but wonder if it's the same look on my face.
Oh my God, it's him.
He takes off his shades slowly, revealing grey eyes that are piercing through me, studying me, observing me... probably wondering why I'm in his father's house. The moment of silence is long enough for me to take a quick glance at his outfit choice of a perfectly tailored and fitted dark grey suit with matching trousers, a black, corporate shirt, and no tie. His shoes are sleek and classy, and his thick, black, curly locks of hair are combed back to reveal deep-set eyes on either side of his pointed nose. Then there's his smooth, groomed beard gracing a jaw line sharp enough for me to cut my finger on.
Leonardo.
I don't realize I said that out loud until he blinks, like he's snapping out of a trance, and I watch as fury floods those grey eyes.
"Do I know you?" he asks in a deep, impatient voice and I get up, suddenly fidgety.
"Umm... actually... you don't, Mr. Castillo." I manage to say as I force myself to detach my hands clinging to each other, and I stretch out my right hand, palm out, to shake his.
"It's an honour to meet you. I'm Olivia. Olivia Washington."
If possible, the rage in his eyes intensifies as he glances down at my outstretched hand and back to my face, almost like he's shocked at my audacity to want to shake his hand.
"Well, Olivia Olivia Washington, you have exactly ten seconds to tell me why you're in my house, eating my food." He says in a deep voice that has a chilling tone to it.
"Well, son, I didn't know you were this eager to get rid of me." Raphael's voice comes from behind Leonardo, and he turns to him while I let out a sigh of relief.
Phew! I just about peed my pants.
"Because last I checked, it's also my house. And Miss Olivia Washington is my soon to be caregiver." Raphael says, walking closer to us, that intense gaze of his fixed on his son and I can't help but notice how Leonardo is taller than him.
Much taller.
"Your what?!" Leonardo demands, those raging eyes back on me as he looks at me reproachfully with a hint of disgust. Raphael remains quiet now as he walks back to his seat at the head of the table and gestures for me to sit down as well.
But the look in Leonardo's eyes keep me prisoner to the spot as he glares at me, almost like his grey eyes are daring me to sit down.
"Take your sit, Olivia." Raphael says and I slowly sink into the chair but before my butt can make contact with the cushion, Leonardo marches forward with lightning speed and grabs my hand, forcing a small squeal of pain from me as he yanks me back to my feet with great force.
"How much is he offering to pay you huh? That would make you even think you're worthy enough or even close to qualified for a serious job like this?!"
"Leonardo, let go of her!" Raphael demands, standing immediately but Leonardo's grip tightens if possible and he keeps his angry gaze on me.
"A hundred thousand? Two hundred? I'll double it if you get the hell out of this house."
"I said let her go! This instant!" Raphael basically barks, his usual calm voice suddenly coming out deep and loud, and Leonardo basically pushes me back to the chair.
"You're hiring a naïve amateur! Look at her! She can barely say a sentence without looking like she wants to throw up her guts!" Leonardo yells, turning to his father and I struggle to get back on my feet, scared, but not defenseless.
He can pay me to leave if he wants. Hell, a one-time payment of a hundred thousand doesn't sound too bad right now.
But he can't just insult me or my career that way.
"With all due respect, Leonardo--"
"It's Mr. Castillo to you! And I couldn't give a damn about your respect."
"I am not an amateur." I say regardless, my voice ringing out loud and clear, sounding bolder than I expected.
"Excuse me? Do you know who you're meant to be taking care of? Do you realize the amount of responsibility you're about to carry? If you were in the right state of mind, you would know you are far from qualified to even be standing here!"
"If you would just--"
"You only speak when spoken to in this house! Else I'll have the guards throw you out." He says and I bite down my tongue, suddenly feeling embarrassed and at the same time...upset.
"I can't even stress how much of a bad idea this is." Leonardo says, turning back to his father. "I mean you had me get rid of a dozen staffs, you turned down the top doctors and most qualified caregivers I suggested, just to interview this random lady who would probably not hesitate to share whatever she learns about you to the press!"
"She's my choice." Raphael says with a tone of finality.
"She is leaving. Do you hear me?!" Leonardo says, turning to me again. "You're out of here, now!"
"You're not taking one step, Olivia." Raphael says, his gaze still fixed on his son. "I mean why would you leave your own job residence?" he adds and turns to me with that calm smile on his face, like he and his son are not having a huge argument in my front.
"I... I got the job?" I stutter, amazed, excited and frightened at the same time.
"Absolutely. You start tomorrow."
"Do you derive joy in making dangerous decisions? Do you enjoy playing with your health so much that you don't realize how bad you've endangered it until it's too late?! You had a heart attack two months ago!" Leonardo yells.
"And of course you would want to hold on to that occurrence in a bid to pretend that you actually give a fuck about my health, Leo! Or have you so soon forgotten what caused me to have that so called 'heart attack' in the first place?!" Raphael fires back and for once, Leonardo doesn't reply.
The place is suddenly dead silent as father and son stare at each other.
"Don't try to pull this righteous BS with me, because we both know the only reason you care so much is because you can't wait to shove me into some nursing home so you can finally get rid of me." Raphael adds and I watch Leonardo's hands fold into fists, but he still says nothing.
"Olivia is my new caregiver and I trust her. Olivia, you may go back to your room. My medical file should be there already." Raphael says and I nod, then quickly scurry into the house, thankful for the opportunity to leave.
As I make my way inside, I can't help but turn back to see the scenario one last time.
The tabloids and websites never gave any specific information about the relationship between father and son... but I definitely did not see this coming.
By the time I get back to the room, I move to the window that faces the pool and look out. Raphael is no longer there and it's only Leonardo sitting at the table in the patio, while some guys dressed in white clear it up. Unable to resist, I remain standing by the window, watching him as he observes the people clearing the table, a cold look on his face.
Soon the table is cleared and a guy returns with a bottle of scotch inside a beautiful, thick glass vial, and a scotch glass. He sets it on the table and leaves just as Leonardo opens the vial and pours scotch into the glass. Then he corks the vial back and empties the glass into his mouth in one gulp.
He sits up, brings out his phone and quickly calls someone, putting the phone to his ear as he pours himself another glass. This time, he sips from it, then stands up with the glass still in his other hand.
"Michael. I'm not coming back to L.A. Not for a week anyway." He says and takes another sip from his glass, his back to the pool.
"I know. Just move it to next week and reschedule my other meetings. Don't call me unless it's an emergency." There's a pause, then he drinks what's left of the scotch in his glass before he turns and stares right at me.
"It's nothing. I've just got a family emergency to handle."
I move back in shock, and I don't stop until Leonardo and the pool are out of view.
He saw me.
I stand in that spot for a while, scared to move and almost certain that a guard will come pounding down my door under his command. But a few minutes pass by and nothing happens and when I move a little close to the window, Leonardo isn't standing by the pool anymore. The patio is empty.
He's gone.
I let out a sigh and drop to a sitting position on the bed.
Maybe I should have stayed in New York...
****
The sound of knocking wakes me up.
At first it sounds like someone pounding a nail from far away, but then it comes again, a bit stronger and I sit up in bed.
What the hell?
Are we being robbed?
"Gabby...?" I mutter groggily, turning to my right in hopes of seeing my roommate coming in through the door that joins her room and mine. But my gaze is met with a balcony, the closed glass doors visible through silk curtains.
Then it all comes back to me: the plane ride, the limousine, Martha's Vineyard, Raphael, Leonardo...
The knocking comes again, more insistent and I scramble out of bed, slip on my robe and rush to open the door, my mind suddenly alert.
"What's happening? Is it Raphael?" I'm already saying, but I stop immediately I see Leonardo, standing on the other side, fully dressed in causal black t-shirt and black sweatpants, his hair still combed down and his grey eyes are focused on me.
"Mr. Castillo, what--"
"Get dressed. We're leaving now." He says and I blink my heavy eyes in surprise.
"Leaving to where? It's--."
"Now." He says and turns to a guard that I don't recognize, standing behind him. "Or I'll have Conan here drag you out." He says and I take one look at the hefty man standing behind him before I give him a hesitant nod and shut the door.
I slip on a long gown and a small jacket, and then grab my phone and wallet. I'm barely done wearing my sandals when the door swings open.
Leonardo's huge guard is standing at my doorway, eyes hidden behind dark shades that seem to form most of his expression, and he nods towards the hallway.
"Let's go."
I follow him out my room and down the stairs, struggling to pack my thick, curly hair as we leave the house and head for two black sedans parked behind the fountain with their headlights on.
When we get to one of the car, I pause at the door and turn to the huge man standing behind me.
"I have to at least tell Raphael that we're leaving right?" I practically murmur and he just opens the car door.
"Get in." he says and I turn to the open door, and then try to climb in when he surprisingly holds my hand and helps me into the car, then shuts it. I turn to the front of the car just as the man enters the driver's seat, and I spot Leonardo sitting on the passenger's seat with his gaze focused ahead.
The car starts moving and the other sedan behind follows suit.
"Can I at least know where you're taking me?" I ask, not bothering to hide the fear in my voice.
The driver/guard briefly turns to Leonardo, but he keeps his gaze ahead, saying nothing.
"Listen, if you want me to leave, I'll leave, okay? I'll quit first thing tomorrow, but please... please don't hurt me." I say in a shaky voice.
When none of them say anything, I quickly unlock my phone and try to call my mum—
"We're not going to hurt you." The guard says, turning slightly to look at me and Leonardo turns to him with a warning look.
"Don't speak to her." A command.
"Yes, Mr. Castillo." And they both turn to their front while I stare back at my phone, my finger hovering over my mum's contact.
There isn't exactly a cause for alarm... is there?
You mean asides being kidnapped? Another voice sarcastically retorts in my head, and I bite my lip in thought and fear.
Even if I did call her, what will she do? Call the cops on the Castillos?
The car is now exiting the gate and heading into the main road, and I settle for a quick emergency text instead but I don't send it.
I look out the window at the speeding images, then at the guard, then at Leonardo.
For now, I'll wait.