She looked around the room, taking it all in. I proceeded to walk her through the ballroom, study, and attached library.
"And, this, is the basic living space," Pushing a large set of doors open, I led her into the non-formal living room.
"Seriously, get me a map." She let go of my hand and walked around.
"Uh…we aren’t finished."
She turned to look at me.
"Yeah, there’s a workout room, along with the steam room, the pool, the theater, and –"
"The theater?" she choked.
"Yeah, it’s nothing really. It’s just –"
"Most people go out to the movie theater, they don’t have them in their house." She laughed.
"Not us. We have too many people trying to get a piece of us, of who we are." I sighed. "Trust me, Lilli. There are people that are going to follow your every move, so much more than you’re used to." Taking a deep breath, I continued. "We are one of the wealthiest families in New York, hell, in the U.S., people take pictures, make up stories..."
"You mean like the paparazzi?" She furrowed her brow.
"Sort of, we aren’t famous like an actor or musician, but we are popular targets for reporters and local gossips because of our money." I really hoped I was making sense. She simply nodded.
We continued with the tour of the house; the pool, workout room, theater. I also showed her the attached garage, the detached garage, the pool house, the outside pool, and told her about the tennis and basketball courts that were down a path in the back yard.
"Iverson, you’re a spoiled brat," she teased as I led her back to the master bedroom.
"No, I wasn’t," I lied.
"Like hell you weren’t." She snorted. "Where are we going now?"
"I want to show you around the master bedroom." I was hoping she wouldn’t take it the wrong way.
"You’re gonna have to woo me better than that," she giggled.
"Ha, ha," with a large smile I looked over my shoulder.
Opening the doors again, we entered the master bedroom. For a moment, I had to stop and take a deep breath. The last time I was in this room it had belonged to my grandfather.
"This is the bathroom." I pushed the double doors open, showing her the area. "Shower, Jacuzzi tub, double sink, vanity area…" I trailed off.
"This is my closet, here, and that’s yours," I pointed to her closet, walked over and opened the door.
"I think this is the size of my first dorm room." She entered the walk in closet and looked around. Her expression turned serious. "Whatever you do, don’t talk about or show Phoebe the size of this closet! Okay?"
"Huh?"
"She’ll want to go shopping to fill up the closet, so just don’t," she laughed.
"As long as that means you’re not going to fight me about sleeping in the same room, it’s a deal." I smirked.
"That’s sneaky, Iverson." She playfully narrowed her eyes at me.
I shrugged. "Hey, I do what I have to do."
"Uh-huh…sure."
"Over on this side is the sitting area."
"A sitting area in the bedroom?" She scoffed.
"Hey, I didn’t design the room."
"True," she agreed. "So, please tell me we’re done. I’m already confused." She sat down in a chair.
"That’s about it." I sat down next to her.
"Master Iverson?" Looking toward the door, Jay stood there stoically.
"Come in, Jay." I stood. "Lilli, this is Jay. Jay, this is my wife, Lilli." I couldn’t help it. I liked calling her my wife.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Iverson," Jay bowed his head to her.
"Oh God, don’t bow! And, please, call me Lilli." She laughed and stuck her hand out to him. Jay smiled and shook her hand.
"Master Iverson, your luggage has arrived. Do you want it brought up to your room?"
"Yes, please." Jay turned to walk out. "Thanks."
"Of course, Master Iverson" He pushed the double doors open widely.
"Master Iverson?"
"Yes, Mrs. Iverson?" She rolled her eyes and smacked my arm.
"Why don’t you tell him to call you Aidan?" She wrinkled her brow.
I shrugged.
"He’s always called me something like that. Since I was young, it’s been Master Iverson and my grandfather was Mr. Iverson. It’s just a tradition, I guess."
"Oh-Kay." Just then the luggage was brought in. Lilli, of course, tried to help.
~
Lilli
"Lilli, quit before you get hurt. Let them bring the luggage in." Aidan lectured.
"I’m not used to people doing everything for me." I argued as I watched the men carry the trunks and bags in.
"Well get used to it." He was so close, his breath fanned over my neck. I shivered.
Moving to one of the trunks, I started pulling out the dirty clothes.
"Put all your dirty items over here." Spinning around, a plump, gray haired woman stood looking at me.
"Mrs. White," Aidan exclaimed and rushed to hug her, planting a large kiss on her cheek.
"Oh! Aidan, my boy!" She hugged him tightly. "You’re finally here to stay." She pulled back smiling, clearly thrilled he was here. "So…" Aidan looked at her funny. She smacked him in the head.
I’m so gonna love her.
"Introduce me, boy!" She motioned to me and Aidan laughed.