I wrench my arm from his grip and turn to face him. He is gracefully putting on his trench coat along with a black scarf, looking his usual debonair self. This just pisses me off even more; I look like a cartoon, and he looks like he walked out of a Burberry catalog.
"You may be the boss of me Monday through Friday, Ric, but not on Sunday! Not on Sunday," I repeat as I push open the door and into the howling wind. Turning I take a left walking straight into the gale force. Realizing I should have taken a right to get back home I continue walking straight so I won't run into Mr. Payne again. About a minute later when I have finally made it to the corner, despite almost being knocked over a few times by the gusts, I come to a halt as I am almost run over by a black Lincoln town car.
The back passenger door opens and I glance into the car to see Mr. Payne waving me inside. My face is so raw at this point I would get into a shipping crate if one appeared.
I climb inside to the warm tan leather interior and shut the door. Buckling myself into the car as it starts to move away, I glance over at him to find him staring at me.
"What?"
"You really had no idea it was me Morgana?"
"No Ric, I really didn't. How could I have possibly known with the screen name, Hi-Ed-Junior. You said you worked retail, so do a quarter of the people in this city."
He nods and then looks straight ahead. After a minute he speaks again, "You called me an ass and a few other names too."
I turn my attention to the window and watch as we pull into the garage of one of the skyscraper buildings.
"Well, you are an ass, and I mean that in the most professional way possible Ric."
I turn to look at him and he's chuckling.
"Stop calling me Ric. It's Henrik. Come on inside. I can make us some hot chocolate and we can figure out what to do."
Noticing the car has come to a stop I look around to see Henrik's driver running around the car.
"Just take me home. My pants are now soaked and I just want a warm shower. Forgive me if I am not in the mood for talking right now."
The door opens and before Henrik steps out he reaches a hand to me.
"I got those things too."
"You have a ... a pair of women's jeans?"
He smirks and shakes his head. “No, but I can get a pair brought to you once you are done with your shower.”
A shiver just ran up my spine. I could be naked in Henrik's home. Hmm.
"I don't know Henrik, perhaps it’s best if I go home."
"Look Morgana, we are going to be in a foreign country next week, living and working side by side. It is best if we work out any issues now so things aren't strained over there."
He's right. I know myself; I won't even be able to look at him tomorrow let alone for an entire week, not to mention the flight later this evening. I nod and give him my hand. He directs me to the elevators.
Once we are inside the light wood paneled lift, he inserts a keycard into the wall and the elevator immediately begins moving up with no further instructions from him.
"What are you with maintenance?"
"No, I have to have a key to get to my apartment."
I look at him and tilt my head.
"You mean your floor, Henrik?"
"No, Morgana, I mean my apartment."
Just at that moment the doors of the elevator open and we step into his apartment. Henrik Payne has the penthouse of the building. His apartment is the entire floor. My mouth falls open as does my purse, falling to the ground and various items roll out.
I watch as a man I don't know bends down to grab my lipstick, mints, floss, and tampon to put back into my bag. He stands and hands me the purse.
"Ah, thank you." I blush knowing that everyone saw the tampon.
"You are quite welcome Miss." His British accent causes me to giggle and I suddenly feel like I could be in one of those period dramas on PBS. Please let his name be Jeeves, or Coleman! Or Higgins!
"Morgana this is Winston, my butler."
I jump up and down clapping my hands.
"Oh God! That is perfect. Winston it is a pleasure, I'm sure."
The last line I try to say in my best British accent, but it comes out Jamaican. Every time I try to do an accent it sounds Jamaican.
Winston smiles and nods his head at me.
"Pleasure to meet you Miss." He turns his attention to Henrik.
"Winston, Morgana would like to take a shower and we will need to get her a new pair of jeans."
"Very good sir. There is hot chocolate in the living room and I started the fire for you and your guest."
Winston turns and I watch as his silver hair sways from a short ponytail as he retreats down a hall.
"That was so cool! I have never met a British butler before. Oh, and we are going to London tomorrow, will Winston be coming with us?"
Henrik moves around me and waves for me to follow.
"No, Winston will be staying here. I think I can manage a week without a butler."