Chapter 10 - THE MAN WHO HAD EVERYTHING EXCEPT TRUST
June Carter was not impressed by money.
I learned that quickly.
I offered to replace her old car.
She refused.
I suggested a larger apartment.
She refused.
I tried to arrange private transportation.
She refused that too.
Finally, she looked at me across the breakfast table and sighed.
"Mr. Moretti."
"Adrian."
"Mr. Moretti."
I smiled.
She did not.
"You cannot solve every problem by purchasing something."
I leaned back.
"That's an unfortunate limitation."
She laughed despite herself.
The sound surprised me.
I wanted to hear it again.
Over the following months, June and I began talking.
At first, only about Delaney.
Then about ordinary things.
Books.
Music.
The weather.
Her brother Oliver.
My childhood.
The strange loneliness of living in a house full of people.
June told me she had once wanted to study occupational therapy.
But her family couldn't afford tuition.
She had taken housekeeping jobs to help support Oliver.
I offered to pay for her education.
She looked at me.
"No."
I sighed.
"I expected that."
She smiled.
"Good."
Instead, I helped establish an employee education program open to the entire household staff.
June applied through the same process as everyone else.
She was accepted.
And for the first time, I understood why she had refused my personal offer.
She wanted opportunity.
Not obligation.
One evening, we walked through the garden after Delaney's therapy session.
June looked toward the house.
"You've changed."
I smiled faintly.
"Have I?"
"You're home."
I looked at her.
"That's a low standard."
"Sometimes the important things are simple."
We walked in silence.
Then I asked:
"June, would you have dinner with me?"
She stopped.
"Why?"
I laughed.
"Because I enjoy your company."
She studied me.
"Not as your employee?"
"No."
"Not because you feel guilty?"
"No."
"Not because I helped Delaney?"
I shook my head.
"Because I want to know you."
June looked away.
Then smiled.
"One dinner."
I felt absurdly relieved.
"One dinner."
She pointed at me.
"And no private chef."
I laughed.
"You're making this difficult."
May you like
She smiled.
"Get used to it."
