Page 27 of Stolen Dove
“I’m starving, actually.”
“Oh, no. Let us get to it.”
“No, it’s okay. I can make my own food.”
“Señor Serrano left strict instructions that I’m to prepare your meals. I am Geraldo, by the way. I am the chef around here.”
“So do all of you live in the house?”
“There are several employee homes on the estate. There are the old servants’ quarters that Señor Serrano keeps for the staff who have to stay overnight or work long days, but the rest of the mansion is for his family. Dona Serrano and Hector have their own rooms, but they rarely stay.”
“We can’t wait until there are little ones running around here.”
“How long have you been working for Victor, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“You can ask any question you like. I actually worked for the winery’s restaurant when Señor Serrano’s father died. He was looking for a new housekeeper and offered to give me the job. I have been here six years now.”
“I’ve only been here for five years after working in France for a decade.”
“Wow. France? I’ve never been there. Hell, I hadn’t left New York until Victor scooped me up and brought me here.” My stomach rumbles loud enough to gather everyone’s attention.
“Let me feed you before it’s the end of my five years. What would you like?”
“Something simple. I don’t know if Victor’s going to be home in time for dinner. I don’t know how you all operate over here.”
“Dinner, as you’d say back in America, will be around seven, assuming there is no change in plans. Señor Serrano is extremely easy to please when it comes to his foods. What do you like?”
“Not to starve. A salad or sandwich would be good. Breakfast was delicious, but I’ve hardly eaten in the past couple of days, so I couldn’t eat that much.”
“Will a pork sandwich hold you over until dinner?”
“Yes, please. I’m not a picky eater, but I’m not accustomed to the food here.”
“You’ll get used to it. Tell us if you don’t like a dish I make or if you do, and that way I’ll be able to feed you. Also, I have traveled over my lifetime and learned many American and Mexican dishes if you choose to have something from your old home.”
“Thank you.” For the next twenty minutes, Geraldo tells me about the places he’s been while Maria makes a list of things I like. So far, the staff has been excellent and this pork bocadillo is fantastic. By the time we’re done chatting and eating, I decide to head over to the library somewhere in this big house.
“I’m going to run and pick up the things on this list that we don’t have.”
Do you need anything?" Maria asks.
"I think I am fine. You supplied me with everything so far. I can't ask for more."
"Que preciosa. You are too precious. We are here to serve you. If you need anything, please do ask. Señor Serrano would be quite upset if he learned you weren't being taken care of."
"Thank you. If I do think of anything, I will let you know. I'm off to the library now. Thank you for lunch and the chat." I walk out of the kitchen and nearly bump into Vicente again. "We have to stop meeting like this," I say playfully. He's older than me, but not much older. He's dressed like the others, but there's something about him that screams arrogant. Maybe it's the way he carries himself. Either way, it's none of my concern because Victor knows who he has working for him.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Serrano."
"It's okay. I'm off to the library, so beware. Oh, and by the way, which way is it?"
"I'll escort you there." He leads the way, making sure to keep his distance. I feel an awkward silence that unsettles me, so I make some small talk as he leads me down the long corridor off the kitchen.
"It's sad that I'm lost around here, but I'll get the hang of it."
"Yes, we can't have you getting lost forever." He gives me a nervous smile that brings my own grin to my face.
"Here we are." He waves his arms at the large wooden doors.