Playing the part

“Why do we have to move, Gia?” Elena asked the next day back at their home.

“Because of your treatment. The house is far from the hospital.”

“Gianna, this has been our home all your life.”

The Bentleys have helped. They were there when her Dad died but they had taken advantage of Gianna. She agreed to their demands and Gia would never allow herself to forget what she’d had to do. Even though she might not like Ezra because he didn’t believe in love they came from different worlds. He was still human and didn’t deserve to be lied to.

“I’ve found us a nicer home. Change will do you good. You need to start moving on from Dad’s death. Being away from the Bentleys won’t hurt either.”

Elena pushed the newspaper aside on the dining table. “Have they been giving you trouble?”

Gia shook her head. “Of course not.”

Elena folded her hands together. “When you were younger Hanah hated the sight of you. I think that’s why Natalie started hating you too and made you wear a mask.”

“It’s ridiculous I know.” He found her black cotton mask on the kitchen counter and stuffed it into her apron. “Remember at the hospital you said you had something to tell me?”

Elena fiddled with her fingers. “I did?”

“Yes, what was it?”

“Oh, I must have been full of medication, Gia, I don’t remember.”

The doctors hadn’t given her anything then. Gia dropped the issue when she was ready again she would spill the beans. She needed to get to work before Frank caused a fit.

She grabbed the freshly baked rolls from the kitchen and carried them to the dining room for breakfast.

“Gianna?” a familiar male voice called.

Gia turned around slowly. Crap, she told him last night when she was pretending to be Natalie that she had fired Gia.

“What are you doing here, Keegan?”

He closed the gap between them and gripped her shoulders. “I came for you. Natalie told us she fired you. Why would she lie?”

“She didn’t… I was fired. This is my last day.”

“What happened? I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“It was. I think it’s a good thing.”

“It’s okay to tell me if Natalie abuses you. It’s not right and I think Ezra should know the type of woman he’s marrying.”

It’s not like their marriage was real as he put it. Love wasn’t at the centre of their relationship and he planned on being with other women so what did it matter if he married a tyrant like Natalie? They both knew what they were getting into.

“Thanks for caring Keegan, but I have a ton of work to do since it’s my last day.”

Keegan gently held her elbow. “Where are you going?”

“I don’t know yet.”

“Gia, I want to see you. I don’t want this to be the end of us.”

“Us?” Gia met his eyes.

Keegan cupped her cheek and inched closer. Gia’s breath caught in her throat as Keegan closed his lips on hers. She was stunned for a second but kissed him back. He kissed her sensually before seeking permission to dance with her tongue. He grunted with satisfaction and deepened their kiss. His arm wrapped around her waist, tugging her to her chest.

Several seconds later Gia broke the kiss, filling her lungs with breath.

“Keegan,” she panted.

“Couldn’t help myself. You’re so damn gorgeous.”

Gia tucked a strand behind her ear. Why did he have to come into her life now? When everything was so complicated. She smiled nonetheless.

“I have to go.”

Keegan held her elbow and brought her back.

“Give me your number so I don’t have to turn the city upside down looking for you.”

“Please don’t do that.”

“Your number then.”

“Ugh, fine.”

Gia handed her number over. “No, please leave, before I get into trouble.”

Keegan pulled her close for another kiss. Keegan left and she sought refuge in the kitchen. She had been thoroughly kissed. The only time she felt that way was with Ezra.

“There you are!” Frank yelled. “Madam wants you upstairs. It’s time to put on your mask.”

“My mask?”

Frank nodded. “It’s time to be Natalie.”

***

Gia sat in Natalie’s plush chair staring at her mirror. It was the first time Gia went into her bedroom. Natalie forbade her from being within two feet of her bedroom which was why Gia avoided the upstairs bedrooms.

Frank lingered in the background. Hanah trusted him too much.

“Ezra’s coming. He called Natalie’s phone and left a text. You’ll have to operate the phone until she’s better.”

The latest smartphone was placed on the desk in front of her.

“You must dress your best. Natalie would wear red. You’re not leaving this room until you’re done and Frank won’t either. I’ll have my eyes closely on you.”

Hanah strolled out, leaving Gia and Frank alone. Surely, she didn’t expect Gia to change in front of Frank.

***

She let her hair down and wore long heels and a red show stopping dress that was inappropriate for a fiancé’s visit, but it was what Natalie would wear. The red dress had a slit, exposing her right leg.

Ezra waited at the bottom of the staircase. His lips parted when they fell on his fiancée. Gia noticed, though, that his reaction wasn’t for her it was for Natalie.

She readied her voice to sound like Natalie.

“Ezra,” she said.

“I’ve been calling all morning, Natalie. Is this your way of telling me you’re mad at me?”

“Of course not. Why would I be?”

Ezra eyed her up and down. He took her hand and pulled her close. Gia wasn’t used to wearing heels. She stumbled forward and plastered her face on his chest.

“Go out with me tomorrow night.”

“What?”

“Things could have gone better at our engagement. Let’s go out where it’s just the two of us.”

“Uhm, sure… I don’t see why not.” She laughed nervously.

“Good.” Ezra dropped her hand and replaced his palms in his pocket. “So, she’s gone, isn’t she?” Ezra asked looking around.

It took Gia a second to realize who he meant. “You mean the maid?”

“Yeah, her.”

Why did he care? “Do you care?” She thought she was grasping for straws.

“I don’t. She’s a maid, Natalie.”

Gia nodded. “Of course. I’ll be ready by eight, tomorrow. Goodbye, Ezra.” She turned without hearing his response and marched upstairs.

His words stung like a bee sting. If only Ezra knew the woman he’d spent his time with was the maid all along.