Free Serendipity by Carly Phillips Page A

stick to English only when at work.
    What Faith took from the conversation was that Rosalita didn’t approve of her boss and Faith felt compelled to stick up for him. “Ethan’s not a bad boy anymore, Rosalita.”
    She folded her plump arms over her ample chest and let out a harrumphing sound. “Bad man. Same difference.”
    â€œHe’s not that either.” Although exactly what Ethan was remained to be seen. Just thinking about him had her aching and wound up, curious, and a lot of other things all at the same time. “You should give him a chance,” Faith said to his new housekeeper.
    Rosalita pursed her lips. “That’s what he say.”
    â€œThen do it.” Faith narrowed her gaze. “Why would Ethan send you here?”
    â€œHe say you will need breakfast this morning. So here I am.” She smiled at Faith.
    â€œBreakfast?”
    â€œ Sí. So let me get started.” The older woman headed back into the kitchen and began pulling out ingredients from the bag. “I make your favorite breakfast. But first, here. Coffee.” She handed Faith a large cup from the Cuppa Café, which Faith gratefully accepted.
    She was completely overwhelmed by Ethan’s gracious gesture. “He sent you to make me breakfast? That’s so considerate of him.” And caring. She couldn’t believe he’d thought to take care of her, and a wave of warm appreciation washed over her.
    Rosalita began her prepping in the small kitchen, making herself at home, rambling like she always used to. “Mr. Ethan also say you drink too much last night.” Rosalita paused to wave a wagging finger at her. “Not good for you, Ms. Faith. Alcohol make you do bad things. I ended up with child after too much alcohol.” She gestured to her belly. “You be careful. Especially if you’re hanging around with that bad boy.”
    Faith bit down on the inside of her cheek. “I’m not hanging around with him. And he’s not a—”
    â€œBad boy. I know. So you say. But he knew you’d need coffee and breakfast this morning, so something happened between you two, no?”
    Faith blew out a long breath of air, unable to deny the other woman’s words. “Yes.”
    â€œLet me make your omelet.”
    Unable to stand the thought of eggs just yet, Faith was about to argue, when Rosalita spoke again. “Go. Shower and get dressed. You’ll feel better and I’ll have breakfast ready when you’re done. You need to get ready. Mr. Ethan say you two have a business meeting at ten o’clock this morning. So go get ready.”
    â€œWhat?” Faith asked, Rosalita’s words coming as a surprise. “We don’t have any business together.”
    â€œMr. Ethan tell me you will say that too. So he said to remind you that you agree to . . . what’s the word? Des . . .”
    â€œDesign?”
    â€œDesign and decorate his new house. Which should be your house, if you ask me.” She let out a tsk ing sound followed by a shake of her head. “Your father, shame on him. I never thought he was a criminal, but he disappoint me!” she exclaimed.
    â€œMe too, Rosalita. Me too.” As for Ethan, she was beginning to recall more of that monologue she’d had with him last night, and yes, she probably had agreed to take the job.
    She pinched the bridge of her nose, knowing she’d need not just this coffee and the shower, or even the breakfast he’d so generously sent over, but a good dose of courage before heading over to the house on the hill.
    Â 
    Â 
    An hour later, Rosalita had left after making Faith the best omelet ever, a cold glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and another cup of hot coffee. Her head still hurt a little, but overall she felt like a new woman. New enough to call her mom.
    Faith and her mother had had a strained relationship from the time Faith was a child. Faith had been