The Author's Housekeeper

Table of Contents

The Author's Housekeeper

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty One

Chapter Thirty Two

Chapter Thirty Three

Chapter Thirty Four

Chapter Thirty Five

Chapter Thirty Six

Epilogue

The Author's Housekeeper

Chapter One

Mary sat at the checkout till, daydreaming about a knight in shining armour sweeping her up and away from her mundane, repetitive life. A shrill, irate voice breaks through her reverie. Miss! Excuse me! Mary looks up at the angry old lady standing in front of her as Mary’s supervisor walks past and stops,  watching the situation. Mary! Stop daydreaming and serve the customer! her supervisor scolds, the old lady huffing and puffing, getting angrier at the delay.

Oh sorry! £12.75 please! Mary says, snapping out of her wool gathering as the lady hands her the money.

Perhaps you should get a early night, then you wouldn’t be so dreamy! she snaps as she walks out if the store.

Annie, Mary’s supervisor walks over to her checkout.  Mary, come and see me after your break. I need to talk to you.

Yes Annie. Am I in trouble? Mary asks as Annie smiles and walks away without answering her. Half an hour later, Mary is in the canteen, absorbed in her latest novel. Gary and Sam come in and start teasing her.  Oh Adam! Please take me away, I will love you for ever! both making kissing sounds at her. Mary looks at them and raises her middle finger.

Why don’t you and your boyfriend go fuck off! as Annie enters, hearing her retort. Mary! My office, now! she barks at Mary. Inwardly groaning, Mary packs her book up and follows Annie. She sits down as Annie pulls up Mary’s monthly checkout statistics on her laptop, turning it so both can see them.

Mary, what’s going on?  You’re daydreaming on the tills, and then I hear you swearing at your colleagues in the canteen! Annie asks her. Mary looks at her supervisor.

They were taking the piss because of my book! she protests, defending herself.

So, ignore them! Look Mary, perhaps you should find another job. Annie replies. Mary looks at her, shocked.

You’re sacking me? Why? she asks Annie.

Well, Annie says You have been late four times this week. Your sales figures are down, and you’re rude to customers and staff, so I will tell you what I will do. I will give you one last chance, but I will expect to see a marked improvement in attitude and performance as a result. Annie offers.

Ok Annie, I will try harder and not get so distracted Mary says, dejected as someone knocks on the door.

Come in! Annie calls out.  Stephen, the young manager walks in.

Got a minute, Annie?  Oh, hello Mary! Glad you’re here he says,  I’ve got something for you!

For me? Mary asks.

Yes, you!  Remember the raffle we had when John left? he replies.  Well, you won a makeover at Francine’s Styles. Here’s the voucher he says as he reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out an envelope. Mary smiles.

Oh wow, thanks! she grins, excited. Annie looks at her.

Oh, congratulations! Annie says, but Mary can see in her face that she’s not happy Mary won. Mary walks out of Annie’s office, past Gary and Sam to finish her shift.

Her day done, she waits at the bus stop. The number 64 pulls up, and Mary climbs on, flashing her pass at the driver. Sitting down, she pulls out her book from her bag and starts to read. After a while, she looks up and sees that the bus is nearing her stop, so she packs her book away and rings the bell, hopping onto the pavement as the bus stops and the doors open. She walks into her local corner shop to pick up the bread her Mum asked her to get on her way home.  Hello Raj,  how’s things? she smiles at the owner as she goes to pay.

Hello Mary, I’m good thanks. Mina is bringing the grandkids over this weekend, we haven’t seen them in weeks! he replies. They continue  chatting when the bell sounds as another customer enters the shop. Mary immediately recognises the smell of Creed aftershave as the tall, dark handsome stranger walks up to the counter. Excuse me, but how much is it to put an advert up on your board? he asks Raj.

£1.50 a week, or £5 for the month Raj answers.

Great, do you have a card I can write on, please? the stranger asks.  Raj hands him a card and black marker pen, and the stranger begins to write. ‘Live in Housekeeper required. Must be able to cook, clean and iron. Good rate of pay- £600 a week with one day off.  Must be willing to work weekends. A self contained private studio flat will be provided to live in. I’d prefer someone quiet, no loud music or pets. Would also have access to use the purpose built gym and indoor swimming pool. If interested, please contact Adam Conner at adam.[email protected] or telephone 079807800"

He hands the card to Raj and opens his wallet, and pays for a month, before turning to leave. Mary snatches a sniff of his Creed aftershave discreetly as he leaves. She reads the advert.

£600 a week! Wow, Raj, I could move out of my parent’s house too!  How hard is it to keep a house clean!

Go for it, Mary! What have you got to lose? Raj answers encouragingly. Mary takes a photo of the email address and telephone number. Bye, Raj she says as she turns to leave.

Bye, Mary, stay safe, and good luck! he calls after her.

*****

Mary walks around the corner and up to her front door. Unlocking the door, she calls out Hi Mom, I’m home! Mary’s Mom wheels over, in her chair. Hello love! How was work? Mary leans down and hugs her.

The same as usual. I’m thinking of quitting and finding another job. Mary sighs.

Oh, why’s that? Those boys been picking on you again? her Mom asks.

No, Mom. I just feel I need a change. I’m going upstairs, give me a shout when Dad’s home.

Ok love her Mom replies as Mary walks upstairs. She jumps on her bed, getting her laptop out. She Googles the postcode of Adam Conner’s address. Checking Google maps, she looks at the house. It isn’t that big! she says to herself.  Do I ring, or email? she muses, undecided.  Making up her mind, she picks up her phone and calls the number.  A man’s voice answers. Hello, Adam Conner speaking she pauses.  It’s a bad line, I can’t here you he adds as Mary plucks up the courage to speak.

Excuse me, but I’m ringing about the job she says.

That was quick! It only went up an hour ago. So are you interested? Would you like to come for an interview? he asks.

Mary gets excited. Yes please! It says in the advert it’s £600 a week, is that right? she checks.

Yes, there’s also a studio flat on the side of the house, an indoor gym and also an indoor swimming pool. I like to keep fit when I’m not writing he replies.

Oh I love reading! Have you anything published? she asks.

A few, he says.

Perhaps I have read something of yours, but I don’t recognise the name Adam Conner. What kind of novels do you write? Mary asks.

Mainly adult erotica and love stories he replies.

Oh cool! What’s your pseudonym?

Michael Spencer he replies.

Mary goes quiet.  Hello, Miss? Are you still there? Adam queries.

Yes, sorry!’ she looks at the picture on the back of her book and goes quiet again. Oh my God, it’s him! she thinks to herself.  Yes I’m here. Yes, I’d love to come for an interview" she answers.

Does 5pm tomorrow sound ok? I’m in meetings with my publisher all day, so can’t do any earlier I’m afraid.

Yes she says, getting excited.  5pm? That'll be great! she replies as they hang up.

Mary rings Stephen next, asking him for a favour. Hello, Stephen speaking he answers.

Hi Stephen, it’s Mary.

Hi Mary, what’s up? he asks.

I need a favour.  Well, actually a holiday if possible.  I’ve got to take my Mom for physiotherapy tomorrow. My Dad can’t, he can’t  get out of work she fibs. Stephen checks the roster 

Yes, that’s no problem. Tell Annie on Friday to sign it off, and that I authorised it.  Hope your Mom’s ok. He replies.

Great- thanks Stephen! Mary says, hanging up.

Mary, your Dad’s home! her Mom calls up. Mary runs downstairs.  Hi Dad! She greets him, hugging him.

Hello Babygirl!  Had a good day he asks.  Mary’s Mom pipes up.

She’s looking for another job!

Well, there’s plenty out there.  Hard working people like you should find one no problem. I always said if you’re not happy, then leave and find a job you are happy with. That’s why I’ve been on the buses thirty five years now he responds.

I know, Dad. Actually, I’ve only gone and got me an interview!  That’s what I need to talk to you both about Mary tells them both.  

Ok, lass! Let’s have dinner first, then we can chat and you can tell us all about it he smiles at her, kissing the top of her head.

Chapter Two

After dinner, Mary helps her Mom clean the dishes whilst her Dad relaxes in his chair.  Mary walks into the living room and pulls the poofah over and sits by her Dad’s chair. Ok, lass what’s this about a new job? he asks.

Well, first of all you know I love you both? Mary starts, hesitant.

Yes lass, and we love you too he reassures her.

Well, it’s a live in position as a housekeeper, Mary explains.

Oh, so you'll be moving out. Right lass, order that 50 TV!  We will make her room into a man cave for me" he chuckles.

Dad! I haven’t even got the job yet! Mary responds.

You will, lass. So, who are you going to be working for? A family?

No, Dad. Him!  she shows both her parents the back of her book.  Oh!  He’s nice looking! Is he rich? her Mum teases.

Well, he has had five books published, so pretty rich I'd say! Mary replies.

Where is it? Not too far away I hope? her Dad asks.

Mary starts to get excited as she explains Not too far at all. You know Richmond Street, off Jackson Avenue where I go running?

Yes lass, her Dad nods.

It’s the end one with the studio flat attached. He also has a gym and even an indoor pool! Mary adds.

Oh nice! That’ll keep you fit then, lass! No one like a podgy woman!

Dad! it’s the 21st century! No one cares if you’re thin, fat, big, little, bi, gay or straight! she gently chides him.

We will miss you! her Mom says softly.

It’s ok. If I get the job, I will have one day off a week, so I can come for tea! Mary reassures her. Oh, and I won this too, so I can go get my nails and hair done tomorrow! she shows them the voucher.

What about work? her Mom asks.

I’ve booked a holiday. Stephen has okayed it, it just needs Annie to sign it off, so afterwards we can go down by the lake and feed the ducks and grab a frothy coffee, my treat! she says.

Her Mom smiles. That would be lovely, we haven’t done that in a while!

Right,  I’m off to bed for an early night she kisses her Mom and Dad.

Chapter Three

The next morning, Mary gets up early. She showers, puts on some jeans and t shirt and walks in to town. Checking out the displays in all the shop windows, she stops as she reaches the salon. As she walks into Francine’s Styles, the receptionist looks at her. Yes, what can I do for you? she says, not impressed with the dowdy young girl in front of her. Shyly, Mary hold up the envelope.

I have this voucher for a manicure, pedicure, wash, cut and blow dry. Is it still valid?  The receptionist scans the voucher.

Yes, but needs to be used by tomorrow she says.

Oh, in that case, can you fit me in today? I have a job interview later Mary asks. The receptionist laughs.

Today? Not a chance, sweetie! There is a three month waiting list, so to answer your question no we can’t.

Oh Stacy! You can be such a bitch! a girl with blue hair and tattoos says as she walks over. I’m Tanya. Mrs Johnson cancelled, so I have a few hours free so I can fit you in. What’s your name?

Hi Tanya, I’m Mary,  pleased to meet you Mary smiles shyly as she replies.

So what do we want? Tanya asks, looking at the voucher looking at the voucher.  Wow, £250- you can get a lot for that! Tanya says.

I can? Mary asks, surprised.

Yes, and maybe even some vouchers back too so you don’t end up losing any of them. Let’s start with your hair. Any ideas of what you would like? Tanya suggests. Mary picks up a magazine and shows Tanya, asking How about this? And the colour too? Mary asks. 

Can’t see why not. You have lovely hair, and that style would look perfect on you Tanya replies, handing Mary the magazine back. Come on over to the chair by the window, and we’ll get started on that colour. Tanya helps Mary into the gown and goes to mix the colour.

On her way back, Tanya calls over Polly to join them. Mary, this is Polly, our nail tech. She can do your nails while you wait for the colour to work Tanya explains. Polly hands Mary a board of different coloured nails to choose from as Tanya applies the colour to her hair.

Polly comes back over, handing Mary a coffee. What colour would you like? Polly asks. Mary points to a deep red colour. This one, please Mary says.

Oh, perfect! That will match your new hair colour, too! Polly replies as she starts shaping Mary’s nails before applying the polish. As she finishes, Tanya comes back over to check on how the colour treatment has developed. Ok, Mary, this is ready to wash off, so come on over to the sink. Mary follows her and starts to relax as the warm water washes over her hair. Tanya shampoos Mary’s hair and then conditions, massaging her scalp. She wraps Mary’s hair in a towel, leading her back to the chair. Tanya starts snipping away, chatting to Mary and the other customers as she works. As she finishes, she holds the mirror up so Mary can see her new hair. Oh my god, Tanya I love it! Mary exclaims as she sees herself transformed from a plain looking dowdy girl to a red headed siren. Tanya adds up the voucher. You’ve still got £100 left she says.

But don’t the vouchers run out tomorrow? Mary asks her.  No, that was just the £150 voucher she says as she scans the remaining voucher. There’s still six months left on this one she explains as she hands the voucher back to Mary. Good luck for your interview! Tanya adds.

Thanks so much. I love my new look! Oh, and thanks Polly too for my nails- you were right, they match perfectly! Mary says as she walks out of the salon and walks back home.

Mom, are you here? Mary calls out as she returns home. Her Mom comes in. Come on, show me your new hairdo! her Mom says. Mary does a little twirl to show her. Oh love, your hair is lovely! Very classy! her Mom says.

Thanks. Mom, are you ready? Mary asks her.  

Yes dear, let me just grab the old bread she says before wheeling herself out. Mary gets behind her, pushing her along the pavement, the sun shining. This is nice!  Don’t you forget to come and see me when you’re with your rich man! Mary’s Mom jokes.

He’s not mine, Mom! Anyway, he’s going to be my employer if I get the job Mary replies, laughing. They stop and feed the ducks before heading over to Starbucks.  Mary orders two hot chocolates with extra marshmallows. They chat away as they sip the chocolate, before heading home.  Mom, what shall I wear for my interview? Mary asks her.  

I have the perfect outfit! It’s never been worn,  either her Mom replies. I was going to wear it at my new job, but then I had the accident so never got the chance. It will look great on you!

***

Mary walks to the wardrobe, opening it. She finds the Jacques Vert suit tidy and the other box her Mom asked her to fetch. Opening the box she lifts out a pair of Jimmy Choo heels. Oh, wow! she gasps, holding them up and examining them. She unzips the suit tidy next. Inside, she