I looked over as Mr. Wolfe walked down the stairs, fully dressed as usual. His female friend was nowhere to be seen, though. "Margaret wanted me to remind you that she'll be out of town next weekend." I turned my attention back to the plates I was filling as I spoke.
"I remember." Mr. Wolfe walked into the kitchen, taking a plate from me. "Looks good. I have some plans for us this weekend, Lili." He looked over at me with a smile.
"Sure." I shrugged before looking at the extra plate. "I made a plate for the girl."
"She'll be down later." He responded simply before walking over to the table. I picked up Lark and my plate and set them down at the table. I started walking towards the stairs to go wake Lark up but stopped. "Marco. If I'm allowed. I think it['s a bad idea for you to bring home random women for your son to see. He needs a strong parenting role."
"That's your job." He didn't look at me, but his tone had shifted to be much more aggressive, leaving me to realize this conversation wasn't one he wanted to have.
"I see." I nodded slightly and headed up the stairs, hoping he'd be gone by the time Lark and I came back downstairs.
----
Lark and I had planned to go to the Butterfly Pavilion today after our lunch. Lark suggested that I invite his dad, to which he agreed. I was surprised he was willing to take a long lunch to come with us, but happy nonetheless. I looked forward to spending some time with him, as I'm sure it would also be good for Lark.
The three of us walked through the main part of the butterfly enclosure. Lark walked between the both of us, holding each one of our hands. Eventually, we stopped at a bench to sit and observe for a while. Lark crawled into my lap, happily watching the plethora of butterflies fluttering around.
"Marco-thank you for coming with us today. It means a lot to Lark, I know." I ran my fingers through Lark's hair.
"You should come more often, daddy!" Lark exclaimed.
"I've enjoyed it too." He said, picking Lark up off my lap. "I always like hanging out with you."
"I'm…sorry if I spoke out of place this morning." I looked over at him, watching as he smiled down at a squirmy Lark. "I don't mean to make you feel like I'm judging your relationships."
"I understand you care for Lark, but that doesn't mean you should talk to me like that." He spoke flatly but watched Lark with soft eyes.
"I--I understand." I looked away. I still wasn't sure how much of what I had said was the jealousy speaking, but I knew I had spoken the truth when it came to Lark. I'm not saying the nuclear family is the only way to raise a kid, or even the healthiest, but bringing home random women for your son to see can't be the right thing. Even if his dad has desires that need fulfilling. "I…won't do it again."
"Anyways." He sighed, looking back at Lark and smiling. "I bet someone wants to see more butterflies."
We got up from the bench and started along the path once more, Lark in front of us this time, leaving us a bit of space. I chewed on my lip, before looking up at Mr. Wolfe. "Marco, I…want to be honest with you. I do like you a lot. I just don't think things can work out between us professionally." I looked back away at Lark so I didn't have to face him while he processed my confession.
"I see." He spoke simply, obviously in no mood to discuss my feelings. Likely due to the rejection he had already faced from me.
"I'm just glad to have this job and hope that we can work things out amicably, for Lark's sake."
"As do I."
Mr. Wolfe and I didn't speak much as we accompanied Lark through the rest of the pavilion, only directing our attention to Lark when he had questions or comments.
----
Mr. Wolfe had told me that he'd put Lark to bed for me tonight so that I had time to take a nice bath before bed. Let me tell you if there's one perk of being rich, it has to be the sick ass tubs they have. Jets, blazing hot water, and enough room for like three people in there. After my bath, I went to check on Lark to make sure he was asleep, only to find Mr. Wolfe reading him a bedtime story. No doubt the sixth book, considering the time I had spent in the bath. I leaned against the doorframe listening to him as he read. He spoke in different voices for the various characters. I found it really sweet. By the end of the book, Lark had seemed to have fallen asleep finally. Mr. Wolfe kissed Lark's head before standing up and setting the book down on the bedside table. He walked towards the door, his smile shifting as he saw me. He walked past me, allowing me to get out of the way before closing the door behind us.
We were now left in the hallway, all too close. "Lili." He spoke my name under his breath. "About what you said." He locked his eyes with mine taking a step forward and forcing my back against the wall.
"Y--yes?" I nervously swallowed.
"I like you too much to let you get fired." He tilted his head to the side slightly. I almost thought he was going to come in for a kiss, but instead, he smiled again and walked off, leaving me stunned once more.