Chapter 10 HIS FEARS II

As I stepped into my room, I sank onto the edge of the bed, staring at the floor as my mind wandered. Could it be... could he be gay?

The idea made my cheeks burn. My mind raced to Max, Zane's former bandmate and best friend. They'd been inseparable before Max disappeared. Was that why Zane had changed so much? Was there something more to their story?

I shook my head quickly, trying to dismiss the thought. No, that's ridiculous... isn't it?

Before I could dwell on it any longer, a gentle knock at the door pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. I straightened quickly, smoothing my hair as Mrs. Carter stepped into the room, standing there with a warm but tired smile.

"Nora, dear," she said, stepping inside. "I just wanted to check on you and make sure you're settling in. Don't worry about Zane-everything is sorted out."

I nodded hesitantly, but she gave me a reassuring look. "Just ignore him as much as you can. There's nothing for you to stress about. We have enough domestic staff around the house to help with anything you need. I just want you to focus on being like a sister to Maddy. From what I can see, she already adores you."

Her words eased some of my nerves, and I managed a small smile. "I really like her too and I think she's sweet."

Mrs. Carter's face softened. "She is. But she's been struggling lately, and that's why having you here is so important. Let me fill you in on her schedule and a few other things."

We spent the next few minutes going over Maddie's daily routine, school drop-offs, playtime, bedtime rituals. Mrs. Carter even listed Maddie's favorite foods, the things she wouldn't touch, and her allergies. I took it all in, feeling a mix of excitement and responsibility.

"Anything you need, whether it's groceries, supplies, or even a little cash, is covered," Mrs. Carter added, handing me a sleek black card. "This is for you. Don't hesitate to use it. You're family now."

I stared at the card, stunned. "Thank you, Mrs. Carter. I'll make sure Maddie has everything she needs."

"Good." She nodded approvingly. "And about your training at Phoenix Records, don't feel pressured to start immediately. You can begin tomorrow if you're ready, but if you need a little time to adjust, just let me know. You're already signed up, so there's nothing to worry about."

The thought of starting my training at Phoenix Records sent a flutter of nerves and excitement through me. "Thank you so much for this opportunity, ma'am."

Mrs. Carter smiled warmly and touched my shoulder. "You're welcome, Nora. Please just take good care of Maddy."

She hesitated for a moment, her expression softening further. "I'll be leaving for a business trip tonight. I'm not sure when I'll be back, but I'll see you soon. In the meantime, as for the rest of the boys, they're nice enough. Don't worry about them too much. Just focus on yourself and Maddy."

"I will," I promised.

She gave me a final smile and headed for the door.

As the door clicked shut, I stood there holding the card, her words replaying in my mind. Part of me was still anxious.

I remembered Mrs. Carter had told me Maddy needed to drink a glass of milk every night before bed. So, I went to the kitchen to prepare it for her.

The kitchen was stunning and almost looked like a professional kitchen. Everything was organized in rows-cans, cartons, packets, and bags, all in bulk. There were four gas stoves, two ovens, a microwave, and the entire place sparkled.

As I opened one of the refrigerators, I couldn't help but smile; it was packed with all sorts of fruits.

Wow!

I took out an apple and bit into it. It was so cold and juicy! Just as I was munching away, the door swung open, and one of the boys walked in.

Oh my gosh!

It was Caleb.

My hands trembled, and the apple slipped from my grip, landing on the floor. I was caught off guard.

"Hey," he called as he walked in. I quickly bent down to pick up the apple but hesitated to eat it.

"Uhh... Hi," I stuttered, bowing my head, and he chuckled.

He opened one of the fridges and pulled out a bottle of red wine. Then he grabbed some ice cubes and placed them on the kitchen table, standing right across from me.

He was young, incredibly handsome, and stylish. His dark, curly hair framed his face, and he had those really nice lips.

"What are you doing here?" he asked as he poured the drink into a glass.

I gulped nervously. "I... I..." I faltered, looking around as I realized I'd forgotten why I came. "I came to get some milk for, um... Madison," I finally said, grabbing an empty glass.

I reached for the milk tin, but my nerves got the best of me, and it slipped from my hands. Luckily, it didn't spill.

Surprisingly, Caleb bent down and handed it back to me.

"What?!"

"Hey, you don't have to be so twitchy around me, okay? I don't bite," he said with a smile, returning the tin.

I stood there, utterly stunned.

"I'm not Zane," he continued. "I've got no issues with ladies, especially if she's this beautiful," he added, winking at me. I managed a nervous smile.

Did he just call me beautiful?

He glanced back at his drink and added some ice cubes. Afterward, he put the wine bottle back into the fridge.

"Nighty-night," he whispered, winking again before strolling out of the kitchen with his glass of wine.

I released a huge sigh.

Wow! That was so close. I can't believe he talked to me like that.

I grinned and prepared the glass of milk. After making it, I headed to Madison's room. She was watching a movie when I entered. I handed it to her; she took it and started drinking.

I turned off the TV and got ready to tuck her in as she finished.

"Zane is mad at me," she muttered sleepily as she settled into bed. "He won't talk to me anymore."

I winced and looked at her. "Why?"

"Well, I broke our deal. He made me promise I wouldn't have a babysitter," she replied, and I was taken aback.

"Are you serious? So, the rumors are true; you were actually the one sending babysitters away? But why do you want me?" I asked, and she shrugged.

"I don't know, I guess I just liked you. Please, can you sing me a song?" she added, looking at me with big eyes.

I rolled my eyes playfully and nodded. "Okay then."

Pausing to clear my throat, I began singing a song;

🎶"Now that I've seen the world around me...

Old concerns behind me, now adventures ma...." 🎶

She smiled and closed her eyes as I sang, and by the time I finished, she was already fast asleep. Wow! What a quick snooze!

I smiled, covered her with a duvet, and turned off the bright light, leaving only the soft night light on. Then I stepped out of her room.

As I stood outside, I noticed Zane's door, which was right next to me. Soft music floated from inside. Could that be him?

I leaned closer to listen, trying to pick up what he might be doing. I couldn't help but giggle as I imagined it; was he reading, showering, or just chilling?

Suddenly, a voice broke my thoughts. "And what do you think you're doing?" I turned to see Zane standing behind me.

What? I quickly stepped away from his door, fumbling for words. I thought he was already inside!

He wore black pants and a blue shirt, the top buttons casually open, and his dark, curly hair flopped over one eye. He had this cool, fresh scent.

"I... I'm sorry. I was just..." I stammered, but then his phone rang. He sighed, picked up the call, and headed into his room.

I watched as he closed the door, letting out a sigh of relief. Wow, I thought he'd caught me!

I cast one last glance at his door, tempted to listen again, but I shook off the thought and made my way to my own room.

Laying on my bed, I smiled brightly. Seeing Zane brought me so much joy, even if he was cold and distant.

I remembered the way he'd looked at me; it was beautiful. I just wished he could come to like me back.

The following morning, I woke up early to get ready for school and make sure Madison was all set too. I picked out her outfit, a purple shirt paired with a short flared skirt and black sneakers.

After getting her dressed,

I brushed and styled her hair into a ponytail, and she looked adorable.

"Do the boys come down for breakfast?" I asked while we were in her room.

"Uh... sometimes; but not all the time, especially not Zane," she replied, and I couldn't help but smile, hoping he'd come down today.

"Nora, will you sing me more songs today?" Madison asked after a moment of silence, her eyes sparkling.

"Of course! I'll do that on our way to school," I replied, and her face lit up with joy.

Once we were ready, I took her bag and headed to the dining room for breakfast. Just outside her door, I spotted Zane standing in front of his room.

Immediately, my heart raced.

He was on a call, but he hung up when he saw us.

"Good morning, Zane," Madison greeted him as he dropped the call.

"Yeah," was all he said, pressing two fingers to his forehead in a typical gesture.

"Can I have a word with you, Nora?" he asked, and my heart raced even faster as he motioned toward his room.

What now?

I glanced at Madison, who looked back at me, wide-eyed.

Did Zane just ask to talk to me in his room?