Maid for Martin by Samantha Lovern Read Free Book Online

heard all over the house. She was angry about something, but Randi had no clue what. There was one last curtain to put back, so, before sticking her head out into the hallway to see if she could tell what was amiss, she went on with her work.
    Minutes later she eased out the door and tilted her head, listening. Nothing but silence. She shrugged, pushed the cleaning cart into the hall, and moved to the next room. Randi took out her bottle of water and took a long drink. She put the lid back and glanced at her watch. It was close to six, but she wanted to keep working.
    The others would be leaving soon, and she would get ahead of them by working until eight. It wasn’t strenuous work. She was replacing curtains and rugs that had been washed or dry-cleaned, cleaning mirrors, and replacing bed sheets and linens.
    For now she was working on the guest rooms and Maria, Juanita, and Ann were working in the great room, library, and dining room. In two days Emma would go around and check their work. Randi felt like she was back in school again, worrying if she would pass or fail.
     
    Around eight, Randi grabbed a sandwich and a cola and went to her room. Things had been moved around and instead of one large bed there were two. She recalled the words of Emma, that she and Ann would be sharing a room.
    She sat on her bed. It was big enough and she didn’t mind the company. Ann’s things lay in a pile on the bed next to the bathroom, so Randi had taken the other. Randi wondered what time Ann would retire. She’d have to ask. She didn’t want to wake anyone by going to the refrigerator for a cup of pudding or for a chance to run into the handsome limo driver.
    When she was done eating she took her glass and plate to the kitchen. The house was quiet so she decided to see what the girls had accomplished in the great room. She walked through the house, peeping around corners as if she were a burglar instead of a temporary houseguest.
    You had to take three steps down to get into the great room. Randi was in awe as she stepped down to ground level. The hardwood floors shone like new money. The room was long, the chairs were white, and it would look beautiful draped in red, green and gold.
    A piano sat near the entryway and a fireplace in the middle of the room. A large window seat would make a perfect place for a tree. Randi walked the full length, seeing in her mind how beautiful it would be.
    The tree would be real, and you’d need a ladder to decorate it. She couldn’t wait. She just loved Christmas. She walked on back and found an entryway that led off to another room. There was a long bar that would more than likely be used for a buffet, several small dining tables, and a refrigerator. It reminded her of a small restaurant.
    There was a bar at the back, and along the wall was a beautiful painting. She walked back to take a look. It was stunning, showing a large field of flowers, a small house in the background, and a girl and her dog playing in the field. She smiled and tried to read the signature on the painting.
    As she turned to leave, she heard the sound of heels on the floor, and a voice. It was Celia. Randi bit her bottom lip and stepped back, hoping the lady of the house didn’t catch her snooping. She pulled out a rag from her back pocket and began to shine up the bar.
    Moments later Celia spoke. “I don’t have a clue where he is. He slipped out this morning. He left a note saying he had some thinking to do.” This had Randi’s attention and she wondered if she should let Celia know she was there or just go on cleaning.
    “I know this has something to do with that agent. He’s never liked me. No, mother, I don’t care what happens. I’m not changing for any man. He can take me like I am, or leave.”
    You’ll be the one leaving, Randi thought, a smile on her lips. Martin must have run off. That wasn’t a good sign. Randi stopped cleaning and ducked down behind the bar, praying that the woman didn’t want a