14~Can I change the Manu?

"Uncle!" - I knock on his office door and call him in a low voice, looking around again to avoid

of being caught by Edward.

I don't even know where his room is, so I really risked a lot to get to Gordon's library.

Without waiting for his permission, I enter the room and close the door behind me.

«Come in, Hannah, I've just finished talking to your parents.» - he points to the phone beside him, while I bite the inside of my cheek, hoping that my mother hasn't made a fool of me for the umpteenth

time.

"She saw a picture of me and Edward." - I snort, as I take a seat in a wheelchair.

"This explains why your mother asked me to keep an eye on you." - he laughs, and then resumes writing on

a sheet, adjusting his glasses on his nose.

"You look like Santa Claus."- I admit after watching him for few seconds not to disturb him, but he replies with a confused tone:

«I'm bald and I don't have a belly.» - he looks at me perplexed, but I just shrug my shoulders.

"But you are old and have glasses." - I observe raising my index finger.

"You're saying I'm old!" - he pretends to be offended.

«I'm saying that you are a man with a good soul who gives many beautiful gifts to children.» - I precise, making him

shake his head while smiling.

"Er ..." - I clear my throat to appear less ridiculous - "I have to ask you a favor, uncle."

"If I can help you ..." - he leaves the sheet on the table and looks at me seriously.

"I have to find a way to tell Edward the truth. If he starts paying me as a model, I'd really feel

guilty."- I confess with a serious tone, trying to make him understand that I really don't want to mess it up.

He doesn't answer, but sighs, immediately removing his glasses and crossing his hands.

"When Tessa and I divorced ..." - he starts lowering his eyes, making me feel a little bit uncomfortable when I understand he's confessing something about his personal life.

«… Edward has been through a difficult time and since he was a child he started believing that he would never be in a serious relationship

. »- he continues with the same expression, while I listen carefully to his words.

I didn't think his parents' separation had affected him so much: Edward is also a cheerful man

, he is not closed in himself and doesn't show that he has suffered in the past, but apparently he keeps lots of secrets.

"He's always been engaged with models because he thinks it's easier to get rid of them." - he added after few seconds, while my mouth takes on 'o' shape for the surprise since Gordon's explanation really puzzles me.

Did he decide to take me out to have fun with me for a while and then dump me?

That's why James also said he wouldn't have considered me in the least if I

presented myself as a cook?

Now everything becomes clearer, but also more confusing:

«But ... So ...?» - I stammer, immediately thinking about what to do to free myself from this situation.

"Hannah, I think you would be able to change his mind. I'm worried about him, he's already thirty,

but he hasn't found a serious woman yet. "- he confesses again, making me feel even more uncomfortable.

"But what can I do ...?" - I interrupt his reasoning: I understand that he is worried about his son and that

he would like Edward to change his mind, but I have nothing interesting to offer him.

I am a simple student who comes from the outskirts of Coumpton.

I am neither rich, nor mature enough to see me in the position of a girlfriend capable of holding up to a

man, especially if he's rich like Edward.

"Just try it ... Show him how cheerful, nice and beautiful you are inside, and then you will see that it won't change nothing the fact that you are a cook.

You like my son, don't you? »- his question leaves me baffled.

I bow my head blushing, but I can imagine the smile on his face right now.

"But I can't accept the salary." - I whisper and clear my throat again, avoiding to give a clear and already obvious answer to his question.

«I'll take care of it.» - he winks at me, then silence reigns in the office.

I still feel guilty, even though I now have the full support from Gordon: I feel like I'm planning something

behind Edward's back, but I'm also slightly angry with him.

Edward has so far seen me as any model ...

«However it is true! You've lost a lot of weight lately. »- I suddenly change the subject.

"Fortunately." - he looks at his belly proud.

«Not, instead! I've been cooking in this house for a week, but I never have

cooked pasta! »- I exclaim offended, while he laughs under his mustache.

"Then from now on I'll let you cook freely!"-he sais soon after.

"Can I change the menu?" - I insist with a hopeful tone of voice.

«Yes.» - he says confidently.

"Then I have to do shopping." - I think aloud, moving away from his desk with the intention to hide

as soon as possible in the kitchen, before Edward can notice my presence in this house.

I quickly go down the stairs and sigh when I finally manage to reach the lower floor

without being stopped by anyone.

It is already five in the afternoon and I have to go to the supermarket immediately if I don't want to

serve dinner at ten.

"Hey, Carl, wait!" - I run in his direction as soon as I see him a few meters away.

"Hannah?"

"I need someone who can accompany me to do shopping. Are you free? »- he looks at me with a frown.

"Usually my mother takes care of the shopping, if you want I can ask her ..." - I interrupt him:

"I want to choose by myself. I've already talked to Gordon. »- I explain, while he raises his chin in sign

of agreement.

"I'll talk to my mom and I'll send you a message, give me the number." - he sais, so I just give him the phone

letting him take my number, then greeting him with a smile and start walking again.

I'm not sure if the conversation with Gordon has helped me in any way.

Indeed, I really think that

it made me feel more insecure about what I'm up to.

I arrive in front of the mirror and start preparing to go to the supermarket as if I was going out for a

date, while I keep thinking about Edward's past.

The fact that he doesn't want to have a lasting relationship with a woman scares me: I don't know how to deal with 'simple' man, I can't imagine what could happen with a complicated one.

Edward falls into the last category, in fact.

I snort as I open the closet and go in search of a pair of high-waisted shorts suitable for the tremendous heat

like this.

I love summer, but not sweat, and I think I'm not the only one, as I have found James half naked twice since I came in this house.

As much as I can't stand him, I have to admit he has the physique of an American boxer.

At the very thought I shake my head and try to get it out of my mind, and the ringtone

of my phone helps me, which signals the arrival of a call.

"Mom what do you want!" - I answer, without even looking at the number.

It's the sixth time that my cell phone rings with her name on it and that woman's insistence starts me to bother me.

"I missed you too, tiger."

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