This was originally handwritten on February 11, 2015
~K
-----
"Don't worry about finding a place right now. This is just a trial period for the job, so we'll set you up in the guest house."
"Alright, what is your rate?"
" Rate? No no no -- there is no rate. You'd be working with us, so you'd have the guest house available to you at no charge."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay. How do I get there? When do you need me?"
That was it -- opportunity was knocking and Riley was taking it. She loved her current job and everyone she worked with, but there was no momentum there. She could be okay with two large every month, but it wasn't going to get her out of her shoe-box apartment and into a legitimate house anytime soon. Pierce Stone had showed up a few months ago, decided she'd be useful as communications staff within his family's variety of entrepreneurship, and had presented one of the handsomest employment offers she'd received in a long time. He'd given her time to ponder it, but she didn't really need to. The money alone was worth the move across country. The problem was, it was a position that was being created specifically for her, justified by the company experiencing massive growth in the last few years. So, it was going to be a trial position, and if Riley couldn't prove the extra communications position was justified, she could lose it. It was a risk, but Pierce had assured her she'd be fine, since he kind owned Stone Enterprises, so she felt it was a safe enough risk to take.
"How about the first of next month? That will give you time to get your things in order and give up some time to prepare for your arrival."
"Sounds good."
"Did you have anymore questions?"
"I don't think so."
"Good - I'll see you in Reno one month from today. Your ticket will be in the mail."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." Then the phone line went dead.
Over the next month, Riley packed, cried a little with some of the ladies from work, helped hire and train her replacement, and received the ticket in the mail. Everything was going well up to the week of her departure. For all the newness, she felt anxious. She was good at what she did, would she good enough for this position? Could she do it? Her mind was churning non-stop, right along with her stomach.
The day finally came and her plane touched down in Nevada to dry heat, bright sun, and strangers.
###
"Hold up the sign. Hold it up! Hold it up high so she can see it!"
"I"m 6'7" Di, she'll see it." Pierce grumbled at his fiancee.
"Oh my goodness, is that her?"
"Where?"
"Right there, in the great outfit with the amazing pumps? Oh, I dig that look."
"No Dinah, that isn't her."
Dinah and Pierce continued to scan the disembarking passengers for Riley with no luck.
"Maybe she got lost. Maybe she boarded the wrong flight. Maybe she..."
"Hello?" A lovely southern drawl sounded behind them.
"Riley?!" Dinah squealed the name as she spun around. "Is that you?!"
"Yes, I recognized Pierce, but I got shuffled out of the terminal to the baggage claim before I could make my way over to you."
Dinah eyed Riley with a wide smile. This girl had obviously dressed comfortably for the long flight, but somehow managed to look stylish in soft heather grey leggings, an over-sized black sweater, and plain black combat boots. Riley instantly reminded her of Pierce's older brother, Clay. If their clothing was any indication the two of them would get along famously.
"Is that all you packed?" Pierce seemed skeptical, looking down at her two suitcases and carry-on.
"Well, I've never moved across the country on a trial period before, so I wasn't sure what to pack. My big stuff is in storage at my folks' house."
"So, that really is everything?"
"Yes, I just supposed that if I needed anything else I could either write home for it and wait, or buy it here. It doesn't make sense for me to spend a lot of money flying heavy."
"Speaking of," Dinah said, "how was your flight?"
"It was alright, I suppose. I'm grounded now, so I feel infinitely better." Riley smiled in relief at Dinah's question and Pierce had a strange feeling that smile was going to cause trouble later. He shook himself out of his stupor when his sweet Dinah smacked him in the shoulder and pointed at Riley's luggage, then steered them all to his car in the drop-off/pick-up lot. Bringing Dinah was probably the best decision he could've made today. Her presence made things flow much easier. God, he loved her.
###
They drove to an estate in Reno while Dinah continued to dominate the conversation, Through her questions Pierce discovered a lot about Riley. She was originally from Virginia, but they'd met her in Texas. She was the youngest of three children. She had a master's degree in engineering but wasn't aggressive enough to elbow her way into the testosterone-driven field. She had a quiet sort of confidence, though it tended to come across as shyness. She was extraordinarily observant. She answered all of Dinah's inquiries, even the more personal ones with an intelligence and aplomb that struck him as unusual, given her accent. The more she spoke the more he liked her though. She reminded him of his younger self, only she was more interesting. In Pierce's mind, he willed Riley to become as successful as he and his brothers had. She already felt like a little sister, and he was determined to help her succeed, whatever it took. God, he hoped Mason was still out of town.
Riley's jaw dropped. This estate was massive. She had no idea where they'd made room for her, but there was clearly plenty of room to spare. She took it all in -- like a dehydrated sponge at the edge of an ocean. It was a little overwhelming in sheer size, but she had too much tact to criticize. When Pierce finally parked the car and asked what she thought, Riley could honestly say it was very grandiose. Pierce seemed pleased enough with that assessment, looking around with pride. Dinah whispered in her ear, "It is a bit on the big side though, isn't it? But they do have a maid."
Riley smiled. How did Dinah just know like that? How did she know that Riley was thinking this place must be hellacious to clean right at that exact moment? She liked Dinah. Dinah was cool and approachable and seemed to have it all together. Tolerably excitable and genuine, she complimented the more stoic Pierce really well, in spite of their laughably incongruent height difference. Pus, Dinah made Pierce smile -- increasing the face value of a man who was already (clearly) worth a mint.
"We've set you up here, in the guest house." Pierce motioned to a building that appeared to be adjoining the main house -- like an in-law suite that blended seamlessly with the exterior of the main house. "Before we get your bags, I'll show you around."
He unlocked a heavy wooden door and it opened easily. "Normally this is where my parents stay during the holidays. They've gone back to their house so there shouldn't be any problem with them being in your way while you look for a place."
"Which you are going to help her find, right?" There went Dinah -- understanding Riley better than Pierce -- again.
"Of course. That's what I do best!" Pierce grinned again and continued the guest house tour.
"You'll have your own kitchen, your own bath, your own bedroom, your own living room, everything. All of this will be at your disposal. You are free to have guests over as often as you like, just try to keep the noise level at a minimum. We do have these rooms insulated from the main house, but they aren't soundproof, and these few walls here are adjoining."
People over? Riley mused. How could she have people over when she didn't know anyone? "I'm pretty quiet most of the time, so that shouldn't be a problem."
Good, Pierce thought to himself, because Mason's rooms are the ones that connect to the guest house and it'd be great if he didn't even know you were here. Of course, Pierce knew that was wishful thinking. Mason was bound to figure out that she was here eventually... especially with her this close to his own rooms.
While he absolutely trusted that Riley would be a quiet house guest, Mason would eventually figure out that she was there. He was too clever not to. Mason was the "smart one" between the two of them. He knew multiple languages, was well-travelled, well-respected, well-read, and brilliant with money. Mason had warned Pierce not to find anything in Texas that would cause them to hemorrage any more cash than they already did. Now he'd hired someone without consulting Mason at all. To be fair, Mason had done the very same thing many times without consulting Pierce, but Pierce knew he was probably going to catch it for hiring Riley without mentioning it to Mason first.
Riley was different though. She was special, from her cute southern drawl to her worn-out combat boots. If anyone could charm Mason out of being upset, it would be Riley.
###
"Okay fellas, load up. One more day on this job and we'll be handing over keys." Mason liked that part best. Finishing a job, then handing his work over for approval. He couldn't help being detailed, he'd been that way as long as he could remember. His clients usually loved him for that. He sighed as he locked everything down for the evening and loaded up his truck to go home.
Home... that huge estate that Pierce just had to buy. It was too big for both of them, but it was a great place to host parties and relax. They had bought it at a bargain too -- well, as much of a bargain as you can buy an entire estate for. So Mason refused to complain. It was a massive place though.
This was the thing about Pierce that Mason understood, Pierce had a heart as big as that estate. If anyone needed a place to stay, Pierce wanted to make sure they knew they could come to him. He loved people. Pierce didn't always know how to show it, but he truly cared for and want the best for everyone he'd ever encountered. Bleeding-heart Pierce loved everyone -- every single person he'd ever managed to quasi-acquaint himself with. That took guts. That took bravery. That took a fearless trust in others that Mason didn't have. Mason envied Pierce that. Maybe Mason used to have that carelessness a long time ago, but he'd been burned too often -- wounded too deeply. Mason didn't trust people the way Pierce did anymore - especially not women. Of course, Dinah was alright, but he'd hate her too if she ever treated Pierce badly. Outside of the approval Mason sought from others for his work, he rarely concerned himself with them. They had their lives, he had his. For all the casual interaction, socially and professionally, Mason couldn't help but prefer staying detached. He care ferociously for those he loved (mostly family) but that was where it ended.
"That moron had better not have bought anything stupid in Texas." Mason grumbled as he pulled onto the estate driveway and saw Pierce's car where their parents usually parked on visits.
###
Pierce had finished giving Riley the tour and had handed over the keys half and hour ago. The three of them had unpacked her luggage and begun getting her settled, but he'd forgotten to move his car. He just saw Mason turn into the drive and he knew his brother would notice. Dinah had decided to stay and help Riley unpack -- so he'd just tell Mason that. Dinah was straightening up the guest house after their folks. It wasn't totally a lie. Okay, it was a lie, a lie by omission -- but it would have to suffice for now. No. Pierce began to panic. He couldn't lie. He was a horrible liar -- especially if he was lying to Mason. Something about being twins made even white lies ineffective. Mason was going to see right through him in a millisecond. He was so screwed. What was Mason doing home now anyway?! He was supposed to be on a job out of town for at least another week!
Pierce heard keys drop, then boots come off before the jangle of dog tags running to the front door. Those dogs never ran to him.
"Hey Weston -- little buddy. What did you do today while daddy was gone?" The littler terrier barked twice. "Hey Pierce!"
"Yeah?"
"Why is your car in Mom and Dad's spot?"
"Dinah is over there cleaning up and changing linens," Thank heaven there were walls between them and Mason couldn't see his face.
Weston padded into the room followed by an exhausted-looking Mason. "Dinah is over there cleaning up?"
Shit, Mason already sounded skeptical.
"Yep."
"But, don't we have a maid that does that? We should. I cut her that check last week."
Shit shit shit... In his enthusiasm, Pierced had forgotten all about the maid.
"Eh, quality check on the workmanship I suppose -- you know how thorough Dinah is."
"Yeah, sure." Mason was already eyeing him like he was an idiot, but he sounded too tired to argue.
"What's for dinner?"
"I don't know. Shall I call for some take-out?" Whew, bullet dodged.
"No Pierce. I want you to cook for once."
"You know I can't cook Mace. Last time I did, you made me swear not to step foot in the kitchen ever again!" Yes! Talk about cooking... argue about cooking... argue about anything but that girl he'd brought home from Texas! "You cook, I'll do the dishes?" Pierce offered.
"You'd better not leave them in the sink like last time." Mason grumbled as the headed toward the kitchen. "Grown ass man can't even.... "
"Nope! I'll remember to do them this time... I promise!"
Mason sighed. "Hey Pierce?"
"Yeah?"
"Is Dinah gonna be eating here tonight?"
"I dunno, let me go ask her!" Pierce waked outside to the guest house door and knocked instead of going straight in -- gents aren't supposed to barge in on ladies like that. Luckily, Dinah was the one to answer the door. "Mason wants to know if you're gonna eat with us?"
"What is he making?"
"Well, he looks exhausted, so we'll probably be having omlets."
Dinah looked over her shoulder. "Whaddaya say Rye? Want an omlet?"
"Sure. I guess so."
"Great! Bring us two - easy on the cheese."
"Alright." From the corner of his eye, Pierce noticed Mason watching through the window. Thank heaven Dinah had opened that door. He held up two fingers to Mason as he walked back to the house.
"She said she wanted two, easy..."
"... on the cheese. I know, I read her lips. Is she over there alone?"
Shit shit shit... Pierce really hadn't thought this one through.
###
Mason knew Dinah wasn't over there alone. He'd seen the entire conversation from the window. He saw Dinah turn back and call to someone else inside the guest house. The question wasn't whether there was someone -- he knew Pierce had figured that out by now. The question was, who? Who was over there with Dinah? Who was he making the fourth omlet for? Was Pierce going to tell him? He hoped there was a damn good reason he was cooking for four tonight because Mason did not like being lied to.
~K
-----
"Don't worry about finding a place right now. This is just a trial period for the job, so we'll set you up in the guest house."
"Alright, what is your rate?"
" Rate? No no no -- there is no rate. You'd be working with us, so you'd have the guest house available to you at no charge."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Okay. How do I get there? When do you need me?"
That was it -- opportunity was knocking and Riley was taking it. She loved her current job and everyone she worked with, but there was no momentum there. She could be okay with two large every month, but it wasn't going to get her out of her shoe-box apartment and into a legitimate house anytime soon. Pierce Stone had showed up a few months ago, decided she'd be useful as communications staff within his family's variety of entrepreneurship, and had presented one of the handsomest employment offers she'd received in a long time. He'd given her time to ponder it, but she didn't really need to. The money alone was worth the move across country. The problem was, it was a position that was being created specifically for her, justified by the company experiencing massive growth in the last few years. So, it was going to be a trial position, and if Riley couldn't prove the extra communications position was justified, she could lose it. It was a risk, but Pierce had assured her she'd be fine, since he kind owned Stone Enterprises, so she felt it was a safe enough risk to take.
"How about the first of next month? That will give you time to get your things in order and give up some time to prepare for your arrival."
"Sounds good."
"Did you have anymore questions?"
"I don't think so."
"Good - I'll see you in Reno one month from today. Your ticket will be in the mail."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." Then the phone line went dead.
Over the next month, Riley packed, cried a little with some of the ladies from work, helped hire and train her replacement, and received the ticket in the mail. Everything was going well up to the week of her departure. For all the newness, she felt anxious. She was good at what she did, would she good enough for this position? Could she do it? Her mind was churning non-stop, right along with her stomach.
The day finally came and her plane touched down in Nevada to dry heat, bright sun, and strangers.
###
"Hold up the sign. Hold it up! Hold it up high so she can see it!"
"I"m 6'7" Di, she'll see it." Pierce grumbled at his fiancee.
"Oh my goodness, is that her?"
"Where?"
"Right there, in the great outfit with the amazing pumps? Oh, I dig that look."
"No Dinah, that isn't her."
Dinah and Pierce continued to scan the disembarking passengers for Riley with no luck.
"Maybe she got lost. Maybe she boarded the wrong flight. Maybe she..."
"Hello?" A lovely southern drawl sounded behind them.
"Riley?!" Dinah squealed the name as she spun around. "Is that you?!"
"Yes, I recognized Pierce, but I got shuffled out of the terminal to the baggage claim before I could make my way over to you."
Dinah eyed Riley with a wide smile. This girl had obviously dressed comfortably for the long flight, but somehow managed to look stylish in soft heather grey leggings, an over-sized black sweater, and plain black combat boots. Riley instantly reminded her of Pierce's older brother, Clay. If their clothing was any indication the two of them would get along famously.
"Is that all you packed?" Pierce seemed skeptical, looking down at her two suitcases and carry-on.
"Well, I've never moved across the country on a trial period before, so I wasn't sure what to pack. My big stuff is in storage at my folks' house."
"So, that really is everything?"
"Yes, I just supposed that if I needed anything else I could either write home for it and wait, or buy it here. It doesn't make sense for me to spend a lot of money flying heavy."
"Speaking of," Dinah said, "how was your flight?"
"It was alright, I suppose. I'm grounded now, so I feel infinitely better." Riley smiled in relief at Dinah's question and Pierce had a strange feeling that smile was going to cause trouble later. He shook himself out of his stupor when his sweet Dinah smacked him in the shoulder and pointed at Riley's luggage, then steered them all to his car in the drop-off/pick-up lot. Bringing Dinah was probably the best decision he could've made today. Her presence made things flow much easier. God, he loved her.
###
They drove to an estate in Reno while Dinah continued to dominate the conversation, Through her questions Pierce discovered a lot about Riley. She was originally from Virginia, but they'd met her in Texas. She was the youngest of three children. She had a master's degree in engineering but wasn't aggressive enough to elbow her way into the testosterone-driven field. She had a quiet sort of confidence, though it tended to come across as shyness. She was extraordinarily observant. She answered all of Dinah's inquiries, even the more personal ones with an intelligence and aplomb that struck him as unusual, given her accent. The more she spoke the more he liked her though. She reminded him of his younger self, only she was more interesting. In Pierce's mind, he willed Riley to become as successful as he and his brothers had. She already felt like a little sister, and he was determined to help her succeed, whatever it took. God, he hoped Mason was still out of town.
Riley's jaw dropped. This estate was massive. She had no idea where they'd made room for her, but there was clearly plenty of room to spare. She took it all in -- like a dehydrated sponge at the edge of an ocean. It was a little overwhelming in sheer size, but she had too much tact to criticize. When Pierce finally parked the car and asked what she thought, Riley could honestly say it was very grandiose. Pierce seemed pleased enough with that assessment, looking around with pride. Dinah whispered in her ear, "It is a bit on the big side though, isn't it? But they do have a maid."
Riley smiled. How did Dinah just know like that? How did she know that Riley was thinking this place must be hellacious to clean right at that exact moment? She liked Dinah. Dinah was cool and approachable and seemed to have it all together. Tolerably excitable and genuine, she complimented the more stoic Pierce really well, in spite of their laughably incongruent height difference. Pus, Dinah made Pierce smile -- increasing the face value of a man who was already (clearly) worth a mint.
"We've set you up here, in the guest house." Pierce motioned to a building that appeared to be adjoining the main house -- like an in-law suite that blended seamlessly with the exterior of the main house. "Before we get your bags, I'll show you around."
He unlocked a heavy wooden door and it opened easily. "Normally this is where my parents stay during the holidays. They've gone back to their house so there shouldn't be any problem with them being in your way while you look for a place."
"Which you are going to help her find, right?" There went Dinah -- understanding Riley better than Pierce -- again.
"Of course. That's what I do best!" Pierce grinned again and continued the guest house tour.
"You'll have your own kitchen, your own bath, your own bedroom, your own living room, everything. All of this will be at your disposal. You are free to have guests over as often as you like, just try to keep the noise level at a minimum. We do have these rooms insulated from the main house, but they aren't soundproof, and these few walls here are adjoining."
People over? Riley mused. How could she have people over when she didn't know anyone? "I'm pretty quiet most of the time, so that shouldn't be a problem."
Good, Pierce thought to himself, because Mason's rooms are the ones that connect to the guest house and it'd be great if he didn't even know you were here. Of course, Pierce knew that was wishful thinking. Mason was bound to figure out that she was here eventually... especially with her this close to his own rooms.
While he absolutely trusted that Riley would be a quiet house guest, Mason would eventually figure out that she was there. He was too clever not to. Mason was the "smart one" between the two of them. He knew multiple languages, was well-travelled, well-respected, well-read, and brilliant with money. Mason had warned Pierce not to find anything in Texas that would cause them to hemorrage any more cash than they already did. Now he'd hired someone without consulting Mason at all. To be fair, Mason had done the very same thing many times without consulting Pierce, but Pierce knew he was probably going to catch it for hiring Riley without mentioning it to Mason first.
Riley was different though. She was special, from her cute southern drawl to her worn-out combat boots. If anyone could charm Mason out of being upset, it would be Riley.
###
"Okay fellas, load up. One more day on this job and we'll be handing over keys." Mason liked that part best. Finishing a job, then handing his work over for approval. He couldn't help being detailed, he'd been that way as long as he could remember. His clients usually loved him for that. He sighed as he locked everything down for the evening and loaded up his truck to go home.
Home... that huge estate that Pierce just had to buy. It was too big for both of them, but it was a great place to host parties and relax. They had bought it at a bargain too -- well, as much of a bargain as you can buy an entire estate for. So Mason refused to complain. It was a massive place though.
This was the thing about Pierce that Mason understood, Pierce had a heart as big as that estate. If anyone needed a place to stay, Pierce wanted to make sure they knew they could come to him. He loved people. Pierce didn't always know how to show it, but he truly cared for and want the best for everyone he'd ever encountered. Bleeding-heart Pierce loved everyone -- every single person he'd ever managed to quasi-acquaint himself with. That took guts. That took bravery. That took a fearless trust in others that Mason didn't have. Mason envied Pierce that. Maybe Mason used to have that carelessness a long time ago, but he'd been burned too often -- wounded too deeply. Mason didn't trust people the way Pierce did anymore - especially not women. Of course, Dinah was alright, but he'd hate her too if she ever treated Pierce badly. Outside of the approval Mason sought from others for his work, he rarely concerned himself with them. They had their lives, he had his. For all the casual interaction, socially and professionally, Mason couldn't help but prefer staying detached. He care ferociously for those he loved (mostly family) but that was where it ended.
"That moron had better not have bought anything stupid in Texas." Mason grumbled as he pulled onto the estate driveway and saw Pierce's car where their parents usually parked on visits.
###
Pierce had finished giving Riley the tour and had handed over the keys half and hour ago. The three of them had unpacked her luggage and begun getting her settled, but he'd forgotten to move his car. He just saw Mason turn into the drive and he knew his brother would notice. Dinah had decided to stay and help Riley unpack -- so he'd just tell Mason that. Dinah was straightening up the guest house after their folks. It wasn't totally a lie. Okay, it was a lie, a lie by omission -- but it would have to suffice for now. No. Pierce began to panic. He couldn't lie. He was a horrible liar -- especially if he was lying to Mason. Something about being twins made even white lies ineffective. Mason was going to see right through him in a millisecond. He was so screwed. What was Mason doing home now anyway?! He was supposed to be on a job out of town for at least another week!
Pierce heard keys drop, then boots come off before the jangle of dog tags running to the front door. Those dogs never ran to him.
"Hey Weston -- little buddy. What did you do today while daddy was gone?" The littler terrier barked twice. "Hey Pierce!"
"Yeah?"
"Why is your car in Mom and Dad's spot?"
"Dinah is over there cleaning up and changing linens," Thank heaven there were walls between them and Mason couldn't see his face.
Weston padded into the room followed by an exhausted-looking Mason. "Dinah is over there cleaning up?"
Shit, Mason already sounded skeptical.
"Yep."
"But, don't we have a maid that does that? We should. I cut her that check last week."
Shit shit shit... In his enthusiasm, Pierced had forgotten all about the maid.
"Eh, quality check on the workmanship I suppose -- you know how thorough Dinah is."
"Yeah, sure." Mason was already eyeing him like he was an idiot, but he sounded too tired to argue.
"What's for dinner?"
"I don't know. Shall I call for some take-out?" Whew, bullet dodged.
"No Pierce. I want you to cook for once."
"You know I can't cook Mace. Last time I did, you made me swear not to step foot in the kitchen ever again!" Yes! Talk about cooking... argue about cooking... argue about anything but that girl he'd brought home from Texas! "You cook, I'll do the dishes?" Pierce offered.
"You'd better not leave them in the sink like last time." Mason grumbled as the headed toward the kitchen. "Grown ass man can't even.... "
"Nope! I'll remember to do them this time... I promise!"
Mason sighed. "Hey Pierce?"
"Yeah?"
"Is Dinah gonna be eating here tonight?"
"I dunno, let me go ask her!" Pierce waked outside to the guest house door and knocked instead of going straight in -- gents aren't supposed to barge in on ladies like that. Luckily, Dinah was the one to answer the door. "Mason wants to know if you're gonna eat with us?"
"What is he making?"
"Well, he looks exhausted, so we'll probably be having omlets."
Dinah looked over her shoulder. "Whaddaya say Rye? Want an omlet?"
"Sure. I guess so."
"Great! Bring us two - easy on the cheese."
"Alright." From the corner of his eye, Pierce noticed Mason watching through the window. Thank heaven Dinah had opened that door. He held up two fingers to Mason as he walked back to the house.
"She said she wanted two, easy..."
"... on the cheese. I know, I read her lips. Is she over there alone?"
Shit shit shit... Pierce really hadn't thought this one through.
###
Mason knew Dinah wasn't over there alone. He'd seen the entire conversation from the window. He saw Dinah turn back and call to someone else inside the guest house. The question wasn't whether there was someone -- he knew Pierce had figured that out by now. The question was, who? Who was over there with Dinah? Who was he making the fourth omlet for? Was Pierce going to tell him? He hoped there was a damn good reason he was cooking for four tonight because Mason did not like being lied to.
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