CHAPTER 31

Skipping through the stairs like someone who had just had a day out with their favorite singer, my forehead almost bumped into that of Max's "Easy, cutie pie. My face is my everything." he adjusted his hoodie. It was similar to the one Liam wore. They may have had their differences as brothers but they surely did have similar preferences and the same sense of humor. "Hello." he snapped his finger in my face, took the tray from me, and gave it to Nanny Mai. "Is she daydreaming in the morning? Liam's wife is many things."
       Cutie pie. I should have suggested that name to him. It's a good thing I didn't though. He would have asked if I was a food. Nanny Mai waved her hand in my face to get my attention. They didn't know my attention went nowhere. My ears could hear everything being said. Just then I cleared my throat and said, "Liam called me a good girl." I did a rundown of everything that happened between us in the room earlier before making a discernible emphasis on the 'Good girl.'
       Max's cheeks reddened. He appeared more elated than myself while Nanny Mai stared at us in unison and then asked, "Why are you so happy he called you a good girl? I tell that to Victoria and Lauren every day after feeding them." 
       Max placed his hands around my neck and whispered, "She doesn't get it. I do. Did you get to tell him what you wanted in return?"
       Amazing. Max may have not figured it out yet but he had a thing for getting into people's heads. I didn't mention anything about New Generation to him and he already knew. Maybe that was his superpower or dexterity as we love to call it. I shook my head. "I did. But he turned it down as always. I'll keep trying. I won't give up now."
       "That's more like it, Princess."
       And also a way of infiltrating a lady's heart. These romantic names were what I wanted my darling husband to call me but I guess some 21st century generation would still act like people in the 60s. "Thanks. I feel too good today. I don't even resent Patricia anymore."
       "Mrs. Patricia or Aunt Patricia." Nanny Mai corrected in a low tone then turned to see if we were monitored. Some of them had their uncomfortable gazes at me but who cared? How could I be too careful in my house? "Don't address her without honorifics," She continued. "She's the oldest in this family and the most respected."
       "Whatever. Did you keep some fish tacos for me? I'm famished."
       "No." My judgemental eyes had her explaining further, "A wife should always eat alongside her husband. We thought you would eat with Liam."
       I made the best meal in the world I didn't get to taste it. How unfortunate. We walked down the stairs, Nanny Mai leading the way. My joy earned me a bump. Rubbing my forehead in pain, my eyes took notice of Diana doing the same. "Geez, girl."
       "You bumped into me? She said sternly.
       "No. We bumped into each other. I was coming from up and I was too happy that I didn't notice you but why didn't you see me?
       "That was too specific. Fine, we are guilty. Why do you look so happy? Liam had the same broad smile when he came down. Did something happen in there?"
       Wrath, Insecurity, Jealous, and hatred. I could read a lot more negativity in her tone. I stroked my chin repeatedly wondering if to tell her or not. "Nothing. Nothing happened in our room."
       "But I've never seen Liam that happy in a long time. Something happened right?"
        I must have done a good job. Finally, she's envious of me. I smirked. "Not really. You are quite inquisitive, Diana."
       She cracked you then climbed two steps up and replied, "Inquisitive? That coming from you is very rich. I'm flattered."
       Nanny Mai and Max turned their gazes away and chuckled silently. "Seriously guys? I don't ask questions. Do I?"
       "Yes. A lot of questions. Many people see that as a good thing but I find it obnoxious." Liam added. He and Diana looked at each other and laughed in unison before climbing upstairs.
       "Hey!" Okay. My voice may have been too loud as everyone was now staring at us like a Hallmark movie. "I don't ask too many questions. I only ask when I'm curious."
       "You can't work at New Generation."
       "Why? Did I do something bad?"
       "And those are questions."
       "Well, I need to know why I'm turned down. Questions are relevant in this situation. Don't you know that?"
       "Another question that isn't pertinent." He entered Grandma's room and closed the door after Diana.
       "Did you see that? He was with her and even giggled with her."
       "No." Max pulled my hand as we descended. "Don't see it that way. Instead, see it as he laughed about you with Diana."
       That's a nicer way to look at it. Hardly did we alight the last stairs, Max pulled my attention to Nanny Mai. She clenched the tray with trembling hands and stared at Liam's bossy aunt. "Did they just say?"
       "Oh no. I guess my aunt is already playing her games."