He nodded his understanding. The details were none of his business if Ryder didn’t care to share them. “Fair enough. I’m not looking for a change of venue, just a change of pace. I don’t know what they’ve told you…?”
“Feed you, make you comfortable, take care of you.”
That sounded exactly like what Brady had just said to him on the phone.
He was going to have talk with Brady about setting him up at lunch next week.
“That’s what I’ve been told I need, yes.” He sat up a little in his chair. “I’ve recently lost my husband.” That was a strange and somewhat inaccurate thing to say because really, he’d lost most of Tad five years ago. But it was such a long story and Ryder didn’t want to know all of that, he was sure.
Ryder nodded his head, almost bowing it. “I’m very sorry, sir. You got my sympathy.”
“Thank you. I don’t really know what’s next for me, but I am told I should start doing things again. I have friends who are eager for me to accept the invitations I’ve been turning down for several years. They told you that I split my time between this house and the city?”
“Yes, sir. Rog explained to me that you’d need someone to attend functions with you as well. I know how to smile and nod for the public and for folks who you want to impress.”
That made him grin. “You sound like you’re a celebrity.”
“No, sir, only in very certain circles that don’t reach up here.”
That explained Ryder’s earlier statement—a change of venue. Ryder didn’t want to be recognized. He was terribly curious, buthe wasn’t going to ask deeper questions of someone he barely knew. He wanted someone who understood the job, he didn’t need a close relationship.
“So, is there a schedule you need me to follow? Likes? Dislikes?”
“I’ll eat just about anything, so whatever you have on hand or feel like making is fine. I like a good breakfast, preferably with some fruit, and a latte or coffee with cream. I prefer a light lunch, salads and such, and dinners that fit the season. But otherwise, I’m pretty easy.”
He thought about his schedule. “Here at the house, I have a relaxed schedule. Times don’t matter so much as just going with the flow of the day. In the city I’m usually busier and I’ll make sure you have my calendar.”
“Of course.” Ryder offered him a smile, and that was when he saw the scar that pulled at the corner of his lips. “That sounds good. Food allergies? Preferences?”
“No allergies. I love anything you’d put salsa on but not so spicy it makes me sweat. And I like sweets in small doses.” Ryder was from New Mexico. The spicy warning seemed warranted.
“Yes, sir. I make basic stuff—tacos, enchiladas, mac and cheese, omelets—all the time, but I can follow a recipe just fine.”
“I trust your judgment. And I hope—” He tried to be sincere but not overeager. “I hope you’ll feel free to join me in the evenings if you have no other plans. Just to read, play cards, listen to music, that sort of thing.”
“Of course. I’m good at all sorts of board games, cards—I’ve spent most of my adult life in hotel rooms, so I know how to be busy.”
Piecing together all the little hints about Ryder’s former life could easily become a hobby. “Do you have any more questions for me?”
“Do you have a list of repairs? Honey-dos? I’ve cleaned up the kitchen from dinner…”
“Honestly, I don’t know.” He’d spent all his time in his study or with Tad. “Maybe you can have a look around and let me know what you see. I’ve been…preoccupied in this house lately and haven’t paid attention. It hasn’t been a happy house for a long time.”
“Not a problem. I’ll get on it and give you a list of any supplies I need. What about groceries? How do you want me to work that?”
“You can just purchase whatever you need for supplies and groceries. I should have taken out stock in Uber Eats after Tad’s accident. I never went shopping. I need coffee and cream daily, I like tea in the evenings, and everything else is up to you. There’s a nice market in town, but nothing closer. It’s a half an hour’s drive or so. Please be sure to expense your mileage and fuel costs, and any supplies or tools you purchase.”
“Yes, sir. I can do that. What kind of tea—iced, hot, sweet, lemon, green?” Ryder’s fingers flew on his phone.
“Hot, decaf. You can mix it up, but I like black teas and fruity herbals. No sugar or milk, but sometimes I like honey. I’d just bring it every time in case.” This was wild, having this specific conversation with Ryder about this, and he couldn’t help but notice how Ryder seemed to relax more and more as they talked.
“Crispy bacon? Link or patty sausage? Biscuits or toast?” Those thumbs flew—he’d never seen anyone make notes so fast.
He watched, fascinated. “Crispy, please. I prefer links. Bread in all of its wonderful forms is fine by me. Toast, rolls, biscuits, scones, muffins…”
“Not a keto guy, then. Got it.” There was that smile again, like it was hiding a secret.
“Definitely not. I don’t eat large meals typically, but I like variety, and I don’t diet.” Typically. He’d just eaten his weight inmacaroni. “What about you? Do you like to eat as much as you enjoy cooking?”