Chapter 97 - No Issues

"No he is right dear I wouldn't let my own daughter drive by herself at this hour when she has had alcohol. Why don't you stay the night?"

'Stay the night?' I glanced over at Celeste who also looked a bit spooked. I figured it was best to not push my luck. "I really appreciate the concern. But I wouldn't want to be a burden or just drop in like this. If not driving let me see if anyone can pick me up."

However her mother staunchly refused. "No no please it is no burden to us at all. You have done a lot to help our daughter the least we could do is make sure you get home safe. Trust me your mother would rip me a new one of she found out I let you drive buzzed."

'If only she knew that I drove here black out drunk once before.' I became sheepish. "Can't argue there. I really appreciate it Mrs. D'Angelo." She nodded happily and had some of the staff still here go and get my room ready.

"You can borrow some of my husbands clothes, though they might fit a little snug since you are larger than he is." I ended up joining them for dinner which was pretty nice. Though dinners at my house were also good, it was mainly Spanish food and other mixes depending on our mood.

Here it was a mix of Italian and homestyle food which was really good. "Oh we are originally from the midwest so our tastes are probably different than what you are used too." Her grandmother who I was introduced to as Nana June commented as she served me a plate of food. 

"I haven't tried a lot of midwestern food but if it tastes as good as it smells then I am excited to try it." Afterwords they all sat and just relaxed for a bit before calling it a night.

"Ok dear let me show you where you are staying." I followed her mom up the stairs and as we passed by the large windows on the second floor. Something caught my eye. I slowed my pace and when I looked over at the next window I saw that woman again.

Celestes family home was huge. It was a designed as a classic Italian villa so the landscape was vast and bountiful. Her family had a small vineyard plus a large open field and a large pool. It was not easy to get in. Just the drive up to get to her front door was a few miles. But for the second time I saw her.

There was a couple of gates and checkpoints before making it to the door. There was also a small house just a bit off of the property where some of the staff stayed such as the kitchen cooks and other various staff.

Despite the distance you could see things very clearly from the house. The last time at the last gate before the driveway I saw her but again there she was. Again with that distinct European clothes. The other staff here wore specialized clothes custom made by Celestes family to prevent people who did not work here from coming and hiding among the faces.

Her clothes were not the uniforms but she could be family of the staff. When she seemed to meet my gaze she scurried off hiding yet again. 

"Mrs. D'Angelo I have a question?" We had walked to what I assumed was my room and the remaining staff left after doing their last task for the night. "Sure whats up?" I paused and tried to figure out a way to ask but not raise any red flags yet. Her background checked out from at least the photos but still nothing noted her as having any ties to Celestes family.

"I saw your staff has a place of stay nearby. Do any families live there? I was curious since the staff that runs my parents house are mainly older people whereas yours are a mix of different ages." She smiled as she grabbed the small stack of pajamas for me to use.

"From my understanding most of the staff who live onsite are just a single person or are a family but by blood. So think cousins or siblings. I think we do have some who have children who also work for us but they are all older now."

"It sounds about right that your family has an older crowd. They are less trusting of bringing in new people. I suppose in a way so are we since many are either friends or recommended from one another but so far it has been pretty good. No issues."

She clapped her hands as she showed me the room. The layout was exactly the same as Celestes but a bit smaller and less like a girls room. It was neutrally decorated, exactly how one would think of a guest room.

It was only a few doors down from Celestes. I felt tempted to go for a late night visit but again I could not push my luck. Also her family trusts me enough to let me stay, so the least I could do is build a good rapport.

After she showed me the bathroom and where I can find the things I need she wished me goodnight and left.

I grabbed the clothes and tried them on and sure enough they were an odd fit. It was a bit big at the waist but then short in length at the legs. Celeste's father was by no means a small man. He was tall as well but I just happened to have longer legs.

The shirt fit ok, my shoulders felt a bit tight but it was loose elsewhere so it wasn't going to be too bad in terms of sleep.

Just as I finished getting cleaned up and dressed Celeste texted me.

'How did it go with my family? Did you guys get along?'