Chapter 33 “Excuse Me”

• “I don’t think I can do that, Cook. It’s changing my whole personality in a way. I’m not sure that living here and being with Alex calls for that. He’s not rude to the staff.”
• “Oh no, he’s never rude. But, he is most definitely the boss. There’s no guesswork there at all and no room for a staff member to take advantage of him. As nice as you are Miss Victoria, that’s what I worry about. I’d hate to think anyone would take advantage of your kindness.”
• I was touched by his concern, but this was one of those things I’d been worried about myself. I can’t ever imagine acting like I was “above” anyone. I came from the same place they did and my current position was pure luck at this point, I felt tenuous at best. “Thank you for your concern. I know that I need to be more aware of people who might want to take advantage. But I’d like to believe I can do that without losing touch with who I am. Besides, I happen to know that on a class-to-class basis, you way outdo me anyways.”