Chapter 1: Getting a Maid
Danny’s Perspective

I don’t think I’d ever seen Tom so happy.

‘We’re getting a maid?' Tom squealed, his eyes wide with excitement. I watched from the living room couch as he pranced up to our manager, Fletch, and nearly tackle him. Tom usually did all the ‘chores’ around the house, so the news was like a sign from heaven to him.

'A housekeeper, not a maid. I’ve hired her to help you boys around the house, not to serve you.' Fletch responded, his voice strong and precise.

Oh. Serious business.

'She’s a very respectable woman, and I expect you’ll all treat her as such. She’ll be here for the summer only, as this is only a temporary job for her.'

'What does she do, other than being a ‘housekeeper‘?' Harry questioned from the open kitchen. He was slathering mayo on a row of hard buns, preparing lunch for everyone.

'She’s come here from the USA to be a dance teacher for a very prestigious studio in London. She’s been certified as a housekeeper, and a good one at that, so don’t fret.' Fletch reassured, although he did not go very deep into the matter. 'Now, she’ll be here tomorrow, at nine o-clock in the morning. You best all be up'

I sputtered a laugh and glanced at Dougie, who was laying on the couch, pouting.

'No promises, mate.' Dougie snorted, after which he yawned greatly.

Fletch rolled his eyes. 'You will be. I won’t be here until about ten, but I expect you’ll have already given her a tour of the house.'

Harry grunted from the kitchen as he flipped the tops of the rolls on the sandwiches. 'Does that mean we’ve got to clean up?'

Fletch nodded. Groans erupted from all four of us.

'Shut up, you lot.' Fletch laughed with a roar. 'I’ve got other things to do today, so I won’t be here to supervise. Get to work, and I’ll see you tomorrow!' He waved with one hand as he picked up his overflowing binder from the kitchen table. He left quickly, and we were left staring at each other.

'Well, you heard him, let’s get on it.' Tom said, clapping his hands. Dougie, Harry and I stared at him, our faces reading absolutely blank.

Tom got the memo. 'I’ll go get the vacuum.' he sighed.