I finished the last bite of my cheesecake and stood up. Minne joined me, and we walked into the kitchen together. I rinsed my plate and set it in the sink while she carefully prepared a slice for Eleanor, placing it neatly on a small plate.
"Thanks, Minne," I said as I picked it up.
"No problem, Master," she replied. "I hope she likes it."
"I'm sure she will," I said with a small smile.
She nodded, clearly pleased.
I picked up the plate with the cheesecake and headed toward the door. Before leaving, I paused by the hallway mirror and gave myself a quick look. Jeans, a plain T-shirt, nothing out of place. Casual enough not to make things weird.
"I'm out," I said, slipping my shoes on. "I'll be back in ten."
A chorus of lazy goodbyes followed me as I opened the door and stepped out of the penthouse. Instead of waiting for the elevator, I took the stairs. I needed the movement, and the quiet helped clear my head.
