rare, nearly nonexistent… Somehow the descendant, the present day Augere, had connected, or perhaps reconnected, with the Genier family, who had served his ancestors as far back as the 1850s, at least. The lineage couldn’t be traced exactly, not through succeeding Augeres for some reason, but the sense of loyalty still seemed intact: the present day Augere could have sought out the Genier family, and maybe traveled all the way to New Orleans to resume a business tie with them. But then—Augere had a slight southern accent too. So maybe he hadn’t gone that far to seek them after all. He hoped to be able to trace the lineage of the Augere’s as well as he had been able to find details about so many generations of Geniers. He found it interesting the two families had maintained business interests for so many decades; more than a century, actually. It was a rather unique situation.
At times his feelings about his new role changed with his mood. It seemed like he really wasn’t needed here. He made a lot of money for doing nothing. There had to be a catch somewhere. Other days, he laughed at those fears and at his insecurities. Of course this feels weird—you have never had freedom like this before. You’ve only known enslavement of one kind or another. Enjoy what you have in front of you. Don’t question all of it so much .
At the next Thursday morning meeting, Augere brought up the subject stating it was okay “to obtain the services of the cable if you must.”
Jason thanked him. “Do you want the library wired also? Or, I guess I should say, do you mind if I do so?”
Augere seemed ambivalent, but he reluctantly agreed to it.
That was the only business of the day and Jason was dismissed. But he lingered.
“I was wondering, Mr. Augere—about that two hours off on Sundays? I did find an Armenian church in the neighborhood. I won’t be able to understand a thing that is going on; it appears the service is to be fully conducted in Armenian. But I don’t really care so I guess it doesn’t matter. Do you think that would be okay, if I attend? To get those two hours off?”
Augere would not make eye contact, but he appeared to be struggling to suppress a laugh. After a moment he managed to softly utter “Genier” as he shook his head. Then with a serious, newly composed expression he looked up and said quietly, “I need to give this matter some more thought.”
Jason was enjoying this—it was totally worth it—just to see the hint of humor and amusement in the violet blue eyes.
Jason nodded with an expression of exaggerated solemnity and made a small bow, “Very well, sir.” And then he left the library.
Chapter 5
June
Sloth. Jason felt like he was becoming the very definition of the word. He was sleeping and eating too much. He needed focus; activity; he needed a project of some kind.
June, and much warmer weather, finally arrived. After surveying the patio—which Augere called the courtyard—at great length one day, and seeing all of its possibilities, Jason got the okay from Augere to do some landscaping. Actually, that meant he got to pick out some things and have them installed as long as Augere had final approval.
They now had several lounge chairs; a table with an umbrella and several more chairs; a small shed discreetly hidden behind several newly placed ornamental trees; several large container gardens for both flowers and vegetables; a small fountain, which added the soothing sounds of water running over smooth stones to the peaceful oasis, and next to that a small pond, landscaped with lots of greenery, where several fish now took up residence.
And they had a free standing fire pit for cooler evenings. Jason began to spend long afternoons and a few late evenings out there, enjoying a beverage and reading by tiki torches or candlelight. The late summer nights with their delicate soft breezes enticed Jason out more and more frequently, but Augere never joined him, much to Jason’s
At times his feelings about his new role changed with his mood. It seemed like he really wasn’t needed here. He made a lot of money for doing nothing. There had to be a catch somewhere. Other days, he laughed at those fears and at his insecurities. Of course this feels weird—you have never had freedom like this before. You’ve only known enslavement of one kind or another. Enjoy what you have in front of you. Don’t question all of it so much .
At the next Thursday morning meeting, Augere brought up the subject stating it was okay “to obtain the services of the cable if you must.”
Jason thanked him. “Do you want the library wired also? Or, I guess I should say, do you mind if I do so?”
Augere seemed ambivalent, but he reluctantly agreed to it.
That was the only business of the day and Jason was dismissed. But he lingered.
“I was wondering, Mr. Augere—about that two hours off on Sundays? I did find an Armenian church in the neighborhood. I won’t be able to understand a thing that is going on; it appears the service is to be fully conducted in Armenian. But I don’t really care so I guess it doesn’t matter. Do you think that would be okay, if I attend? To get those two hours off?”
Augere would not make eye contact, but he appeared to be struggling to suppress a laugh. After a moment he managed to softly utter “Genier” as he shook his head. Then with a serious, newly composed expression he looked up and said quietly, “I need to give this matter some more thought.”
Jason was enjoying this—it was totally worth it—just to see the hint of humor and amusement in the violet blue eyes.
Jason nodded with an expression of exaggerated solemnity and made a small bow, “Very well, sir.” And then he left the library.
Chapter 5
June
Sloth. Jason felt like he was becoming the very definition of the word. He was sleeping and eating too much. He needed focus; activity; he needed a project of some kind.
June, and much warmer weather, finally arrived. After surveying the patio—which Augere called the courtyard—at great length one day, and seeing all of its possibilities, Jason got the okay from Augere to do some landscaping. Actually, that meant he got to pick out some things and have them installed as long as Augere had final approval.
They now had several lounge chairs; a table with an umbrella and several more chairs; a small shed discreetly hidden behind several newly placed ornamental trees; several large container gardens for both flowers and vegetables; a small fountain, which added the soothing sounds of water running over smooth stones to the peaceful oasis, and next to that a small pond, landscaped with lots of greenery, where several fish now took up residence.
And they had a free standing fire pit for cooler evenings. Jason began to spend long afternoons and a few late evenings out there, enjoying a beverage and reading by tiki torches or candlelight. The late summer nights with their delicate soft breezes enticed Jason out more and more frequently, but Augere never joined him, much to Jason’s
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