Page 183 of Love Unwritten

Nico holds his hand up for Ellie to smack. “Duh! You’re awesome.”

Her cheeks flush as she high-fives him. “Thank you.”

“So is he going to keep it?”

“Yeah.”

“And what about the song I helped you with?”

Ellie smiles. “I’m glad you asked because it turns out Cole wants me to help him with a bunch of songs.”

Nico’s eyes go big. “Really?”

“Yup. And he told me you could be listed on the credits.”

“No way!”

“Congratulations. You may be the youngest songwriter in history.”

Nico grins. “If you need more help, I’ll only charge you a gazillion dollars.”

Ellie and I both laugh at that.

“Well, I don’t know if I could afford you, but if you want to help me, you can.”

“Wow.”

“Pretty awesome, right?”

“Obviously! Congrats!” He holds out his fist this time, and Ellie bumps hers against it.

“Thanks.” She glances over at me, and I nod.

Might as well get it over with.

“So, if I want to work with Cole, I have to go with him to Europe.”

My son smiles. “That’s so cool! You’ve gotta go.”

How can Ellie look so happy yet so sad at the same time? I wish I could erase the expression on her face, but there is nothing either of us can do.

Her hand tightens around mine. “If I work for Cole, I can’t be your nanny anymore.”

“But can’t you come back when you’re done?”

“I don’t think so…” She bites down on her lip until it turns red.

“How long will you be gone?” Nico asks.

“Five weeks.”

“That’s not too long. Right, Papi? Ellie can come back here after!” His smile dies when he looks over at me.

“No, mijo. She can’t work for me anymore.”

“But why?” His voice cracks.

“Ellie should keep writing music for other people because she’s really good at it.”

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